I've been lurking this list for a couple of weeks, after a fellow traveler on an NW LAX-DEN trip suggested the site. Given the civility of the posts and the depth of the discussion and advice, it's time for me to come in from the cold.

Brief intro: after semi-retiring to Denver from New York five years ago, my travel tapered off to maybe 25K a year, mostly personal, often spread over the economy seats of the cheapest guy de jour on the route. But years of Olympia buses, PATH and cabs from WTC to EWR did afford me CO Infinite Platinum (then, Gold) in the mid-90's, in turn affording CO persisting good will and loyalty.

Now, I find myself back in the saddle again, flying for business reasons. Earlier this year, it started with some trips on NW; 100% of the time, I was upgraded 5 days out. Last week began a series of DEN/ATL, which will persist into the fall, +/- twice a month. Nowithstanding DL nonstops, and with poor CO choices, I chose NW, again, with 5d prior UG on all legs. The cost of that, of course, was the joy of a G-to-F schlep in MSP, and the extra two hours door to door.

DL tells me that they will status match. But, in point of fact, I didn't earn Plat last year, or any year since '98, for that matter. I'm leveraging an emeritus status that was certainly earned, but we all know was a fluke born of bancrupcies and corporate attonement for the sins of Lorenzo. Though the statement says platinum, the trend and forecast in EQM accumulation says silver at best.

Which brings me to my query: any thoughts on the odds of getting sufficient status out of DL to afford reasonable upgrade success on the long DEN/ATL spoke? In addition, any advice as to making my case with them, given the irregular nature of the plat status?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

I doubt many (any?) airlines would match status based solely on your infinite platinum status. They usually want to see copies of status cards and statements showing lots of current mileage earning. Furthermore, I wasn't aware that DL would match CO status now that they are partners. I know NW won't.

If you attempt this you may wish to enclose a polite letter with your request detailing the flights you have already reserved/purchased on the airline and noting your upcoming travel schedule and planned future loyalty.

Welcome to FT, xFF!!!!!!!

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Furthermore, xyzzy, I am shocked, just shocked that you would forget the most basic of all FT customs!


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xFF, (good handle, BTW) I am not really familiar with the Infinite Platinum status on CO, but let me ask you this: if CO upgrades you, why don't you just fly CO?

Or is there some other issue precluding this? (Scheduling, you hate IAH, etc?)




:-:

First of all, thanks for the welcome.

To answer your question, it's mainly schedule. We lose 2 h to EDT from DEN, and to be in Atlanta bright & early, means previous PM to not be wrecked in the AM. CO has nothing later than 12-ish, with 5h elapsed. NW is 2-ish, 4h+ elapsed. DL has a 6PM, under 3 elapsed. I have an old FarSide, captioned "Einstein proves that time equals money," but none of us need proof.

As far as CO (or NW for that matter) is concerned, an infinite Plat looks like any other to the computers. The biggest difference is you don't get all those cool luggage tags, C'Currency and other goodies in Feb Then again, maybe nobody does??

Ironically, I'm finding it much easier to get upgraded on NW; 100% plat EUA so far this year (and last, I think). I'm going to EWR on Thursday on CO; the plat EUA was Sat, and no joy, and it was the exit row earlier this year some route. A friendly CSR told me yesterday that F was mostly blocked for revenue (IMO, as it should be, BTW); so probably won't know until the silvers at earliest.

After checking out the earlier opinion that DL won't match CO in any case, I'm still going to try getting DL to spring for some kind of match, because out here on the spokes any level might have a decent shot.

My argument is basically this: I've got 6K in travel budget, and somebody's going to get it. And if I'm going to go coach, it'll be AirTran 'cause I'll pocket the difference. Give me a shot at upgrade, and it'll be DL.