I've been scheduling out my travel for the remainder of 2012 and as things stand now, I should finish the year with 26 segments, 4 short of Summit.

Should I do a quick, one day segment run to ensure I make Summit this year? I'm based in Denver and I'm thinking of doing a COS-DEN-MCI-DEN-COS run one Sunday for $215. Is it worth it?

I honestly don't know. I've never had any status with any airline. I've been looking at the chart comparing Ascent and Summit and I think the early access to stretch seating and free booze sound like pretty decent perks, but I'd love to hear what you all think.

Right now, I'm leaning towards just doing it. What do you all think? Is Summit worth spending $215?

Are you sure you need 4 segments? Could you make it on miles with less than 4 segments? I would do it. Especially if you like to fly. Nice perks for all of next year!

Yeah. I will be at 26 segments but only 18,000 miles. I think I'm going to go for it. I can't really think of any reason not to.

I'm lucky that most of my trips are lengthy. I'd never make it on segments alone.

With that said, if I were in your shoes, I would totally spend $215 for Summit status. Being able to book Stretch seating (including for your traveling companions on the same record locator) at the time of booking in the lowest fare class is a huge benefit in my mind.

An even bigger benefit is the ability to get a last minute seat on a sold out flight. I needed that bene today as my return out of Chicago this Wednesday is sold out and without that Summit status yet, I was unable to book the flight online or through central reservations even though I was willing to pay the Y class fare.

Lastly, I wouldn't book your trip quite yet. I'd wait for a sale, or at the very least, one of their promo codes that typically come out early in the week. The best time to book a trip is usually about 3 weeks before departure. Who knows, your travel plans may change through the rest of the year and you may not need that many segments after all.

If you are based in DEN, summit is definitely worth it. Will you be doing any flying in December? Last year they had a double status miles/segments promo for December that I took advantage of to get from ascent to summit. No word if they'll do something similar this year, but early December you can usually find good deals as its a slow travel time between the holidays.

Thanks for all the advise. I'll definitely hold off booking now and look for some promo codes or fare sales.

I'd love to see the double status promo return in December. I wasn't able to take advantage last time.

Thanks again!

For a frequent flyer, $215 or less to get the extra benefits of Summit is definitely worth it. Small price for a year of added benefits that you'll likely appreciate and use.

I'm the opposite! Most of my trips are between Provo and somewhere in Texas, so I get 4 segments, per round trip, but I don't earn many miles. Man, it was easier when I was flying SLC - FLL a few years ago! Tons of miles and segments!

I would probably do it for $215. One other perk is that you will have no change fees. This can allow you to book tickets farther in advance than you normally might. Plus the mileage bonus, the stretch seating at time of booking...