Finally made Gold!
Oct 20, 2018, 2:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: BA Gold; Surrey CCC
Posts: 97
Finally made Gold!
Finally made Gold after a long time trying! This is the first time in my life that I've reached the top-tier of any frequent flyer programme. Thanks to all of the members on this forum for their tips on how to reach these hallowed grounds. Already I'm seeing the benefits and I look to experience many more as I fly on numerous trips to the Middle East over the next few weeks!
Oct 20, 2018, 10:39 pm
#3
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,739
And congratulations from me too, I hope you enjoy using the First Wing - as well as all the extra Avios.....
Oct 21, 2018, 12:50 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: BA, AA, SQ, UA, AC, WS, MR TIT
Posts: 8,658
Oct 21, 2018, 11:57 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: UK despite the weather
Programs: BAEC at last back to Gold, Flying Blue, Red with the Bearded One, Accor, Finnair Plus Blue
Posts: 266
Congratulations. Definitely worth it as far as I am concerned as I found that when I was GOLD I got offered more long haul upgrades from PE to CW. Enjoy the First Lounge.
Oct 21, 2018, 12:44 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,981
Oct 21, 2018, 12:51 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
The same 2 messages from me 
Yes, the First Wing at LHR is nice if you use LHR a lot. Lounge access also nice elsewhere when not flying J/F. But Avois earning, especially when augmented by the BA Amex PP card, means no shortage of those semi-worthless little thingies!
Yes, the First Wing at LHR is nice if you use LHR a lot. Lounge access also nice elsewhere when not flying J/F. But Avois earning, especially when augmented by the BA Amex PP card, means no shortage of those semi-worthless little thingies!
Oct 22, 2018, 1:29 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: BA Gold; Surrey CCC
Posts: 97
Thanks very much everyone - yes, these are uncharted waters for me, so will be interested to see how it all works. I took my first flight yesterday and there was an almighty queue at the First Wing! But I liked the exclusive and private nature of the check-in area, and a lady came with a refreshment towel. First lounge was jammed solid, so went outside instead. Other than the check-in experience, no difference to when I was Silver... no fancy welcomes on board, no upgrade to F, etc..
Early days yet but let's see!
Early days yet but let's see!
Oct 22, 2018, 2:51 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
Getting caught in the half-term rush was an unfortunate introduction to the First Wing (see DYKWIA Thread) 
Expect very little, to avoid disappointment!
Expect very little, to avoid disappointment!
Oct 22, 2018, 2:59 am
#12
Join Date: May 2016
Location: UK
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Global Entry
Posts: 363
I turned Gold for the first time in Sept this year and the two immediate benefits I noticed - increase in Avios earned is significant and reward availability is suddenly much more apparent.
Oct 22, 2018, 8:47 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 86
Finally made Gold after a long time trying! This is the first time in my life that I've reached the top-tier of any frequent flyer programme. Thanks to all of the members on this forum for their tips on how to reach these hallowed grounds. Already I'm seeing the benefits and I look to experience many more as I fly on numerous trips to the Middle East over the next few weeks!
Oct 22, 2018, 9:06 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Herts, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HH Diamond.
Posts: 3,176
First Wing is usually between 0-2 people queuing (big exception on early Monday mornings)
First Lounge food is a nice step up from business lounges
an increased %age of blocked middle seats on short haul