I paid $99 for 50k status, then another $499 for 100k status. While I am realizing more than $598 benefit from it on a trip I have planned with my family in December in Florida, I do feel like this would have, otherwise, been a bit of bait and switch. Pay an extra $499 for the carryon bag and having the benefits for companions, but then I would have gotten most of that, anyway, with the 50k status. Just my 2 cents. Wouldn't have changed anything on my end, but could see how somebody may be pissed in a similar situation to me.