Originally Posted by
oakstar
Just saw this thread while searching another issue --
I'm halfway to hitting 3MM, which gives lifetime 1K. But I've lately decided that it's not worth it to do PQM/PQD run to get an annual 1K...so here's my question:
Are there any 3MMs out there who can comment on whether that's a milestone worth reaching, vs the lifetime Platinum that came with the 2MM?
(of course that assumes the program stays the same and I won't bet any miles on that one)
I find this an interesting question and I'm sure there are as many answers as there are people out there. To begin with I will make the rash assumption that you will be flying on some airline for some purpose - Business or Pleasure, so you only actually need decide between airlines; matching them up against your needs. I have chosen to fly United mostly because they serve the cities that I frequent on a schedule that works for me. They do this more consistently than any other airline; I'll label this as convenience, which is my top priority. Next on my list of priorities is upgrade policy and availability, my company only buy's coach tickets, so I call this one comfort. My next priority becomes efficiency, how easily I can get through the airport and onto the plane, then vice versa once I land. Finely and maybe surprisingly, it's the actual product, airplane comfort, food and service level. My view on flying is simply a practical one, get me there onetime and in reasonable comfort with minimal hassle .
When I look at my ranking and priorities, while living in Boston with a lot of Asian travel, UA is my best choice so I have given them my loyalty. The benefit of loyalty has been the accumulation of miles and status over the years. At this point lifetime United Club membership, lifetime Global Services and spousal MM benefits. Make no mistake, I've paid my travel dues in full, but so we all in our own ways.
I have contemplated splitting my loyalty and did for a few years holding both 1K on UA and the equivalent on Northwest. The problem with this, for me, was I had to think about which airline to fly and I didn't see any real difference in the two airlines so I ultimately decided that putting all my eggs in the UA basket was the better strategy. In retrospect I think I made the right decision; now at 60 I will no longer have to worry about status or convenience for either myself or my wife, as we hopefully, still have may more years of travel ahead of us. Not to mention I'm still working and currently traveling 300K to 400K miles a year.