This is more for myself, than anyone else, as it helps to remind myself that there are perks for all of my travel status. Making the most of those perks can certainly have a financial value, but it goes without saying that chasing airline status is 100% not worth it, unless you have a very clear reason.
In my case, work pays for the majority of my travel with United, and I ended up with two international personal trips (which, is two more trips than I've had in the last 20 years ;-)), and a few small local trips. I currently have 1K status, and am on track for 1K status next year as well. Having that status may influence timing of our next trip to see M's family.
Here's the value I've currently earned, as a result of my 1K status. Cost value estimates are my own magic math, so take them with a grain of salt:
- Upgrade on a flight to Pasco/SFO (round trip for myself + M) - $400
- Upgrade for my sister, both ways from Portland to SFO/back - $400
- Upgrades for myself + M from Newark to Dubai, to business class (this was a double upgrade, first to Premium Plus, then to business. It's basically unheard of, but 40 people missed their flights due to weather on the east coast) - $3000
- Upgrade for myself + M to Premium Plus from Dubai to Newark - $1000
- Upgrades for the boys to economy plus from Dubai to Newark - $500
- Upgrade for me to first class from Newark to SFO - $500
- Lounge access in Paris for myself + guest, where we had breakfast + coffee - $40
- Gave a coworker an international upgrade voucher for two, and she gave me a gift card as a thank you - $200
- My airline status earns me a corresponding hotel status at Marriott. As a result of that status, we were upgraded to a better room/patio in Nice - $500
- Upgrade to business class on a return (work flight) to London in November, using plus points - $1500
- Increased miles earned - $1000 (I used a guide online to calculate this, so very much an estimate)
Very interesting and nice of you to offer the upgrades to coworkers since you have no travel plans for the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you make get to go see your in-laws this next year!!!! That is fabulous!!! Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteWe used to have and track all of those things. But Hubby quit flying after we moved to NY. I quit about 5 years ago. So no need anymore.
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