This has been hashed out in Marriott, Hilton and hotel threads before.

If a person can only make a certain status level based on CC spend and not by BIS or butt in bed, how often would they actually be using the earned benefits? Would said person automatically start flying more on routes that there is a ton of competition on already? I’m sure in aggregate it would add some additional load and competition for upgrades, but I doubt having 1MM or even 2MM status would make that person start flying more. I guess it could steer more passengers towards United if they are flying a lot elsewhere, but in that case why weren’t they earning on their preferred airline?

Until 18 months ago i was located between Denver and Omaha and my travel was all regional out of one of those two locations. I just started buying my international tickets and upgrading with miles instead of using miles for the flight so I’m behind the curve on even 1MM status. I’d love some way to spend my way a bit higher even if it was just this year since I won’t be on any TPAC flights in the immediate future.

just my thoughts.