Originally Posted by sydneyracquelle

The waivers and favors I get as a DM from switching flights for free to priority during IROPS and 4 GUC upgrades makes it a great investment. Every year I pay $250,000 to IRS in late December (after my statement date cycles) and immediately file a tax return for a full refund. The cost is $4,675 (at 1.87%) but I get 375,000 SM from my Reserve card for this purchase (Reserve card pays me 1.5 SM/$ after spending $150,000). I also get 60,000 MQMs for this for free. No unnecessary mileage runs for me. I borrow the $250,000 for about 1-2 months on my HELOC until my tax refund arrives. Using PWM I get $3,750 of flights for free so my net cost each year is $925 plus 1-2 months interest. An exec SC membership that I get for free as a DM costs about the same. For me this is a bargain especially with the now $20,000 MQD requirement.