I'm Platinum. There were a couple of FT threads about L fares on the AA board back around the time I bought this ticket. Super-restricted instant-purchase fares with NO changes or upgrades allowed. Most of the threads, however, were positive: AA did in fact allow upgrades to be used and their tech support would put L fares on hold to allow people to drive to the airport/CTO to apply vouchers to the tickets.

I wish I still had the fare rules printouts, but I don't have them. I hope to see a good L fare to Europe soon: they usually pop up about now for Feb/March travel.

#1: Upgrades
#2: Elite check-in (though when I look at the lines like MCO sometimes has, this moves to #1)

[This message has been edited by Alysia (edited 01-14-2003).]

1)Elite qualifying on AA for my BA flights to Cape Town (LHR-CPT)
2)Int'l Upgrades
3)Double Miles

Also, while it's not a perk but something I pay for, if AA did away with Admiral's Clubs, I would seriously consider leaving.

1) Elite upgrades (99.5% on AS)
2) Waivers and favors (no change fees!)
3) Elite Phone Line = < 1 minute hold
4) Elite seat reservations in Y
5) 100% mileage bonus
6) Early boarding

I just love Alaska Airlines!!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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-Steve

Well as predominantely a member of European programmes, which do not offer upgrade certs, it has got to be lounge access even when I'm not flying KLM and regardless of class flown. Wonderful perk, has saved my sanity on many an occasion. It's trying to preserve this perk that will slant my travel towards KLM this year!

The way I understood hnechets's remark was that elite checkin lines made it much easier to get to the gate (not the destination) with plenty of time to spare. (Though if you're standing in the checkin line when the plane is boarding, one could argue that there might be an advantage in getting to your destination too!)

Even if the perk has been downgraded lately - used to be 24 h booking gurantee - i.e. if more than 24 h before departure you would get a seat on any C fare or 48 h for any published fare - is now 48 h for C and 72 h for Y fares. Still it is for me te most important perk that I receive as a SEN on LH M&M. Even on the day before christmas eve getting a cheap fare on a flight that was overbooked by more than 50 PAX - that is where I find loyalty pays of. Might not me ethical to other passengers who get bumped - but sometime from my personal and or business needs - it serves a purpose.
Especially when comparing my experience needing to go on short notice from SFO to SE Asia on UA some years back on several occasions - even having a 1K card...

Cheers
Thomas

1. Elite check-in. Hate those lines.
2. Lounge access, an absolute must.
3. 24-hour reservation guarantee: it's saved me on a few occasions.
4. Generally better service all round.

Honestly, CO could take away OnePass altogether, and I still wouldn't leave, since I chose the airline based on the skeds and fares offered, with the FFP being gravy on the top.

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Thank you for choosing Continental Airlines, a proud member of the SkyTeam Alliance.

One way upgrades on any fare on intercontinental flights. (KLM)

All the rest is of minor importance to me.

elite check in
double miles for Plat
early boarding

- Lounge access in Europe, although sometimes you have to fight for it.
- Double miles for Platinum

IMO, this is the least valuable perk. With the exception of UA, every major airline has e-checkin at almost every airport, and most have web-checkin, which in most cases makes the elite line not necessary.

For me, it's a tie between:
1. Elite check-in and preboarding.
1a. Preferred seats in coach.

I also like my elite bonuses, occasional op upgrades and generally better service, of course!

1)Elite check-in
2)Better seats in Economy
3)Double miles