Also, the discounts only fly into MDW instead of ORD... not good for connecting to international destinations. When weather hits ORD/MDW (common), you have more options to get out of dodge from ORD.

I fly SEA-ORD very often.... and because of MVPG status, I often get upgraded to first. Not that there's much service up front anymore, but at least I don't have to play elbow hockey for 4 hours. Or, at a minimum I get to pre-book an exit row seat.

Finally, you need to consider the bonus miles you get with MVPG status. With double miles on all AS and partner flights, I get free tickets twice as fast. I've recently redeemed AS miles for 3 international BA flights in First.... and planning 2 more on CX to South Africa. You can't do that with the discount airline's FF programs.

I've heard some say that's not a big deal because they don't travel internationally. Either did I much, until I had the miles to get the nearly free tickets. I supposed if I was a WN frequently flyer, I'd never get to leave the country!