These promgrams are only worth it if someone else is paying for your flights. These programs are held up largely by bussiness travelers. For 99% of consumers buying the cheapest flight is optimal.
Not necessarily if have good credit and spend a lot on credit cards you can get status. The airlines make more off of the CC deals on a margin and pure profit basis then they do for the actual flying.
I travel a lot for work but it helps for personal travel. I can fly basic economy on United and get the cheapest rates and still be able to pick my seats, check in a bag, etc
You need the emperor pass. See you got the kingsmans card that's diamond double platinum certified. But the emperor pass is triple platinum, double diamond, dipped in gold, silver trimmed, with bronze sprinkles certified. And there's about 14 people on that upgrade list.
I’m a 1 million mile flyer on United. Lifetime gold. Definitely enjoy the basic perks like free bags, assigning seats, economy plus, etc. But also unexpected perks like randomly having my entire family + a friend upgraded to business class during check in. It’s also nice not having to chase the status milestones annually.
Boarding should happen rear to front . 100%. That way you avoid the bottleneck that people with geometry difficulties create when putting stuff in the overhead bins.
Yes. the middle class and rich board first. The ultra wealty board at the last possible second. So I don't understand why the higher status people would not want to wait until the very end.
@justin blow Exactly. They have played around with boarding concepts for years and they all turn out about the same since they can't control human behavior.
One time I was in delta one so I was in the premium line. But 90% of the economy seat was occupied by military personnel 😂. So even if you’re in the highest tier line, you can still board last in some odd cases.
I think airline status matters more for business travelers or if you frequently take the same route (visit family, significant other, etc.) That way either work pays for it, so it doesn't cost you, or you're probably taking the same airline each trip. Otherwise, I think it's better to be a free agent and just go with the cheapest. You can always get a credit card that transfers points (Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi). That way you can be a free agent and still get reward seats by transferring points. Won't be as common, but you'll still be able to get business class for points.
I got a Free trip to Paris when i was living in Michigan with Northwest airlines+ new credit card application. Since i am close to LAX, i upgraded myself to vacation abroad and forgot the domestic Miles. I have Emeritus when I user to flew out of Hong Kong. Turkish airlines, Air Force service are great, so i keep flying them whenever possible, especially the A380😊 Most of the domestic flights to DC has been South west, i like free check bags😊
I have delta gold and I love it I always get upgraded first class or comfort plus. I also have sky priority which gave me lounge access on an international flight which was really nice.
Flying now sucks more than it has ever sucked. For people that are not smart enough to get this: They just take away normal perks that we all had 20 years ago and now claim that you are getting more if you pay extra for upgrades, while they are actually downgrades in truth.
But economy is getting cheaper and cheaper as well. Nonstop Dan did a video about how economy is meant for those who are bargain-hunting, so upgrades will always be paid. You say they’re taking away perks and making you pay for them, but that isn’t telling the full story. For example, international first class is declining due to cost (both for tickets and operations), so business class has been getting as good as first class once was. Similarly, premium economy is rising up and is as good as business class used to be. Who knows, maybe there will be another class (economy plus?) that ends up being as good as modern-day premium economy at some point in the future.
It also doesn’t hurt to have a buddy pass with an airline if you know an airline employee. Also, I was a platinum pro with AA during the pandemic, the only 2 cities where I wasn’t cleared for an upgrade no matter what flight I picked were MIA and PHX. All the other hubs, I have either gotten the upgrade on both flights or just one in First and one in economy. Sometimes though, I chose to wait to be upgraded to First Class because one thing I made sure of is to check availability in First with the waitlist to see if I’d be able to get it or not. One thing I know for sure though is that every time I flew into and out of LGA or DCA, my upgrade would always clear to go to another hub city depending on the time of day the flight departed as well as to and from home. Now, I do have a new business that I created so my ultimate goal is to get United Premier 1k or American Executive Platinum status by the end of the year but, we’ll see how that turns out. Always wanted to experience Global Service or Concierge Key
JetBlue has the best deal going for points and status. If you want Mosaic status and free trips, get their card. Plus they are generally one of the most comfortable airlines to fly.
The point Brett Snyder makes about how many consumers would be better off with a 2% cash back card, I've been saying this forever. The cashback card allows you to use that cash to buy any flight or hotel or rental car. A brand specific credit card locks you into only flights available with that airline, or specific hotels that might not be where you want to stay. In most, if not all, cases, it's not like you're getting more value being locked into a specific brand vs cashback per dollar spent. Meaning, it's not rewarding $3 for every $100 spent towards specific brand vs $2 cashback on a 2% card. You're at best getting 2% all the same, so why not get cash back that can be spent anywhere? Makes no sense.
I agree. I've always said the same thing too. Also, with reward "points/miles" loyalty cards, the points/miles ratios can be *devalued/reduced* by the loyalty card issuers at any time. Who's to say the points will be worth the same 1 year, 5, or even 10 years from when they started (that's IF they're still around then, or not 'merged/swallowed up by another 'big fish')? With cashback, at least cash is cash and as you said, you can use it for whatever you want.
@@pmb6667 I agree about the devaluing, but at my airport, EWR, United has a near monopoly on the place, so it is likely a domestic flight of mine will be on United, that is why I am getting the United card.
I’m gonna slightly disagree. What people should do instead is use transferable points, such as Chase or Amex. If you play the game right, you can get more than 2CPP that way. Also, it protects against devaluations. If you have the Chase United card, and United devalues, you’re SOL. But if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve instead, you can transfer to Air Canada or Singapore instead to book United flights.
Nice overview. Having been a member of several FF programs since these started up in the 1980s (and hotel frequent stay programs), flown over 5 million seat miles and holding either top or mid-tier status on three, I can certainly attest to the changes, turning the programs from airline loyalty to credit card spender. Alas, as both of you noted, the change is to the worst with the banks calling the shots. That said I do value my status benefits since “free” flights are getting costlier in miles/points as these move to dynamic pricing, reflecting actual revenue seat inventories.
I don't chase status. I get credit card reward points that can be transferred to airlines or hotels like Hyatt. There are many ways to generate 5x or more points on spend and huge credit card sign-on award point bonuses. Couple that with learning the ways to find sweet spot awards and you'll soon be flying around the world in style. No loyalty for an airline status for me.
The perks at United 1K or equivalent are pretty good. Perhaps the best perk is the 1K line where I can get a human on the phone to re-route a flight when one is canceled or delayed. 1k requires a $24,000 annual ticket spend. I would guess the vast majority who hit this status level do so via business travel, particularly international business travel. When you consider that a business class ticket from DC to Tokyo can be over $10,000, hitting a $24,000 spend can be achieved in 2-3 flights paid for by a client or employer.
Buying short-haul flights based on loyalty programmes is such an American thing. In Europe, most people flying within Europe do so on budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizzair, and easyJet, where the only considerations are the ticket price and convenience of the flight. All these frequent flyer programmes are designed to make customers buy more tickets than they otherwise would from a particular airline and be less price sensitive. I add the following in respect of lounges: In the rest of the world, any respectable carrier offering first or business class service would include lounge access, and would contract for the use of a lounge at any airport where it doesn't have a lounge of its own. Further, most airports in the rest of the world have lounges where anyone can buy access. However, legacy carriers in the US refuse lounge access to their domestic first and business class customers (unless they have elite status or a particular credit card linked to that airline), and often operate the only lounges at their respective airport terminals.
Europeans are generally poorer. It’s about supply and demand. I would never step on LCC. Among the wealthy Europeans I know. They would not be doing LCC.
A few things: 1. You say that Americans are less willing to be price sensitive in order to move up the status ladder, and that Europeans will just choose the cheapest convenient flight. However, one of the main reasons that Ryanair is fine in Europe and Spirit struggles in the US is that most “domestic” flights in Europe are only about an hour or so long, while many Americans have to fly for at least two or three (I have to fly for four to five to go visit my parents from the west coast to the Midwest, which would be like flying from Turkey to Ireland, or Portugal to Poland). So if people are going to avoid ULCCs for comfort for these longer flights, they might as well stick with a single legacy carrier to get loyalty. 2. The reason (while frustrating, is understandable) most airlines in the US don’t give lounge access to domestic-traveling elites and domestic business class travelers is due to trying to limit crowding. Those lounges are meant to be a relaxing experience before a long flight. Still frustrating though, but you have to understand where they’re coming from. 3. In the US (and starting to move abroad), many credit card companies are opening their OWN airport lounges. So if you’re traveling domestically and you hold the Amex Platinum, you can use a centurion lounge instead (and even internationally, Amex has centurion lounges in foreign airports, such as in T3 at LHR). And Chase and Capital One have been getting into this as well. So you have other options if you don’t want to commit to an airline.
I'm a business traveler...Flown South West Airlines for years... They don't have baggage fees, No assigned seats, sit where you like... to get A list status is just 35k points ,110k points gets you a companion pass and you can chose some one to fly with you for free which is good for 1 year.. Low cost carrier but with points we've traveled to Aruba, Hawaii, New York and many destinations for free.
I have Platinum Pro on American. It's worthless. I get upgraded *maybe* five times a year and never on any flight over 2 hr. Status was worth it up until about 10 years ago.
@justin blow They actually sell a lot of those premium seats these days. Across the US big 3 they adjusted pricing that it's not that much more expensive to go ahead and pay for the seat and not risk an upgrade change. They are called Y up fares. Typically and extra 200 or so (other than transcons) so I just book those fares most of the time now. Generates a lot o revenue for DL/AA/US handling it that way.
What was said around the 34:00 mark is true. We have to evaluate these perks, and sometimes, just paying for them will be better. For me, i just like cutting out the middle man for some perks(ie. Some credit cards), which means for me just going to the airlines themselves. United has a few subscriptions im interested in. I will eventually do a couple of airline credit cards, but they will be no annual fee cards. American airlines seems to have the best value, and where i live, they are a secondary hub.
With hotel and airlines points undergoing massive devaluation, I have zero interest in accumulating points or being loyal to one brand. Take Marriott for example. A stay that cost 250k points now easily costs 500k! I’m a free agent that spends based on price and perks.
@@jwil4286 Amex points are mostly worthless so I accumulate Chase if all else are equal. In fact I accumulated 480,000 UR points last month. Enough for $7k on hotel or flights.
I always just buy the cheapest flight for major carriers. Then sign in with my account for American, United, Delta to get the miles added to my account. I travel strictly for fun 20+ times a year, I rather just get the points towards a card like Amex Gold / Platinum & Chase Sapphire.
I traveled a lot when I was working and had various loyalty perks from a number of airlines. Now that I'm retired, I fly as infrequently as possible because airports, planes, and all the associated bits and pieces of air travel are a pain in the butt. I'd rather spend six to eight hours in my car than deal with flying.
It's always people without status who fly economy or low fare that tell frequent flyers/status holders that they are wasting their money and the perks are not worth it.... interesting, isn't it. Clearly, if they ever experienced the perks, they would think differently. Or maybe all the negativity comes from not being able to afford it. Simple things like queueing can make a huge difference. With BA, sometimes luggage check in economy can take 50-70 minutes of queueing, whilst in the premium line it's never longer than 5 minutes. I would rather spend those 70 minutes in the lounge than queueing at a crowded airport with children screaming into my face.
I hold frequent flier numbers on virtually all the American legacy carriers. So does my wife. These are not all they are cracked up to be. My wife and are are not loyal to any one brand. We always look at Quality, Cost, and Delivery...value. We then purchase accordingly. Additionally,worth noting that increasingly for our international trips we are not choosing the standard legacy carriers in the USA. We are flying on foreign airlines.
I'm Gold on United... I have never been upgraded to first and I believe it's because there are so many 1Ks. Getting Economy Plus is cool. Group 2 boarding is a good perk. But I won't get their credit card and I mostly spend miles on the rare long flight I want the internet. 8 dollars or 800 miles in not worth it on a flight of less than 2 hours. I never go out of my way to obtain status because I realize. However, I have stopped using United due to them downgrading the route/timeslots to a CRJ-700 on SkyWest. I'm not sure how you go from a 739 to CRJ7 considering the flights were full. I did not understand that move. CRJ seats are awful compared to E75L seats. I'm also getting sick of all the damn delays at Denver. Worth it? Not compared to the money spent. It's not my money so I have no complaints, but I never spend a dime of my own money to chase these upgrades or statuses.
Just depends on what market you're traveling out of. out of a hub Market it's tough to upgrade on middle tier status. They also just sell a lot more of those F seats in domestic markets then they use to now that fare difference is not a dramatic as it use to be.
The top 12% of airline passengers account for 75% of ticket revenue. Several of the major US airlines have sold lifetime travel passes. When airlines desperately needed cash they were able to sell a few thousand passes for a half million each. Great deal for both sides if the customer knows they are going to spend that much over time anyway and the airline is able to quickly raise the funds to make debt payments and negotiate financing to stay in business.
No, that's an exaggeration. DL is the leader in the space among US carriers and recently publically reported about 38% of their revenue came from premium passengers. The general industry standard is that about 40% of revenue comes from 15 to 20% of passengers.
Most people fly twice a year or less given their budget constraint; probably 1 international and 1 domestic(or like US-Canada-Mexico) sort of thing. lol. Most people with airline status are either through a credit card program or business flying due to their jobs. As corporates do away with personal credit + reimbursement, now leaning toward internal travel policy, I bet these flying program will eventually go away.
I don't worry about it anymore since I don't travel nearly as much as use to due to change in profession ( and i don't miss all the travel). But have life Plat on AA. Now when i do travel I just pay for the premium cabin so status isn't really that relevant.
Status ist worthless. Ich buche nur noch nach Flugzeit und Preis. Buche zum doppelten Preis immer zwei Sitze damit der Nebensitz frei bleibt. Loungezugang hab ich mit der Kreditkarte.
I think you picked the wrong guy to ask question to this cranky traveler. He must not travel a lot to not care what he flies. Why get on the plane early? Hullo?!? To find space for your bags. And I don’t think he redeems much either. Then again maybe that is why he is called the Cranky Traveler because he comes across cranky.
Miles that you earn are a complete joke, I used to fly to Europe regularly and obviously raked up a lot of miles, yet I noticed that there were no free flights and the requirement to get any free flights or upgrade were a complete joke, now I don't even use the loyality programs anymore, they are a total joke. Oh and what they don't tell you: If you fly long distance, the airline you used last year is now very expensive, the cheapest airline is always another one, they take turns and they make sure that even when you are part of these mileage programs with several airlines (like skyteam), that the airline that is on sale will be in another mileage alliance program and then.... your miles expire. So it is pretty useless really.
I've been a loyal United customer since 1990 I've also been premier every year since 1990. I'm a million mile flyer too. Since United no longer cares about loyalty I no longer care. As of 2024 I'm now flying other airlines for the first time in 34 years. I don't fly for work so United has forgotten about non business travelers add to their bottom line. United doesn't care anymore as they keep raising the bar. No more competition has gotten us here so they no longer compete. I'm now burning miles and flying based on schedule and price
Personally I have a Sas credit card yet It has been devalued and hiked as well. There Is nothing In It for the average joe or Janet. I did have eurobonus silver when flying with United In 2018 and It did get me a better treatment than the 3rd 4th and 5th group. But after the devaluation and hike then I doubt It really Is worth It. I plan on continuing my sas mastercard premium until the next annual fee (Yes I am going down to standard) but I am not flying more from copenhagen than billund so Sas really doesnt mean anything to me...
The question to ask was did United offer to cash him out of his unlimited first class privilege? I’m sure United lost a huge chunk of money on this guy 😂
There are a few videos regarding the AAirpass, and how AA tried to rescind the AAirpass. The *Today I Found Out* have done a good video about it. I think *Wendover* Productions have done a video about it.
I'm not going to consistently spend $400 of my own money per round trip flight more just to earn points that have an arbitrary value set by the airline. Delta says that points never expire, but they may as well when Delta devalues the points faster than you can earn them. If airlines want my business, give me the best value for the money.
US Airline status is a joke. You can enter for example with a random creditcard a lounge but you can‘t with an status (domestic). Why should a customer be loyal. They should look around how the rest of the world is doing it better. It’s just so greedy and unthankfull against loyal customers.
While that lounge access part is frustrating, the reason they do it is because if they let in all domestic first class passengers and level 2 status holders (Star Gold, SkyTeam Elite+, oneworld Sapphire), they would be overcrowded. There IS a trick to this, and Qatar actually made it easier this year: get oneworld Sapphire (or Star Gold or SkyTeam Elite+) with a FOREIGN airline (I also don’t think Air Canada and Aeromexico count here) and get into lounges with status. (For context, Qatar launched a couple credit cards earlier this year. One of them gives the holder oneworld Sapphire, which means it gets you into AAdmirals Club lounges, Alaska lounges, and [maybe] AA Flagship lounges [no Flagship First dining though]).
@@jwil4286 international, I‘m always flying business, so no need for an status. I only like status for domestic, and therefore lounge access. I get it, that it gets overcrowded. But how can it be, that I can enter with an random credit card. That’s what’s making me mad (I have such a credit card too, but the system is just wrong). For example, in Europe you can mostly only enter via status, no credit cards accepted. And it’s not overcrowded. It’s just the greed of us airlines.
Nobody can become financially successful overnight. They put in background work but we tend to see the finished part. Fear is a dangerous component hindering us from taking bold steps we need in other to reach our goals. you have to contend with inflation, recession, decisions from the Feds and all. I was able to increase my portfolio by $280k in months. You have to seek for help in the right places.
I think it's not always about fear, Sometimes realistic factors discourage people from reaching their goals in life. For instance, I've tried investing in the stock market several times but always got discouraged by fluctuations of stock value
As an investor, you should be aware that even with the best strategy and resources, some investors would still outperform others. In my case, I needed to consult a market analyst for advice in order to grow my account to almost $1 million, withdraw my profits just before the correction, and start buying again.
It would be a very innovative suggestion to look out for Financial Advisors like *“JAMES GIFF GIFFOR ”* who can help shape up your portfolio. Trying times are ahead, and good personal financial management will be very important to weather the storm
Several of the biggest market experts have been voicing their opinions on exactly how awful they think the next downturn would be, and how far equities may have to go, as recession draws closer and inflation continues well above the Fed's 2% objective. I'm trying to build a portfolio of at least $850k by the time I'm 60, therefore I need suggestions on what investments to make.
There are many other interesting stocks in many industries that you might follow. You don't have to act on every forecast, so I'll suggest that you work with a financial advisor who can help you choose the best times to purchase and sell the shares or ETFs you want to acquire.
Yes i agree with you with the need to hire a financial advisor to help you diversify your portfolio by including Mutual Funds, Etf's, the 11 GICS groups, inflation-indexed bonds, and stocks of companies with reliable cash flows rather than growth stocks, where prices were based on future prospective earnings. Following these principles and insights from my CFP, from 2020 to date I have made around $900,000.
He's a great man, "Jackson Sten Marsh" is he's name. I initially came across him on a CNBC report then on smart advisors and at once searched him on the internet, best decision I've made to stay afloat these crazy times. he has been exemplary.
How about we as consumers demand more from airlines. Preferred location seating, bag fees, no meals, seat width and pitch reductions, etc… we’re NOT the norm just 20 years ago. WTF have we as consumers accept that air travel is a has become a nightmare? The airlines are for profit companies but they use federal and state resources and have been bailed out by taxpayers how many times?
Why have status in the first place. I think the airline that accommodates all customers making the flying experience enjoyable for all will be the airline of the future. Why cant the regular folk have decent room or any accommodation at all. After all your a paying customer and when you have this class system and benifits to certain people the most paying customer 2/3 of the plane is regular people canned in. So the first airline that starts to look at the larger portion of the airplane and giving more innovative ideas to make flying better will be the future. I dont see how they see this now its because of the credit system they have. To much money being made now that the customer the main customer isnt even thought of.
These promgrams are only worth it if someone else is paying for your flights. These programs are held up largely by bussiness travelers. For 99% of consumers buying the cheapest flight is optimal.
With businesses cutting back on travel expense, it’ll be interesting to see how airlines adapt.
Not necessarily if have good credit and spend a lot on credit cards you can get status. The airlines make more off of the CC deals on a margin and pure profit basis then they do for the actual flying.
@@johniii8147 people used to do that more when airline/hotel points were worth something.
@@Omikoshi78 They actually do it more than ever. These programs have only grown by leaps and bounds to the point they are the real profit centers.
I travel a lot for work but it helps for personal travel. I can fly basic economy on United and get the cheapest rates and still be able to pick my seats, check in a bag, etc
Was on a United A319 the other day and just shook my head when 56 elites were on the upgrade list 🤦🏻♂️
You need the emperor pass. See you got the kingsmans card that's diamond double platinum certified. But the emperor pass is triple platinum, double diamond, dipped in gold, silver trimmed, with bronze sprinkles certified. And there's about 14 people on that upgrade list.
@@orianna1220 looked this pass up but couldn’t find it. Maybe it’s only for Europe or something. Very crazy!
😮
Nothing unusual or new.
Why so surprised? It's been like that for years.
People need to realize that this whole loyalty program thing is about the company doing everything possible to NOT give you perks.
I’m a 1 million mile flyer on United. Lifetime gold. Definitely enjoy the basic perks like free bags, assigning seats, economy plus, etc. But also unexpected perks like randomly having my entire family + a friend upgraded to business class during check in. It’s also nice not having to chase the status milestones annually.
How did you manage to do that? Did you travel a lot for work?
@@Rawafication fly
@@Rawafication You should have no problem accruing miles to visit Cristobal. Oh wait…
@@kazj1728 lol that's the LAST thing you should joke about with this guy
@@eljoshguerra Oh Wow. Well it’s not like Noho Hank will respond now, he’s with Cristobal 🪦.
Google travel flights is one of the best economy flight planners. I don't understand why people spend so much more money to fly on the same plane.
Because idiot fall for the ads. Hell this video sorta can be free ads.
United is a garbage airline and prefer other country airline
cuz they dont have flexablility
You mean same airline?
for the same reason why some people buy a nice car and others a crap one from the same dealership
Boarding should happen rear to front . 100%.
That way you avoid the bottleneck that people with geometry difficulties create when putting stuff in the overhead bins.
Yes. the middle class and rich board first. The ultra wealty board at the last possible second. So I don't understand why the higher status people would not want to wait until the very end.
I have considered maybe they should only have 3 groups.
Window
Middle
Aisle
and thats how people should board
@justin blow Exactly. They have played around with boarding concepts for years and they all turn out about the same since they can't control human behavior.
Very nice of you to assume I won't board right as the gates close haha.
@@navid617
True.
It will never work in ‘Murica
Loved this, please do more deep dives like this!
One time I was in delta one so I was in the premium line. But 90% of the economy seat was occupied by military personnel 😂. So even if you’re in the highest tier line, you can still board last in some odd cases.
We need to invest more in high speed rail
I’d rather have hotel status than airline status
Good for you. Some people find having a bus pass more useful than a hotel or airline pass. Everyone is different.
I think airline status matters more for business travelers or if you frequently take the same route (visit family, significant other, etc.) That way either work pays for it, so it doesn't cost you, or you're probably taking the same airline each trip.
Otherwise, I think it's better to be a free agent and just go with the cheapest. You can always get a credit card that transfers points (Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi). That way you can be a free agent and still get reward seats by transferring points. Won't be as common, but you'll still be able to get business class for points.
Totally agree with you
I guess most of the time it's much affordable to compare airlines fares and just get the cheapest
I got a Free trip to Paris when i was living in Michigan with Northwest airlines+ new credit card application.
Since i am close to LAX, i upgraded myself to vacation abroad and forgot the domestic Miles. I have Emeritus when I user to flew out of Hong Kong. Turkish airlines, Air Force service are great, so i keep flying them whenever possible, especially the A380😊
Most of the domestic flights to DC has been South west, i like free check bags😊
I have delta gold and I love it I always get upgraded first class or comfort plus. I also have sky priority which gave me lounge access on an international flight which was really nice.
Flying now sucks more than it has ever sucked. For people that are not smart enough to get this: They just take away normal perks that we all had 20 years ago and now claim that you are getting more if you pay extra for upgrades, while they are actually downgrades in truth.
Didn't you know that the patriot was destroyed by Russian troops in Ukraine? Your fake TV won't show it.
But economy is getting cheaper and cheaper as well. Nonstop Dan did a video about how economy is meant for those who are bargain-hunting, so upgrades will always be paid.
You say they’re taking away perks and making you pay for them, but that isn’t telling the full story. For example, international first class is declining due to cost (both for tickets and operations), so business class has been getting as good as first class once was. Similarly, premium economy is rising up and is as good as business class used to be. Who knows, maybe there will be another class (economy plus?) that ends up being as good as modern-day premium economy at some point in the future.
I got status with Spirit, I can bring a carryon for free 😂
😂😂
Love these Docs
Information I didn’t know I needed . Thank you ladies 🙏🏾
It also doesn’t hurt to have a buddy pass with an airline if you know an airline employee. Also, I was a platinum pro with AA during the pandemic, the only 2 cities where I wasn’t cleared for an upgrade no matter what flight I picked were MIA and PHX. All the other hubs, I have either gotten the upgrade on both flights or just one in First and one in economy. Sometimes though, I chose to wait to be upgraded to First Class because one thing I made sure of is to check availability in First with the waitlist to see if I’d be able to get it or not. One thing I know for sure though is that every time I flew into and out of LGA or DCA, my upgrade would always clear to go to another hub city depending on the time of day the flight departed as well as to and from home. Now, I do have a new business that I created so my ultimate goal is to get United Premier 1k or American Executive Platinum status by the end of the year but, we’ll see how that turns out. Always wanted to experience Global Service or Concierge Key
JetBlue has the best deal going for points and status. If you want Mosaic status and free trips, get their card. Plus they are generally one of the most comfortable airlines to fly.
Got the AMEX Platinum card and it gets me into a lot of airline lounges and a lot of perks so I am just happy with that
The point Brett Snyder makes about how many consumers would be better off with a 2% cash back card, I've been saying this forever. The cashback card allows you to use that cash to buy any flight or hotel or rental car. A brand specific credit card locks you into only flights available with that airline, or specific hotels that might not be where you want to stay. In most, if not all, cases, it's not like you're getting more value being locked into a specific brand vs cashback per dollar spent. Meaning, it's not rewarding $3 for every $100 spent towards specific brand vs $2 cashback on a 2% card. You're at best getting 2% all the same, so why not get cash back that can be spent anywhere? Makes no sense.
I agree. I've always said the same thing too. Also, with reward "points/miles" loyalty cards, the points/miles ratios can be *devalued/reduced* by the loyalty card issuers at any time. Who's to say the points will be worth the same 1 year, 5, or even 10 years from when they started (that's IF they're still around then, or not 'merged/swallowed up by another 'big fish')? With cashback, at least cash is cash and as you said, you can use it for whatever you want.
@@pmb6667 I agree about the devaluing, but at my airport, EWR, United has a near monopoly on the place, so it is likely a domestic flight of mine will be on United, that is why I am getting the United card.
I’m gonna slightly disagree. What people should do instead is use transferable points, such as Chase or Amex. If you play the game right, you can get more than 2CPP that way. Also, it protects against devaluations. If you have the Chase United card, and United devalues, you’re SOL. But if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve instead, you can transfer to Air Canada or Singapore instead to book United flights.
Nice overview. Having been a member of several FF programs since these started up in the 1980s (and hotel frequent stay programs), flown over 5 million seat miles and holding either top or mid-tier status on three, I can certainly attest to the changes, turning the programs from airline loyalty to credit card spender. Alas, as both of you noted, the change is to the worst with the banks calling the shots. That said I do value my status benefits since “free” flights are getting costlier in miles/points as these move to dynamic pricing, reflecting actual revenue seat inventories.
I don't chase status. I get credit card reward points that can be transferred to airlines or hotels like Hyatt. There are many ways to generate 5x or more points on spend and huge credit card sign-on award point bonuses. Couple that with learning the ways to find sweet spot awards and you'll soon be flying around the world in style. No loyalty for an airline status for me.
Great video! Do one on hotel status
No.
I'm not a "frequent flyer" but my Delta Sky miles Amex card gets me priority boarding. which is nice.
The perks at United 1K or equivalent are pretty good. Perhaps the best perk is the 1K line where I can get a human on the phone to re-route a flight when one is canceled or delayed. 1k requires a $24,000 annual ticket spend. I would guess the vast majority who hit this status level do so via business travel, particularly international business travel. When you consider that a business class ticket from DC to Tokyo can be over $10,000, hitting a $24,000 spend can be achieved in 2-3 flights paid for by a client or employer.
Buying short-haul flights based on loyalty programmes is such an American thing. In Europe, most people flying within Europe do so on budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizzair, and easyJet, where the only considerations are the ticket price and convenience of the flight. All these frequent flyer programmes are designed to make customers buy more tickets than they otherwise would from a particular airline and be less price sensitive.
I add the following in respect of lounges: In the rest of the world, any respectable carrier offering first or business class service would include lounge access, and would contract for the use of a lounge at any airport where it doesn't have a lounge of its own. Further, most airports in the rest of the world have lounges where anyone can buy access. However, legacy carriers in the US refuse lounge access to their domestic first and business class customers (unless they have elite status or a particular credit card linked to that airline), and often operate the only lounges at their respective airport terminals.
Europeans are generally poorer. It’s about supply and demand. I would never step on LCC. Among the wealthy Europeans I know. They would not be doing LCC.
A few things:
1. You say that Americans are less willing to be price sensitive in order to move up the status ladder, and that Europeans will just choose the cheapest convenient flight. However, one of the main reasons that Ryanair is fine in Europe and Spirit struggles in the US is that most “domestic” flights in Europe are only about an hour or so long, while many Americans have to fly for at least two or three (I have to fly for four to five to go visit my parents from the west coast to the Midwest, which would be like flying from Turkey to Ireland, or Portugal to Poland). So if people are going to avoid ULCCs for comfort for these longer flights, they might as well stick with a single legacy carrier to get loyalty.
2. The reason (while frustrating, is understandable) most airlines in the US don’t give lounge access to domestic-traveling elites and domestic business class travelers is due to trying to limit crowding. Those lounges are meant to be a relaxing experience before a long flight. Still frustrating though, but you have to understand where they’re coming from.
3. In the US (and starting to move abroad), many credit card companies are opening their OWN airport lounges. So if you’re traveling domestically and you hold the Amex Platinum, you can use a centurion lounge instead (and even internationally, Amex has centurion lounges in foreign airports, such as in T3 at LHR). And Chase and Capital One have been getting into this as well. So you have other options if you don’t want to commit to an airline.
I'm a business traveler...Flown South West Airlines for years... They don't have baggage fees, No assigned seats, sit where you like... to get A list status is just 35k points ,110k points gets you a companion pass and you can chose some one to fly with you for free which is good for 1 year.. Low cost carrier but with points we've traveled to Aruba, Hawaii, New York and many destinations for free.
I have Platinum Pro on American. It's worthless. I get upgraded *maybe* five times a year and never on any flight over 2 hr. Status was worth it up until about 10 years ago.
@justin blow They actually sell a lot of those premium seats these days. Across the US big 3 they adjusted pricing that it's not that much more expensive to go ahead and pay for the seat and not risk an upgrade change. They are called Y up fares. Typically and extra 200 or so (other than transcons) so I just book those fares most of the time now. Generates a lot o revenue for DL/AA/US handling it that way.
Just get me home safely...
Didn't you know that the patriot was destroyed by Russian troops in Ukraine? Your fake TV won't show it.
What was said around the 34:00 mark is true. We have to evaluate these perks, and sometimes, just paying for them will be better. For me, i just like cutting out the middle man for some perks(ie. Some credit cards), which means for me just going to the airlines themselves. United has a few subscriptions im interested in. I will eventually do a couple of airline credit cards, but they will be no annual fee cards. American airlines seems to have the best value, and where i live, they are a secondary hub.
So what is the best airline or credit card or combination of both for the rewards?
With hotel and airlines points undergoing massive devaluation, I have zero interest in accumulating points or being loyal to one brand. Take Marriott for example. A stay that cost 250k points now easily costs 500k! I’m a free agent that spends based on price and perks.
Then accumulate flexible points, such as from Chase and Amex.
@@jwil4286 Amex points are mostly worthless so I accumulate Chase if all else are equal. In fact I accumulated 480,000 UR points last month. Enough for $7k on hotel or flights.
I'm happy with my perks that my Amex Platinum card gives me (which, ironically, my airline-of-choice is United). I love Amex Platinum. Yayyyy
You can book United flights using Amex points transferred to Air Canada
I buy discount First Class tickets and use foreign carrier frequent flyer programs.
Yes
Loyalty programs are for frequent flyers and frequent flyers only, and I would also argue corporate ones at that.
i Fly in the cheap seats. But I buy the drink package with the money I save. Booze takes the sting out of a cheap seat.
Wow. I made it to 8:17 . Anybody make it further?
I always just buy the cheapest flight for major carriers. Then sign in with my account for American, United, Delta to get the miles added to my account. I travel strictly for fun 20+ times a year, I rather just get the points towards a card like Amex Gold / Platinum & Chase Sapphire.
Loyalty system should be about how much you spend on them. As a Diamond on Delta, I like revenue based system so much more.
Question: how much has chasing status improved your Microsoft Excel skills?
I traveled a lot when I was working and had various loyalty perks from a number of airlines. Now that I'm retired, I fly as infrequently as possible because airports, planes, and all the associated bits and pieces of air travel are a pain in the butt. I'd rather spend six to eight hours in my car than deal with flying.
It's always people without status who fly economy or low fare that tell frequent flyers/status holders that they are wasting their money and the perks are not worth it.... interesting, isn't it. Clearly, if they ever experienced the perks, they would think differently. Or maybe all the negativity comes from not being able to afford it. Simple things like queueing can make a huge difference. With BA, sometimes luggage check in economy can take 50-70 minutes of queueing, whilst in the premium line it's never longer than 5 minutes. I would rather spend those 70 minutes in the lounge than queueing at a crowded airport with children screaming into my face.
I hold frequent flier numbers on virtually all the American legacy carriers. So does my wife. These are not all they are cracked up to be.
My wife and are are not loyal to any one brand. We always look at Quality, Cost, and Delivery...value. We then purchase accordingly.
Additionally,worth noting that increasingly for our international trips we are not choosing the standard legacy carriers in the USA. We are flying on foreign airlines.
I think airline status is a way to hierarchy people and keep their business travelers happy.
The house always wins.....
Last guy was entertaining
I'm Gold on United... I have never been upgraded to first and I believe it's because there are so many 1Ks. Getting Economy Plus is cool. Group 2 boarding is a good perk. But I won't get their credit card and I mostly spend miles on the rare long flight I want the internet. 8 dollars or 800 miles in not worth it on a flight of less than 2 hours. I never go out of my way to obtain status because I realize. However, I have stopped using United due to them downgrading the route/timeslots to a CRJ-700 on SkyWest. I'm not sure how you go from a 739 to CRJ7 considering the flights were full. I did not understand that move. CRJ seats are awful compared to E75L seats. I'm also getting sick of all the damn delays at Denver. Worth it? Not compared to the money spent. It's not my money so I have no complaints, but I never spend a dime of my own money to chase these upgrades or statuses.
Just depends on what market you're traveling out of. out of a hub Market it's tough to upgrade on middle tier status. They also just sell a lot more of those F seats in domestic markets then they use to now that fare difference is not a dramatic as it use to be.
Emirates, help with status is appreciated but aviation love is different for Americans (osprey)
The top 12% of airline passengers account for 75% of ticket revenue.
Several of the major US airlines have sold lifetime travel passes. When airlines desperately needed cash they were able to sell a few thousand passes for a half million each. Great deal for both sides if the customer knows they are going to spend that much over time anyway and the airline is able to quickly raise the funds to make debt payments and negotiate financing to stay in business.
No, that's an exaggeration. DL is the leader in the space among US carriers and recently publically reported about 38% of their revenue came from premium passengers. The general industry standard is that about 40% of revenue comes from 15 to 20% of passengers.
It's more profitable if we're all treated like cargo.
16:17 😂😅
Most people fly twice a year or less given their budget constraint; probably 1 international and 1 domestic(or like US-Canada-Mexico) sort of thing. lol. Most people with airline status are either through a credit card program or business flying due to their jobs. As corporates do away with personal credit + reimbursement, now leaning toward internal travel policy, I bet these flying program will eventually go away.
Status is not my goal anymore it’s not worth it. Having the brand credit card gets basic perks and that’s enough for me.
I don't worry about it anymore since I don't travel nearly as much as use to due to change in profession ( and i don't miss all the travel). But have life Plat on AA. Now when i do travel I just pay for the premium cabin so status isn't really that relevant.
Didn't you know that the patriot was destroyed by Russian troops in Ukraine? Your fake TV won't show it.
You are paying more money just to get the things you used to have (checked bag etc.)
Status ist worthless. Ich buche nur noch nach Flugzeit und Preis. Buche zum doppelten Preis immer zwei Sitze damit der Nebensitz frei bleibt. Loungezugang hab ich mit der Kreditkarte.
not airline it is status of engine that decides if you can fly or not
Miles never expire, banks fail sometimes
So getting credit points are the best way to fly for free?
I think you picked the wrong guy to ask question to this cranky traveler. He must not travel a lot to not care what he flies. Why get on the plane early? Hullo?!? To find space for your bags. And I don’t think he redeems much either. Then again maybe that is why he is called the Cranky Traveler because he comes across cranky.
Miles that you earn are a complete joke, I used to fly to Europe regularly and obviously raked up a lot of miles, yet I noticed that there were no free flights and the requirement to get any free flights or upgrade were a complete joke, now I don't even use the loyality programs anymore, they are a total joke. Oh and what they don't tell you: If you fly long distance, the airline you used last year is now very expensive, the cheapest airline is always another one, they take turns and they make sure that even when you are part of these mileage programs with several airlines (like skyteam), that the airline that is on sale will be in another mileage alliance program and then.... your miles expire. So it is pretty useless really.
I love hotel status and Hyatt is the best
Hyatt Globalist is awesome, but man is it hard to get
@@jwil4286 I used a shortcut twice to reach it
I've been a loyal United customer since 1990 I've also been premier every year since 1990. I'm a million mile flyer too. Since United no longer cares about loyalty I no longer care. As of 2024 I'm now flying other airlines for the first time in 34 years. I don't fly for work so United has forgotten about non business travelers add to their bottom line. United doesn't care anymore as they keep raising the bar. No more competition has gotten us here so they no longer compete. I'm now burning miles and flying based on schedule and price
Personally I have a Sas credit card yet It has been devalued and hiked as well. There Is nothing In It for the average joe or Janet.
I did have eurobonus silver when flying with United In 2018 and It did get me a better treatment than the 3rd 4th and 5th group.
But after the devaluation and hike then I doubt It really Is worth It. I plan on continuing my sas mastercard premium until the next annual fee (Yes I am going down to standard) but I am not flying more from copenhagen than billund so Sas really doesnt mean anything to me...
Status is a scam.
Free checked bag, free economy plus?
Lol
Those are things that were part of the fare.
I don't think you know what the word scam means...
If you don't like bag fees, support Biden's Junk Fees Act.
Nice commercial
The question to ask was did United offer to cash him out of his unlimited first class privilege? I’m sure United lost a huge chunk of money on this guy 😂
I think he was American AA customer, who they kicked out of the program, after 20 years.
There are a few videos regarding the AAirpass, and how AA tried to rescind the AAirpass. The *Today I Found Out* have done a good video about it. I think *Wendover* Productions have done a video about it.
Travel J & F, but can't build status as easily. Credit cards have also helped with lounges and other items. No like it use to be.
Airlines still get the longer end of the stick
Didn't you know that the patriot was destroyed by Russian troops in Ukraine? Your fake TV won't show it.
I'm not going to consistently spend $400 of my own money per round trip flight more just to earn points that have an arbitrary value set by the airline. Delta says that points never expire, but they may as well when Delta devalues the points faster than you can earn them. If airlines want my business, give me the best value for the money.
US Airline status is a joke. You can enter for example with a random creditcard a lounge but you can‘t with an status (domestic). Why should a customer be loyal. They should look around how the rest of the world is doing it better. It’s just so greedy and unthankfull against loyal customers.
While that lounge access part is frustrating, the reason they do it is because if they let in all domestic first class passengers and level 2 status holders (Star Gold, SkyTeam Elite+, oneworld Sapphire), they would be overcrowded.
There IS a trick to this, and Qatar actually made it easier this year: get oneworld Sapphire (or Star Gold or SkyTeam Elite+) with a FOREIGN airline (I also don’t think Air Canada and Aeromexico count here) and get into lounges with status.
(For context, Qatar launched a couple credit cards earlier this year. One of them gives the holder oneworld Sapphire, which means it gets you into AAdmirals Club lounges, Alaska lounges, and [maybe] AA Flagship lounges [no Flagship First dining though]).
@@jwil4286 international, I‘m always flying business, so no need for an status.
I only like status for domestic, and therefore lounge access.
I get it, that it gets overcrowded. But how can it be, that I can enter with an random credit card. That’s what’s making me mad (I have such a credit card too, but the system is just wrong).
For example, in Europe you can mostly only enter via status, no credit cards accepted.
And it’s not overcrowded. It’s just the greed of us airlines.
Economy > Economy Plus is worth $30 at most.
I know more people who have never been in a plane then people who have flown.
Unless the government stops bailing them out, the airlines will not treat their customers with respect (IMHO)!
Not worth it if you are overpaying to retain your benefits, because of stupid people they entertain such schemes to make additional profits.
Is It Worth It if you fly every week or two
Any award travel has a cost.
Wow this guy have already collected millions miles to fly to Mars. Even he would fly in the business class to the planes😂
Absolutely not worth it anymore. Unless you travel a lot. Airlines charge extra for absolutely everything
This is rigged game.
ppl should scrutinize nature of the game before participating it....(´・ω・`)
なぜアメリカ人は広島と長崎に原爆を投下したのでしょうか?今は友達ですか？
Not woth it at all
No it’s not. It’s rubbish. The business travelers are holding these things up.
You do not actually have to fly 1 million miles to get the 1 million miler club lol.
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I think it's not always about fear, Sometimes realistic factors discourage people from reaching their goals in life. For instance, I've tried investing in the stock market several times but always got discouraged by fluctuations of stock value
As an investor, you should be aware that even with the best strategy and resources, some investors would still outperform others. In my case, I needed to consult a market analyst for advice in order to grow my account to almost $1 million, withdraw my profits just before the correction, and start buying again.
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There are many other interesting stocks in many industries that you might follow. You don't have to act on every forecast, so I'll suggest that you work with a financial advisor who can help you choose the best times to purchase and sell the shares or ETFs you want to acquire.
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He's a great man, "Jackson Sten Marsh" is he's name. I initially came across him on a CNBC report then on smart advisors and at once searched him on the internet, best decision I've made to stay afloat these crazy times. he has been exemplary.
I found his webpage and wrote him an email and i hope she responds soon. I plan to start Q2 2023 on the right foot financially.
🙄Hideous.. seriously
Just fly spirit and who cares
I do not have enough ass to sit comfortably.
@justin blow if it's under 5 hours who cares imo
@justin blow if I was flying every week I'd use spirit more lol
Someone is jealous
😐 this is the most un-relatable, privileged, shallow thirty seven minutes on CZcams.
How about we as consumers demand more from airlines. Preferred location seating, bag fees, no meals, seat width and pitch reductions, etc… we’re NOT the norm just 20 years ago. WTF have we as consumers accept that air travel is a has become a nightmare? The airlines are for profit companies but they use federal and state resources and have been bailed out by taxpayers how many times?
Why have status in the first place. I think the airline that accommodates all customers making the flying experience enjoyable for all will be the airline of the future. Why cant the regular folk have decent room or any accommodation at all. After all your a paying customer and when you have this class system and benifits to certain people the most paying customer 2/3 of the plane is regular people canned in. So the first airline that starts to look at the larger portion of the airplane and giving more innovative ideas to make flying better will be the future. I dont see how they see this now its because of the credit system they have. To much money being made now that the customer the main customer isnt even thought of.
Rubert Murdoch bought Disneyland