I am only a SE, first time this year. 20 segments so far (will make SE on segments this year, not miles ....AZO-DTW-EWR / AZO-DTW-PBI mostly). I have been upgraded 14 times at the 24 hour time frame, 3 upgrades at the gate, the other three flights AZO-SAN: exit row aisle. It is worth it! ^

Himmelhund,

Those are darn good upgrade percentages at a SE. Either you're traveling at off times are flying on Y-fares. Not bad.

Amen to that! As a UA PremExec (Gold Elite equivalent) I have been able to upgrade exactly once since I hit that status (about this time last year), out of roughly 60 flights. Since making SE last fall, I'm at about 35% for upgrades. Which isn't great, but I fly popular Mon morning/ Thurs evening type routes. And anyway, 35% is way better than my UA batting average.

With status, you earn more miles, and then have access to more award flights, so you might be able to use those miles. Can't always get the flight you want, a better chance.

Not traveling "Y" fare I can assure you, BUT I do travel at off peak times, as a professor I can plan ahead (usually at least a month) for my trips. Mid-day flights when I can, Tuesday's (Returns on Sundays). NB: not much luck on cross-country flights for upgrades, but a lot of luck on the AZO-DTW-EWR segments.

Opportunity Cost
 

As has been said, a lot of the value depends on your travel patterns and what you give up by staying on NWA vs. moving your business elsewhere. Personally, I moved most of my business to United because hoping for an upgrade to a "first" class product on NW that is pretty lame or dealing with "Coach Choice" grew old. For me, getting E+ 100% of the time UA -- with a seat pitch that is often within an inch or so of NWA "first" -- was much more attractive. I also like the lounge access that come with international travel if you are 1p or higher on UA.

Good point, I believe NW only permits Plats in WC on TATL/TPAC.

Steve B.

NW doesn't permit anyone in WBC unless you pay or get an Op-Up. My family and I, all four of us have been op-upped to WBC in the past. Only I was plat the rest were gold.

As you can see, I misread your post. Only Elite plus (NW PLAT) have access to lounge on international itineraries.

Everyone's experience seems to be different. This is mine.

I don't see any real difference between gold and silver, but from my airport I had no trouble getting domestic upgrades and great customer service as a silver. I get the same things as a gold.

I'm afraid as far as spending your extra miles go, I'm no longer a believer. But there are other threads where people will cheerfully assure you that if you're willing to invest an incredible amount of time and creativity, then you can spend your World Perk miles.

In my experience and in my opinion, for the average person, if you perceive a benefit from status -- for instance, you frequently fly domestically so that you are actually eligible for upgrades -- then both Silver and Gold Elite status have been extremely worthwhile for obtaining first class upgrades and putting me at or near the front of long lines. But if your real interest in the program is spending your miles and getting free trips and international upgrades, bless your heart and don't get your hopes up. Getting international upgrades with your miles apparently requires an Act of Congress, and spending your miles on a coach ticket is only somewhat less exhausting. An oversimplified explanation of the program? Yes, it is, but I think most people who are gaining status with one long trip are looking for a simple answer. If they like the airline or the program, they can figure out all the fine points later.

What a mess, to get comped into the WC. Someone once did a post with all of the options... Elite status, Skyteam status, country of origin, what flight flying etc. The ones I'm familiar with are WBC any status, and Plat international any class of service.

Steve B.

I'm going to bump this back up since I am now elite after my Guam trip (and flying all over the place)... You talk about heavy elite routes. Is LAS a heavy elite airport, or would you say no since most of the people are tourists and families just flying in and out?

I've had trouble getting EUA'ed as a Silver, but it doesn't appear to be an Elite issue... it appears to be people paying for F, using milage to upgrade, or upgrading after purchase. Maybe a lot of people are winning big at the tables, pre-departure. But I've spent a too much time on LAS-DTW red-eyes in Y... :(

Steve B.

What is an Op-Up?