Originally Posted by pdhenry
USAIrways Signature Visa cardholders get many of the perks of Silver elite status:
- Unlimited space available upgrades
- Preferred check-in
- Preferred boarding
- Annual $99 companion tickets
- Complimentary US Airways ClubŪ pass (one-time visit)
- Discounted Club Membership (first year of a new membership)
Note that there aren't any bonus miles, so they're not fully bestowing Silver elite status.
Wow...that sounds like a good card. What is the annual fee?
Do they also provide a priority phone line and allow you to reserve elite coach seats (e.g., exit row/bulkhead)?
For me, the reason I'd want an elite status even infrequently is the insurance in the event of irregular ops. If my flight gets canceled, I know I can pick up a phone and talk to a human immediately. If problems happen at the airport, I know I can probably go somewhere and very quickly have a human address the issue. I've been stuck in a couple of big airports without elite status and your choices are: (a)stand in a long line, (b)wait on hold for a phone rep (probably while doing (a)), or (c)bag it and start calling hotels. It's a sh*tty situation and, frankly, the airlines could care less about you if you aren't elite.