Keep spreading spend, or go all-in on one?
Jan 2, 2016 | 6:17 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4
Keep spreading spend, or go all-in on one?
I made second tier status on all three legacy US carriers last year, on a total spend of ~$70k. I spread my spend to optimize around schedule -- I almost always take whatever flight is leaving first when I get to the airport. So going all-in on one airline will cost me some time, in smaller or larger increments, but not much beyond that. My travel is fairly irregular, very little to the same destinations. I am based at ORD.
Thoughts? I've never worried much about status since I typically buy full-fare refundable YUP or F, but it occurred to me that it might be fun to make Concierge Key or GS.
Thoughts? I've never worried much about status since I typically buy full-fare refundable YUP or F, but it occurred to me that it might be fun to make Concierge Key or GS.
Jan 2, 2016 | 8:20 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,857
If you typically buy F, then that gives you a good bit of what you'd get from having top tier Status. With all the devaluations recently, you're probably better off just doing what you're doing. Having top tier on any program will help with upgrades, and with miles earned/$ on flights, but not much more than that.
Jan 2, 2016 | 8:30 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 18,346
If you fly international and pay Full fare Y and Full fare J/F then you could probably qualify for GS. Domestic may not be as easy. That and loyalty isn't what it once was. You are probably better off going based off schedule and cost.
Jan 2, 2016 | 9:31 pm
#4
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT EXP; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Concierge Key (includes Executive Platinum status and Admirals Club membership) is for influencers of travel or those with very high value to American. Some have guessed over $65k of annual spend on premium fares on AA could qualify you, but AA keeps the criteria for qualifying private.
Jan 19, 2016 | 4:15 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,377
Let us know after you gain some experience as a GS how much the benefits (more frequent upgrades, better customer service, increased points multiplier, increased redemption options) justify to you the costs of book a flight on UA when a different airline with which you don't have comparable benefits flies the route slightly cheaper or with a better schedule.