Entry Level Status
In yesterday's post, the means of acquiring status through flying an airline or it's partners were discussed. Today, the rationale for doing so will be examined.Mileage
As I alluded to there are a number of perks to having status. One such perk is extra miles earned per mile flown (25%+ bonuses) as well as applied 500 mile minimums, which will get you more miles per flight to get that award ticket. A couple also make it a bit easier to redeem those miles. Here's how the big US airlines compare:
American
|
Delta
|
Southwest
|
United
|
US
|
|
Bonus
|
25%
|
25%
|
25%
|
25%
|
25%
|
500 mile min
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
More low awards
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes*
|
No
|
*Coach awards only
Pretty similar across the board, but no mile minimum with Southwest. This can really hurt those who use Southwest for short flights (for me this would be STL-MCI or STL-MDW).
Additionally, Delta and United release a few more low-level award seats to their Silver members. This can be especially helpful if you'd like to redeem some of the miles you've gained. It should be noted, that although Delta has increased availability for their silver members, it's still pretty terrible.
Baggage and boarding
With all of the fees you can accrue flying frequently, this area is a great perk of status. Free checked bags and early boarding (so you can find overhead space for your carry-on), as well as quick delivery of your bags to the baggage carousel after landing can make the whole flying experience easier. Several airlines also grant priority screening through an elite lane, getting you past TSA sooner.
American
|
Delta
|
Southwest
|
United
|
US
|
|
Priority boarding
|
Yes
|
Yes*
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Security Priority
|
Yes
|
No@
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Free Checked bag
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Baggage handling
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
@Some airports allow TSA screening through priority lane
Of note, this seems to be an area of incremental benefit for American and United over the other airlines, as the perks are a bit better. The only benefit for Southwest here is the security priority at their hubs (note that two checked bags are currently free for all flyers).
Seating
Many airlines are now charging for seats in the exit row or near the front of the plane, but this cost can be avoided with status. United and Delta also offer an economy section that has more leg room at each seat. You can also be upgraded to first class if there's space available. This is a favorite perk of most frequent flyers (caution: it's dangerously addictive)
Here's what status can do for those:
American
|
Delta
|
Southwest
|
United
|
US
|
|
Preferred seating
|
Booking
|
Booking+
|
No
|
Check-in
|
Booking
|
Upgrades
|
Vouchers
|
Unlimited
|
X
|
Unlimited
|
Unlimited
|
Companion upgrade
|
Vouchers
|
Unlimited
|
X
|
Unlimited
|
Unlimited
|
+Delta has two-tiered preferred seating, which is preferred and economy comfort. Preferred (typically exit row) seating is available at booking, and economy comfort is available after the check-in window opens.
Upgrades - It's important to note that upgrades are by no means guaranteed in these unlimited programs. Upgrades are only granted if space in the first class cabin is available AND all higher elites and similar level elites with higher fares have cleared. With all of these programs, it's probably in your best interest to ensure evaluated all other perks more heavily due to the infrequency with which upgrades will come.
American is a bit different, in that they issue 500-mile vouchers. These must be forfeited in a ratio of 1:500 miles of a flight for a first class seat. American Gold members are issued 4 vouchers for every 10,000 miles flown, and no upgrades are offered once these are used.
Assistance and intangibles
Some airlines give their low-level elites free (US) or discounted (United) same-day changes when available, which is a great perk if you get out of a meeting early and want to head home, or you're trying to snag an upgrade. More on this later.
I've also noted that Delta (and probably other airline) agents are more likely to bend rules for an elite (even low-level). For instance, I've been granted change-fee waivers and have been allowed to book otherwise illegal connections because of my status. These certainly help with making travel plans easier.
Other perks
There are numerous other perks available for low-level elites, including discounted lounge memberships (I recommend against this - many other ways to get lounge access), waived/discounted fees on awards, and special offers aimed at gaining even more miles. You'll can view these perks on the respective airlines' websites
My choice
I fly Delta. There are a number of reasons, but first is location/family. I was based in BOS and DTW for a number of years, and Delta was a best option. I also have a family member working for them in ATL who would occasionally give me buddy passes. Now that I am unbound by a hub (STL), I have my choice and continue to stay with them. All of the programs have shortcomings, but Delta has a great preferred/economy comfort seating program for elites. Additionally, the availabilty of rollover miles (to be discussed later) is a wonderful perk. Ultimately, the decision is all about what's important to you, and what perks are available for you!
Summary
The combined chart is here. Best of luck choosing your program!
American
|
Delta
|
Southwest
|
United
|
US
|
|
Bonus
|
25%
|
25%
|
25%
|
25%
|
25%
|
500 mile
min
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
More low
awards*
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Priority
boarding
|
Yes
|
Yes*
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Security
Priority
|
Yes
|
No@
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Free Checked
bag
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Baggage
handling
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Preferred
seating
|
Booking
|
Booking+
|
No
|
Check-in
|
Booking
|
Upgrades
|
Vouchers
|
Unlimited
|
X
|
Unlimited
|
Unlimited
|
Companion
upgrade
|
Vouchers
|
Unlimited
|
X
|
Unlimited
|
Unlimited
|
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Cheers!
Tim
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