Originally Posted by
AdmiralAdama
I started work a few years ago at a company that has a branch overseas.
Never really thought much about frequent flyer stuff until I happened to reach United Silver and, in a crazy (?) strike of divine luck, was pushed up from economy to first class due to them overbooking on a transatlantic flight.
It was incredible. I realized how much I dreaded being in Economy!
So from then on I was hooked. Of course I never got what i stumbled into in my beginners luck, but i really liked being tortured a little less.
I hit Platinum last year and this year, to reach it again, I have to take more and longer trips than I normally would.
Which is good because I love travelling.
But then I started sitting in United's long haul new and improved slimline 10 across torture chambers.
I realized I would do ANYTHING not to sit in there again.
And I started looking at alternatives -- ways to reach my Platinum status WITHOUT the United torture capsules.
And then I started realizing, why am I spending so much time, money, and thought to fly on an airline I DESPISE
So, I think I may just settle for the downgrade to Gold, and start flying more due to pleasure than due to a mad dash to keep the status I have.
Wisdom of experience?
Dunno.
What you guys think?
A few things to consider.
If it’s not fun don’t do it.
If you are not required to fly a particular airline don’t.
No status doesn’t suck, if you don’t known any better.
I started playing this game long before FF programs. Back when being well dressed, friendly, polite, and seen frequently scored you an upgrade.
I joined the program of every airline and hotel chain I have used and with the exception of Southwest (never joined) most are inactive and or defunct.
I flew whichever airline had a better price or schedule and took advantage of the perks as offered. Bad seas, bad food, missed flights, cancelled flights, ....ty customer service, and on and on.
Prior to UA status I flew in in 1st @ 3 times over 40 years.
Then I noticed when flying one particular airline I was being treated better and getting up graded both formally and a couple of times by FAs.
Fast forward a couple of years and I receive a package from UA notifying me of my million mile status.
Now with UA status I’m UGed @75 % of the time.
So to paraphrase a friend of mine. Flying is like sex. When it stops being fun I’ll stop doing it!