Which airline elite status is hardest to attain?

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Aug 13, 15, 3:28 pm

#31

JamilD

Join Date: Feb 2015

Location: YYZ/SFO

Programs: AS MVPG, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Plat

Posts: 266

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madone59

No one has mentioned AA Concierge Key - not an easy get either - similar to UA GS.

I don't think CK is a status level -- I believe if you're a CK you're also an EXP, just with some additional benefits, but if you're a UA GS, you're a tier above a 1K.

Aug 13, 15, 4:11 pm

#32

Madone59

Moderator, Trip Reports

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: 6km East of EPAYE

Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold

Posts: 9,578

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamilD

I don't think CK is a status level -- I believe if you're a CK you're also an EXP, just with some additional benefits, but if you're a UA GS, you're a tier above a 1K.

It's definitely something. From what I have read CK's are protected above EXP's in Irops and do receive special ground service and perks. It may not be as rewarding to have like GS or others but it is invitation only.

Aug 13, 15, 4:45 pm

#33

groundops

Original Poster

Join Date: Jul 2015

Location: JNB

Programs: Asiana Club, Mileage Plan, Skywards, Flying Blue, HHonors

Posts: 131

So we have UA GS, AA Concierge and LH Hon Circle, a couple of other mentions and then Umbi Gold as the rank outsider!

Suggestions please as to how we ascertain which is truly the hardest. How do we rate this?

My only criteria for an FF program to be included is that it must be published on that airline's website as a status open to me, you as well as any Tom, Dick or Harry!

Aug 13, 15, 5:42 pm

#34

deniah

Join Date: Jul 2008

Location: K+K

Programs: *G

Posts: 4,498

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner14

Is there a spend requirement for HON? I thought it was just 600k miles in a rolling 2 year period?

Might be easier if there was spend requirement.

Miles and More is quite stingy with earnings , not just from partners but even within the LH group

Plus, most Euro routes are short. So while e.g. rank and file American consultants can make top (published) tiers easily doing the weekly LA-NY shuttle, it'll take some serious transoceanic/intercontinental hauling in premium to make LH HON

Aug 13, 15, 10:03 pm

#35

invisible

Join Date: Dec 2007

Programs: Star Alliance

Posts: 5,632

Quote:

Originally Posted by groundops

SQ's Solitaire PPS. In Par with UA's GS.

Becoming a Solitaire PPS Club Member

Solitaire PPS Club membership will be yours when you accrue a cumulative PPS Value of S$250,000 within five consecutive years of PPS Club membership.

I think it is harder because for UA's GS some spent can go towards bookings in Economy, while for SQ all spend (min $50K/year) must be in C/F.

Plus, you can have GS after spending $50K in a single year, but for SQ - you need to wait 5 years and spend $250K to get it.

P.S. SQ's spend requirements are in Singapore dollars.

Aug 14, 15, 1:10 pm

#36

pinniped

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Jul 2002

Location: MCI

Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond

Posts: 48,922

Quote:

Originally Posted by groundops

"UMBI UMBI (CicorniaAbdimi), its a very commun Angolan bird, that, in traditional belief, brings good news, aspire to fly higher and call other birds to fly with him."

I still hold Umbi Gold is hard to achieve. Flying on LH is a delight. UA is pleasant. DT is hell!

Isn't this the airline that had a 727 stolen? Just disappeared into thin air, never to be seen again. I'm pretty sure we have a thread on FT about it...or perhaps it was embedded in a thread about the MH 777...