In this type of “is it worth it” discussion, opinions are highly biased, by those on both sides who want to “justify” their decision(s). Also seems to be a fair amount of “sour grapes”* attitude on the part of those who do not or no longer covet status.

Agreed.

Good point, squeaky wheel gets the grease, always ask, worst they can do is say “no”, give then an opportunity to say “yes”.

Good point. Although one specific aspect of status, which often gets lost in the discussion and/or taken for granted**, is now probably stronger than in the past. Free checked bags. Might not be a concern (and thus taken for granted) for those who never check a bag but for some people it could be far more beneficial now that many airlines have significantly raised checked bag fees.

Personally, free checked bags saves me $xxx-$xxxx every year in bag fees for 5-7 ski trips between NYC and DEN/SLC/JAC/YVR/EGE when I always check a large suitcase (with my ski boots and helmet cushioned inside by my clothing) and a ski bag. Families might also be more appreciative of free checked bags as savings might increase arithmetically.

(* “Dictionary “sour grapes” refers to an attitude in which someone adopts a negative attitude to something because they cannot have it themselves.”)
(** “AI Overview … "Taken for granted" is an idiom that means to fail to properly appreciate or notice someone or something that should be valued.”)

Two considerations:

1. If you fly in business or first class, free checked bags are typically bundled into the fare.

2. Airline co-branded credit cards often include a free checked bag feature, reducing the need for status.

Correct, absolutely agreed. I was addressing (mainly): “frequent flyer programs today offer weaker status benefits compared to the past”. Due to increased paid costs, free checked bags (when applicable and utilized) are one way in which benefits today are more worthwhile.

2012 would have been the best time. The next best time is now.

Lifetime status? That�s a healthy relationship with a partner and maybe kids. The rest does not matter.

It�s definitely a tough call when to stop chasing status. For me, it�s always about balancing the rewards with the time and effort it takes. If you�re not getting the value you expect � whether it�s in upgrades, lounges, or perks � it might be time to reassess and focus on other ways to use your points or enjoy travel.

I have Super Flyer on ANA which gives me Star Alliance Gold for as long as I have the credit card. I keep thinking I will get my JAL JGC Three Star (which will give the One World Alliance equivalent). But I get so lazy. I'm comfortable being Marriott Platinum. I think I want to challenge the Hilton Diamond status match one year... but I find myself wanting to do Marriott double elite nights during the spring when I travel a lot. So I think I have less incentive to chase status when I am already elite at competitor.

Retire early, keep your Club access, fly non-bizzoid rush hours, scrutinize your T-80 & T-24 carefully for (usually) front row legroom availabilty (works 99 times/10 for me).

ENJOY LIFE!! There's no reverse gear.
Oh I forgot - spend your kids inheritance as you luxuriate.

Hi all, posted only a couple of times before but while traveling today, something got in my mind and there is no better group to share this.
I was at Rome Airport, but it could be any other airport (european at least).
- It is possible to buy fast track access for as little as 7 euro.
- lounges are crowded and food borderline non-eatable, whereas most airports public spaces and dining options have improved. Not to mention that you can buy entry to lounge, if you wish.
Hence, what is left to FT (even gold)? The only real advantage left is priority boarding (when there is not a bus transfer), plus the (very).occasional upgrade.
I ended up asking myself: does it make any sense airline loyalty and status chasing in 2025?

Free checked bags for all fares and booking classes. Free extra legroom or exit row or preferred economy seating.

i think part of it depends on how frequently one travels and the routes they travel. I value different things now that I travel frequently domestic U.S. (gone from home at least part of the week for 42 or more weeks a year) vs. when I flew only once or twice a month. I value greater IRROPS assistance, consistent early boarding, better (in theory) agents when I call and quicker wait times for calling or chat, and the free extra legroom seating near the front of the plane at booking. Occasional upgrades and free checked bags are all gravy for me, but I care far less about those these days. As long as I'm flying anywhere near as much as now I'll continue to push a bit extra to maintain status (losing AA Plat Pro this year has even had a notable impact and I regret not making the additional push last year).

But it really comes down to what a few people earlier said, the judgement is about whether what we're getting is worth the effort. It's such an individualized question for each person.

Airline status is just not what it use to be. Just book what you want these days. 10-15 years ago upgrades on flights were better. 8 SWU on explat that could actually be used.

now it�s work to even use the rewards. pay for what you want travel is better. If it can aligns with an airline or hotel great. Is it worth taking 2 connections vs the direct? Nope. Is it worth staying at a limited service hotel in the burbs for nights ? Nope.

It does to the extent that one will use it. I�m not traveling as much for work as in the past, so I won�t get to the top anymore.

My main airline is AA and having the ability to earn loyalty points on credit card spend and AA hotels (which often earns better than flights) allows me to target a higher status if I�m close enough. I prefer to get to AA platinum as a minimum so I can choose main cabin extra at booking - with my family all being tall it is great.

Marriott I have lifetime platinum so I won�t chase titanium unless I�m close. I think it is worth having for the breakfast amenity especially at high end properties on vacation, often saving $50 to $100+ per day. Upgrades are hit more than miss so it is a win in my book. I have experienced amazing upgrades at places like St Regis NY, St Regis Bal Harbour, and Gritti Palace Venice all from points stay at base room to suite selling for $3k to $5k per night.

Bottom line is that I�ll make the extra push if I�m within striking distance of the next level, and that all means I earn more points with business and personal travel so it is worth it. Unless my business travel increases to pre-pandemic levels I won�t have reason to get AA executive platinum again.

When I think of how little has been accomplished during my lifetime, tuning into FT and looking at my profile is a reminder all has not been a waste. That it has been achieved without sucking off a company expense account all the more meaningful.

Program status? Don't leave home without it. Purchase CLEAR.

CLEAR?