Generally better service & attitudes from people each time you move up an elite level, fewer lines to wait in it. On MSP-AMS-OSL last July, my GE status really seemed to grease the skids for us. While NW generally tries to treat all its elites well, partner airlines in particular seem to respect Golds & Plats much more than Silvers (although you will find plenty of well-founded complaints about KL/AF in here).

Mike in Mpls.

Apologist at Large