FlyerTalk Forums - Airline programs that still offer permanent status without BIS miles?

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Then that's something to consider. It took me a bit over 20 years to rack up the million BIS miles on United (then called the "Flat Butt Club").

Quote:

Originally Posted by javabytes (Post 18203566)

Between the different cards (Plat and Reserve, consumer & business) big spenders can pull in 50k MQM in a year.

Since we're going this route, there are a number of credit cards that offer MQMs for big spend. T&C indicate that you can have more than one card and earn a mileage boost from each. Of course, we're talking well over 100K in spend per year.

Quote:

Built-in Miles Boost...
Cardmembers may be permitted to have more than one Options, classic, Gold, or Platinum or Delta Reserve SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express account; however, Cardmembers are only eligible to receive one annual Eligible Spending bonus for each type (i.e., Options, classic, Gold, Platinum or Reserve) of Delta SkyMiles Credit Card account from American Express. All Delta SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide.

Medallion Qualification Miles earned in 2011 above member's earned Medallion threshold level will be rolled over to 2012 and will count toward 2012 Medallion status qualification. In addition, all Medallion Qualification Miles earned between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2011 will count towards 2012 Medallion status.

Quote:

Originally Posted by javabytes (Post 18203566)

Between the different cards (Plat and Reserve, consumer & business) big spenders can pull in 50k MQM in a year.

This is true and by being Gold every year you will get some upgrades and 100% miles bonus too(this doesn't count for MQM's). But it comes with alot of spending which many of us can't do. I've been Plat and Gold the last 5 years by bis. One of the best things is the carry over on extra MQM's over one thresh hold but not enough for the next higher level. This year I'm going to try to get some MQM's with Amex. I'm giving in. lol :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeef (Post 18204989)

The T&C you quoted state you can only earn a mileage boost from one card of each type. $50k spend on a DL Plat AmEx earns 20k MQM, $60k spend on a Reserve card earns 30k MQM, for a total of 50k MQM annually with $110k spend. I know this sum is doable. I'm not sure if they treat business cards separately (i.e. you could have 4 AmEx cards, Plat + Reserve for each individual and business, and earn 100k).

One thing not yet mentioned: Many of the benefits associated with status are also available when booking First or Business class tickets, and perhaps in some cases some of them also when booking "anytime" (not "saver") award tickets. So by getting enough miles through spend to book those classes (instead of just "saver" Coach), it lessens the need for elite status if most of your travel can be on award tickets. That's obviously not a practical solution for those who travel a lot of paid flights and want status on those, but it may be something to consider for those who only travel occasionally and yet would like elite perks.