FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Is FB Gold/Platinum Worth Giving Up Cost/Time Benefits of Being a Free Agent?
Old May 26, 2025 | 7:21 pm
  #2  
sehgalanuj
2M
60 Nights
50 Countries Visited
5 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BRE
Programs: Flying Blue Ultimate, LATAM Black, Accor/IHG Platinum, Marriott/Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,996
I think the most relevant things for you to compute are:
  • How much does a checked bag cost on a trip for the options you are planning to use, and if the €100-€200 difference with AFKL would be worth negating that. Personally, the checked bags have come in handy many times over the years since I have family spread over several continents.
  • You'll also get access to free seat selection, especially as Plat, but more options than none as Gold. This too can be useful, especially on the lower fares, so check that as well. This alone can be hundreds on top of the base fare, and is one reason I find myself not wanting to jump ship.
Both are very personal to you, so you'll have to compute the financial worth of it.

But, with 6 long-haul round trips, plus occasional European/Asian trips, those two from above could easily add up. If you can hit Platinum, there's also the PSL, which can be a big positive when you travel that much. For me, for many years, that was a big reason to push for Platinum qualification.
sehgalanuj is offline