FWIW I do value elite benefits a lot. Enough that I'm willing to considerably overspend to reach. But... Not enough to consistently upcharge to J. Not that it's even a possibility for me what with corporate travel rules.


I don't do runs to do plat, I've long since decided that the extra cost isn't worth the benefit, LTPE is one mighty carrot, but it's too long of a commitment. Incidentally, this decision used to mean that I maintain gold on my normal schedule and can also maintain a status in *A.

Unfortunately the recovery in business travel had been slow for me and I lost the SkyTeam option for my VFR commute, so the ST earnings have been disappointing.

That all said, I like to separate the "for business" travel and "for pleasure" travel. While I 100% understand being fed up with planes and hotels (shout out to our Ultimate and HON friends and colleagues, I don't know I could do it), I am not at that point. I still thoroughly enjoy the exploration that's usually only possible in private travel and have to say that MRs and error fares got me to some very interesting places.

However many hundreds of flights in, I still find myself sometimes looking out the window and freaking out. I'm sitting in a chair 10 kilometres above ground, suspended mid air by what might as well be magic.

Incidentals, petty cash, whatever you want to call it, these expenses go to a... different report

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