Originally posted by rmccamy:
I don't know if you'd consider US - especially with a pending UA merger down the line - but I've always liked their FF program. They ... give each elite (even Silvers) 2 SWU's per year.
To answer the original question (How Valuable Is Elite Status?), the 2 systemwide upgrades (SWUs) offered by USAir are worth, by my calculation, $4000-$6000. (I just checked on usairways.com. RT coach from D.C. to London is as little as $438, while Envoy Class is $6312.) Never mind the bonus points, domestic upgrades, free visit to the USAirways lounge, etc. SWUs are easy to use, have virtually no restrictions, and are in and of themselves reason enough to work toward USAir elite status. I sent in a paper ballot so I could write them in for the Freddie awards!