Does TWA comp status?
 

I just relocated from Chicago to St Louis and I have to make the decision of whether or not I should start flying TWA. I am Premier Ex on United and Platinum on American. Is there someone to contact or write requesting preferred status. I can fax my statements from the other airlines.

ChicagoHokie,

Fax your request, along with your mileage statements, to the TWA Aviators department at (816)464-7127

You should have no problem at all having your status matched by TWA.

Good luck

I was always told by Aviators that they will only comp you at their lowest "Elite" level (the first rung). So, if you are Plat on Delta you can only get "comped" as a Aviators Elite, which does not have very good benefits (NO unlimited free grades).

However, if you can talk them into giving you an actual level to level "match" then more power to you!

TWA usually has no problem comping people, and from what I heard they have a pretty good FF program.

Al

Just requested TWA for "elite match" as I'm Platinum with AA; received ELITE status within one week!!

Can anyone advise if my new "status" gives me any advantage when flying on an "award" (free) ticket?

delacpa -- all you get is priority check-in (at Trans World First ticket counters) and early boarding.

Eugene -- on a free ticket and comp ELITE status, I'll take it!! By the way, I've been told I'm sitting in the "elite section" (LAX/STL/EWR) -- is there such a thing??

The first few rows of coach are reserved for Elite 1 and Plats...this is a nice benefit on the rare instances where an upgrade doesn't clear, or when I traveling w/ someone who isn't an Elite, and we choose not to upgrade. Getting the bulkhead row (7) on the MD80s is especially nice, as there is a ton of legroom.

Early boarding and FC check-in are also nice perks to have, as is the 1000 "actual" mile minimum.

How is row 7 on the 717? I've only been on one flight in the 717, in 1st class, so I didn't have the opportunity to check out the legroom. I have to say that if you're going to fly coach on any airline, row 7 on a TWA MD-80 is about the best you can get. There's more legroom there than any row on the plane including 1st class. Also, the partition to 1st class is only a curtain so you can put your stuff underneath the 1st class seat in front of you (though you'll have a hard time reaching it because it's so far away!)

Delapca,

TWA will let you purchase an upgrade, even on an award ticket. You can also purchase that upgrade at the Elite discount price. TWA started this back in May. I think it's great, if a seat is available (which it usually is) they get some extra revenue and you get a better seat!

Happy Flying

Most airlines offer the same purchased-upgrade deal- while it is a good deal on discount fares on some flights, things were even better for Elites when upgrades on all fares were unlimited and free.