Howdy,
My take is a very new one. I've only been a frequent flyer/hotel/car person for the past 5 months. I'm very new to all this.
The first month or two - (my travel has been very consistant, averaging 1 round trip per week, 3-4 days in length, for the past 5 months).
Anyway - the first two months - I had no status. Now I'm AA PLT, HH Gold (no status with Avis - but I've rented a car from them almost every week).
The changes from month 1-2 to month 4-5 have been nice for me.
Hilton has always upgraded me to at least a suite, always comps me breakfast.
AA now tries to block seats for me, give me an open seat next to mine (last flight - was totally full, I had no ticket on it - gate agent told me to wait, I'd be the last one to board, but she would do what she could. There was only 1 empty seat on the entire plane from LGA-ORD, and it was next to me.) I've had them change tickets on me, check me in at the first class line, etc... They make note of my status (PLT) and have treated me better. Even Avis - now when I ask for an upgrade, I've gotten one every time for free.
It seems to me that being a frequent traveler gives you a bit of the 'inside' track. I've found folks a bit more willing to help me be more comfortable. Most of the time. Cynthia Vaughn a ticket agent for American Airlines in STL being a huge exception, right now I'd like to file a lawsuit against the *****, but that's another story
Does status make a difference - I think it does. I've also found that most people I deal with upon recognition of my status are more likely to assist me being comfortable than others. However, I do think that with status comes the responsiblity that we as frequent travelers should have some knowledge and understanding of the liability and limitations of those we work with. Flying home from ORD last night my flight was delayed - horribly. A woman (none FF) started berating the gate agent because she didn't notify the people waiting in the gate area sooner. The woman in my opionon was an idiot. The GA didn't know the crew would be
Pakse