I ask myself is all this struggling to get miles worth it, when at the end of it the restrictions on taking the flights are so many (in the UK anyway). Is it getting worse?

I think it's worth it. The thrill of the chase alone is enough fun

If you get to elite levels, some airlines have not capacity controls etc so it is easy to get rewards. On Air Canada, I have no blackout dates and unless the flight is oversold, they must give me my reward seats.

If you must fly, it is preferable to be elite so you get the advantages that come with it.

Absolutely concur with BB. I tend to "chase" the real Elite Qualifying miles somewhat earnestly while not having the time, patience, energy or I guess desire to follow up repeatly on the "partner" type miles/points!

Not only is it fun, you can actually fly for free if you know how to get rid of your miles a certain way!

I agree with james; the fun is in the chase. I tell people all the time I might end up with millions of miles and hotel points and never use it.... Thank god for liberal expiration policies!

If you are a UK member, you do not have to suffer the BA Exec Club. Go and enroll in AAdvantage (or UA MP if you fly BD mostly). They are open to international members outside of the US, award miles on more fares and they are worth it. FVrankly I am surprised so many people suffer BA Exec Club!

I have just booked a round-trip business class flight to New Zealand with UA. No hassles, no blackouts or restrictions - definitely worth it given the $6000 prcie for an actual full fare ticket.

GK - I think you are absolutley right, but there is one caveat. AA does not allow earning on miles on transatlantic flights on BA and vice-versa. That is a big disadvantage for AAdvantage members who live in the UK and can't always fly AA transatlantic. i.e. there is a lot less flexibility of earning than you might think superficially.

As the airlines refine their yield managemnent software, it becomes harder and harder to get the things you want...mainly upgrades. They promise the moon, but deliver less each year. Obviously, they have a right to sell the seat before they go to giving it away, and that is how it should be. One thing is becoming increasingly clear, and that is, if you aren't in the top tier you won't get much these days unless you're on full fare, in which case you probably didn't need the elite status to get upgraded anyway. Oh well, the luggage tags are pretty.

Well let's see...

*Getting elite status and a better chance at perks (better seating, upgrades, more respect from airline employees.)
*Nice shiney gold and black and other cards.
*The chance to gloat at dinner parties "Well I'm PRemEx on United, Platnium on Starwood, Gold with Hilton and Marriott" and have people stare in awe
*And the BEST reason: A FlyerTalk get together or two or three halfway around the country (or the world) requiring a BIG Mileage run.

But having these Flyertalk get togethers are a great way to be in the chase and have a fun time with the greatest travelers in real and cyberspace!

And make a few friends along the way! That's the great award of the pursuit of Miles! The pursuit of happiness with friends (That's my main mileage run goal!