For the first time in years, I will not qualify for EXP next year
Sep 19, 2018, 11:45 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Sep 19, 2018, 1:18 pm
#32
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
The best way to settle this debate and put this thread asleep would be a simple survey:
Should samwise6222 go on a premium cabin mileage run to obtain the final ~35K EQM needed for Executive Platinum?
Should samwise6222 go on a premium cabin mileage run to obtain the final ~35K EQM needed for Executive Platinum?
- Yes: There's lots of value in re-qualifying and according to the vulnerable gospel of frequent flyers this is why travelers
walkfly on this earth (no close in award ticketing fees, free award deposits, 4 rusty SWUs, bumper sticker bragging rights, being the top dog at the frequent flyer party until a CK shows up and then loudly announcing that it's not worth it anymore) - No: Variations of the "other side with __________ program is greener" and the "be different/break the bonds of loyalty, they don't need me so I don't need them, go for free agency, etc..." crowds
- Absolutely Not, Grow Up: The oracle, QueenOfCoach, is right that it's a waste of three days and cash for short-lived perceived value when time could be better spent at home reading posts and posting to FlyerTalk
- Don't really care: Unless this thread gets picked up on JonNYC's Twitter feed
Sep 19, 2018, 1:24 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
Take the $2000, the 30 hours and the significant other, check into a really great local hotel and have legal, ethical, marital but still mind-blowing sex.
Then, go to the lobby, settle into a comfy chair and do Sudoku puzzles. You can pretend it's an airport lounge.
Sep 19, 2018, 2:26 pm
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,247
I consulted my younger self and she came back with an even better alternative.
Take the $2000, the 30 hours and the significant other, check into a really great local hotel and have legal, ethical, marital but still mind-blowing sex.
Then, go to the lobby, settle into a comfy chair and do Sudoku puzzles. You can pretend it's an airport lounge.
Take the $2000, the 30 hours and the significant other, check into a really great local hotel and have legal, ethical, marital but still mind-blowing sex.
Then, go to the lobby, settle into a comfy chair and do Sudoku puzzles. You can pretend it's an airport lounge.
To the Original Post - It isnt a dollars and cents or time thing for me. My wanderlust, traveling and love for airplanes is a core part of who I am. So the chance to be on a flight that also gives me perks for the next one.. no brainer.
Sep 19, 2018, 2:54 pm
#36
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
As expected of any true FlyerTalk member, samwise6222 would select a hotel based on available upgrades/promotions and credit it to the right program that will maximize the value of his stay, all the while ensuring that the lounge had proper comfy chairs. Mrs. EnPremiere refuses to award me points when I'm at home so clearly it needs to be a proper point-earning hotel
Sep 19, 2018, 9:34 pm
#38
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K (until it expires then never again), *wood Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9,239
Sep 20, 2018, 6:11 am
#40
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Silver; AA: EX PLAT; UA: Silver; HY: DIA; HH: DIA; MR: TIT
Posts: 1,708
I agree - No effing way. The SWU are never available to be confirmed - tried an entire week in October to LHR from ORD, PHL, and JFK. NOTHING - not one. I am done. WFBF is now my mantra and I spend less in total then I did chasing status.
Sep 20, 2018, 7:15 am
#41
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Bangkok, Thailand. No longer Palm Coast, FL though still exiled, again, from the Bay Area.
Programs: Only the good ones
Posts: 5,153
So that's the meaning of NEVER? One week in October? Really? Keep your expectations in check.
Sep 20, 2018, 8:22 am
#42
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Silver; AA: EX PLAT; UA: Silver; HY: DIA; HH: DIA; MR: TIT
Posts: 1,708
It is just hard for me to fathom that so many have such low expectations of AA that they accept this. Your approach may be expect a crappy program and then you'll be OK with EXP is not for me!
Sep 20, 2018, 8:36 am
#43
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
But if it's in your blood to fly, that's not as much of a deterrent even if the benefits are somewhat of an illusion. After all,
Sep 20, 2018, 8:51 am
#45
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
True... but... some people have only limited windows of opportunity for travel. A convention-goer can only go during the week of the convention, not the week after. A school teacher can go only during school breaks.
No SWU availability in your own personal window of opportunity effectively means "never".