Originally Posted by
Antarius
Definitely. If you book premium fares regularly, a large chunk of the status benefits are moot - upgrades, baggage, lounge access etc. Also, if you book premium fares, then you can pick the best airline and best connection vs being beholden to one.
Yes, well, I'm also trying to maintain my UA Platinum status (I find it useful to have status on a secondary airline as well, for the reasons that you point out. Last week I went to New Orleans and UA was about 1/3 the price of AA -- I had to connect but it was painless). That UA status is a lot harder to get and maintain.