At what point does it become worthwhile?
 

So,

Noticing the number of "I'm XYZ miles short of XX status what routes should I fly for cheap to do this" I was actually curious about the valuation of 'status'. At what point does it make sense to do the mileage run to make status? The cut-off clearly varies for E vs SE but what is it? What's the valuation per certificate.

In my opinion the mileage run cut-off is roughly 10-15% of the required mileage to make status at E and probably 5-10% for SE (e.g., 3500-5000 miles to make E and 5000 - 10000 to make SE). This is roughly based on the fact that one simple mileage run from coast to coast for a weekend to see friends can get you to E and a longer haul trip (e.g., long-weekend in Europe) can get you to SE.

If done properly both can be done for roughly $1K maximum and aren't particular troublesome trips to make status.

Thoughts?

The valuation is different for everyone. I value my status even though I'm only a lowly E. I shudder to think about going back to basic of P status. (Been there, done that.)

I go out of my way to maintain status.

On the other hand, I know lots of people who don't give a hoot about status. I know, for example, one person who missed E by less than 1000 miles. Even though I pointed this out ahead of time (in mid-November) this person made absolutely no effort to get the extra miles on AC, but instead flew KLM TATL in Dec because it was cheap. :rolleyes:

I have to agree, I too go out of my way to keep my E as I enjoy those perks and will fly AC to obtain my status as to return to AP*P or even AP*A ......GOD what would I do, why fly, might as well take the bus or WestJet! :eek:

I believe that there is more to lose by not making E than SE (i.e. boarding, lounge etc.).

So, I would say that the value of making E using the percentages provided by FF_Traveller should be increased to 25-30% and SE to be kept as is.

If I did not make SE, at least I can console myself with the free booze.....
:)

it totally depends on the individual. if you fly a couple times a year but you have status cuz u did a few Asia runs the year before, who cares? but if you fly every week, then u might want it.

One of the big incentives (for me) to reach SE was IKK.

IKK has been "watered down" to such a point that I don't see the value in going for SE when I have E already and can get mid tier status on at least one other, maybe two, airline/alliance with my remaining flying this year

Furthermore I don't see myself doing 3MM lifetime (I have 1.2MM to date) and while I could easily make 2MM before retirement, I don't see the value in doing so... the only one I would gift lifetime E to would be my wife and she would always be traveling with me in our "golden years" so where is the incentive in reaching 2MM?

So the bottom line is that I see no overall burning value in obtaining SE or lifetime SE. When you consider that I already have lifetime E (+1MM) then my best bet is to "spread it around".

AC/AE needs to "sweeten the deal" to get more of my business.

IMHO, AC/AE needs to fix IKK and return it to the premium benefit it once was. Otherwise SE just is not worth it.