Would you pay $300 to elevate your status to silver?
Dec 30, 2017, 6:30 pm
#31
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
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For now, they are probably counting on the fact that there are more people who say "I will play by the rules" than there are solipsistic people who feel that the rules were not intended to apply to them.
It's a shame that the latter class have to help make flying a PITA for the former class.
Dec 30, 2017, 6:48 pm
#32
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Delta-pm, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-PP
Posts: 271
When we get to the point that there are more irresponsible people than responsible people, then perhaps the airlines will have to be more rigorous in enforcing such rules and polices.
For now, they are probably counting on the fact that there are more people who say "I will play by the rules" than there are solipsistic people who feel that the rules were not intended to apply to them.
It's a shame that the latter class have to help make flying a PITA for the former class.
For now, they are probably counting on the fact that there are more people who say "I will play by the rules" than there are solipsistic people who feel that the rules were not intended to apply to them.
It's a shame that the latter class have to help make flying a PITA for the former class.
Dec 30, 2017, 7:42 pm
#33
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
I'm curious @OP how many MQM you have? If you're at 40k MQM and are just short on the MQD, then I agree with CPM that it is worth $300 to roll those over; in that case you're almost 2 years of silver for $300. If you have 26k MQM, or 24k and you're looking at a $300 MR, then I'd skip it personally, especially if you're flying F.
Dec 30, 2017, 9:27 pm
#34
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
These rules are not always enforced (sometimes due to politeness or laziness), but mostly because in general people are willing to follow them. If everyone acted like you suggest, then they would have to be enforcing them more often, which would make the whole process more unpleasant for everyone involved.
I'm just glad that most flyers, and indeed people in general, don't share your mindset.
Dec 30, 2017, 9:44 pm
#35
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Programs: Delta-pm, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-PP
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They are rules and just because something isn't always enforced doesn't make it a 'suggestion.'
These rules are not always enforced (sometimes due to politeness or laziness), but mostly because in general people are willing to follow them. If everyone acted like you suggest, then they would have to be enforcing them more often, which would make the whole process more unpleasant for everyone involved.
I'm just glad that most flyers, and indeed people in general, don't share your mindset.
These rules are not always enforced (sometimes due to politeness or laziness), but mostly because in general people are willing to follow them. If everyone acted like you suggest, then they would have to be enforcing them more often, which would make the whole process more unpleasant for everyone involved.
I'm just glad that most flyers, and indeed people in general, don't share your mindset.
Dec 30, 2017, 10:49 pm
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
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As far as I am concerned if we want to just go with classism as you suggest, then get rid of medallion status altogether and give perks based on ticket price or fare class. Why should a diamond medallion traveling in Y get to bored with someone paying for J? Just because a diamond flies a lot of cheap fares or by manufacturing spend they are valuable to Delta. I would say Delta thinks not with all the changes coming down the pipe (FCM, $250k waiver). I am a firm believer that if you want perks, then pay for them. Now this philosophy really thins out the herd. When it becomes about money then you will see your "rules" enforced.
In this case, because the benefits of status are high enough, I've paid extra to fly Delta in order to (1) get those benefits on that flight, and, more importantly, to earn more status for later benefits. That translates into more revenue/profit for Delta. I pay for the perks by buying a lot of tickets on Delta and otherwise providing it revenue (including via Amex).
Dec 30, 2017, 11:14 pm
#37
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Programs: Delta-pm, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-PP
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Why are they just suggestions? Because you say so?
We go with capitalism because that's the system we have. Delta makes the rules (not suggestions, try violating them in front of a hardass GA and see what that gets you) to maximize its profit.
In this case, because the benefits of status are high enough, I've paid extra to fly Delta in order to (1) get those benefits on that flight, and, more importantly, to earn more status for later benefits. That translates into more revenue/profit for Delta. I pay for the perks by buying a lot of tickets on Delta and otherwise providing it revenue (including via Amex).
We go with capitalism because that's the system we have. Delta makes the rules (not suggestions, try violating them in front of a hardass GA and see what that gets you) to maximize its profit.
In this case, because the benefits of status are high enough, I've paid extra to fly Delta in order to (1) get those benefits on that flight, and, more importantly, to earn more status for later benefits. That translates into more revenue/profit for Delta. I pay for the perks by buying a lot of tickets on Delta and otherwise providing it revenue (including via Amex).
Dec 30, 2017, 11:16 pm
#38
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP , Delta Gold Medallion, "Credit Card" status for various hotels
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Dec 31, 2017, 12:26 am
#39
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Location: MSP
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Once again, if these rules are so very important, then why are they hardly ever enforced? If delta thought the same as you then why are they cutting the legs out on all these so called perks for elites? Hard ... GA?? You make it sound like they are catholic school nuns. They going to smack me with a ruler?? Haha. What they are is normal people just trying to get the plane loaded quickly with as little fuss as possible. Heck, half of them are chatting it up with another employee and just robotically scanning phones or boarding passes. If by chance a GA decides to enforce it(which I have NEVER seen) what happens? "Sir/ma'am, we are boarding premium only now". Ok, busted, have to board with my zone and I am so embarrassed that I was called out in front of a bunch of strangers who are completely engrossed with their phones and I will never see again. The reward far outweighs the risk. So pay extra to continue flying Delta for perks, I am sure Delta appreciates it. Just remember, I will be right next to you in that sweet premium boarding line.
Dec 31, 2017, 6:50 am
#40
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Dec 31, 2017, 8:41 am
#41
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Smyrna, GA, USA
Programs: DL FO 1MM
Posts: 1,761
Now, what I have never seen is someone seemingly able bodied boarding with the pre-boards being turned back.
Dec 31, 2017, 9:21 am
#42
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,265
One time when Delta had just switched their GIDS around and being "upgraded" to C+ showed up on the "Upgrades" page for the first time, I tried to board with PREM (thinking I had been upgraded to F) and was turned back at the gate. It isn't quite never.
Now, what I have never seen is someone seemingly able bodied boarding with the pre-boards being turned back.
Now, what I have never seen is someone seemingly able bodied boarding with the pre-boards being turned back.
Dec 31, 2017, 1:10 pm
#43
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: DL Medialia Platina
Posts: 770
There's another thread around here where a poster asked if it was worth it for $1000 (skipping the details). Without some extenuating circumstance in 2018, I'd say not worth it for $1000. For $300 I'd do it in a heartbeat, and probably would go up to $500. While a lot of the benefits of Silver have either been eliminated or duplicated by having a DL Amex card, being a Silver allows me to book an exit row (important since I'm 6-3). Getting an upgrade to F is rare but it does happen (and I always appreciate it), and it gives me an additional free checked bag (beyond what Amex gives me) for those once-in-a-blue-moon times when I need it.
Dec 31, 2017, 5:29 pm
#44
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 5,181
Surprisingly, my SO has been upgraded much more frequently than expected (sometimes companion upgrades as well) as an FO and Zone 1 boarding has been beneficial as has being able to select priority seats at time of booking.