Is Airline Elite Status Worth It? (Perk Analysis)

[@loyalpatriot9747]

Would you consider making an new one of these post-covid?

[@peterticali5253]

I’m delta Platinum this year and do plan on trying my best to earn it again for next year. At this point I’m pretty much getting upgraded to Comfort + on every flight within 6hours of booking, and I get the occasional first class upgrade which is really nice.

[@rfbowdenjr]

Me as well. I am shooting for Diamond this year with the mileage rollover from last year it seems to be achievable. I think that loyalty to an airline and earning status has definite perks. The priority line for check I and boarding helps me save time. The upgrades to comfort+ and first class give me a more comfortable experience and the free checked bags save money. These are some of the main perks that I like. It also saves my company some money so they are ok, with me selecting Delta over other airlines as long as the cost of the flight isn't completely out of line with other options.

[@JuanWayTrips]

My Silver Medallion status kicked in with Delta in December. Silver doesn't give you much, but boy was it nice having a much shorter line to check my bags at LAX two days before Christmas. It was still a decent wait with Sky Priority (like 15-20 minutes), but I saw someone enter the general bag dropped and they might have gotten a third of the way though by the time I was walking over to TSA.

[@chewie94116]

If you fly enough miles to achieve a status level, which means at a minimum of 2-4 times per year, then status might be worth considering. I fly 7-8 times a year and status is the very important to me because of the reasons stated by "Ask Sebby"- super fast check in, lounges access, going through security, etc

[@cukeyra]

Sebby! Your videos have come a long way in terms of production value. The first video of your that I watched was about the Venture x card. I've been following your for about 8 months. Thank you for the information. Your videos are so help!

[@Skandar0007]

Ask Sebby

[@daveco3217]

Skandar lmao this is funny af

[@jishudas4979]

Plz help me out I don't get it

[@Skandar0007]

Jishu Das, watch his previous video, he explained it in the beginning kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ6uhYOJnpxqY8U

[@robcook7627]

Very informative video! Thanks! I live in a hub city of one of the 3 majors and have held low to medium, depending on the year, elite status for about 10 years now. I’ve been thinking about switching to a different carrier/alliance. What you mentioned towards the end of your video makes a lot of sense - being loyal to an carrier/alliance that isn’t dominant at your airport. Thanks for the great information!

[@Lisa.M.J]

When you LIKE and save a video before it finishes because Sebby is a freakin’ point genius. 🙌 Love ❤️ these videos!

[@KamilW257]

Exxxxxactly!🤣😂🤣😂🤙🏼

[@svictorov]

BS... Tried to go from IAD (Washington DC) to CDG, was kicked out, not allowed (nicely, though) from the lounge as my Skymiles Reserve was NOT on the list of qualified "guests". Seats upgrades? They did not even understand what I was asking them, (the online version is completely functional). Free luggage - yes! Completely worth $550. FYI Skymiles Gold for $99 offers the same.

[@jimmyd2]

I agree with your observation about flying out of a hub. Seems like everyone in DEN has status or the Explorer card no chance of upgrades and almost the entire plane boards at the same time! I have been a long-time AA flyer. Although they have gone downhill in service quality in recent years, I usually get an upgrade do some sort...

[@jj-eg5up]

United for me because I was seeking a deal and the getting the credit card made the first flight really inexpensive. I figured I would use the miles for vacation. One year later I am flying way more than I ever expected and I am glad I decided to be loyal to one airline. My next flight I should reach silver. I am excited to have the benefits. One year ago, I could care less.

[@DaleC1980]

Here, I will sum it up quickly. If you fly enough, you get status. If you don't then you don't get the status. This isn't a costco membership. Of course it is "worth it". Because you get it simply be flying. Not sure what the " it" is. You just sign up and fly.

[@ryankanno2562]

Great video as always, but I must say, your video image quality is hella crisp!

[@martinguajardo6771]

I used to never thought about status, but the more I travel, the more I see it as a nice to have.

[@jackhake]

I stopped flying UA to Hong Kong in Economy. 10 across on a 777 which means 17 inch wide seats is a hard pass. Last time I went to Hong Kong I flew SQ from SFO-HKG.

[@oraiuamoni3228]

I really enjoy my platinum status with delta being able to immediately upgrade to delta comfort after booking is the bomb 💣

[@stevenguevara4387]

I fly more than the average person does but nowhere near what a business road warrior would fly. Airline status has always been something I wanted but never flew enough to get. Recently I was able to get AA Gold by way of AA’s partnership with Hyatt. It’s been great to get premium economy seats at Check-In and boarding in Group 4 isn’t bad. I got this status by simply being an Explorist with Hyatt so I’ll take it. Luckily my company is flying me out to Chicago a few times over the summer so I’ll get to keep the status until early 2021. I’ll use this status to match to Delta Silver.

[@AskSebby]

Agreed. Work travel (last minute, paid by someone else) is huge for MQD, PQD, or AA's equivalent.

[@papapowertoday]

if you haven't already done this, I would love to see an update on Airline status benefits.

[@sahanak5041]

Ok I love this channel, and I love the iconic channel logo, however whenever I see it on my KZbin homepage, I always think it’s an add since it has the similar yellow square design and that always makes me not click on it. I’ve missed so many videos because I think this is a random KZbin add. Maybe others have had this problem and in that case, maybe changing your channel logo a little bit might solve the problem:)

[@AskSebby]

Turn on notifications :) Debating a logo redesign though.

[@AtaroShojiVallin]

I always aim to reach Silver Medallion status due to the rollover MQMs. These rollover MQMs are critical because if you don"t reach any sort of status on a certain year, they are all gone and it becomes harder for you to reach status again. Right now, I'm just $268 MQDs short of Gold Medallion and have 80000+ MQMs, so I at least have enough MQMs for at least Silver Medallion next year.

[@ithinkcomputers5729]

I'm a consultant at the big four and honestly status is a must have for me. It makes things that much easier when your late to your [just booked] flight because you just received that call to be xyz ASAP.

[@bobedaone]

I fly predominantly personal and not business trips, mostly shorter haul, so my annual mileage generally will qualify me for, at most, basic (silver) status with maybe a bit of overage but not enough for gold. Because I’m someone who pays cash for domestic first class, most of the benefits of elite status are included with the ticket. The perks of even basic status that weren’t addressed in this video but remain relevant for revenue premium cabin fliers include: 1. Higher mileage earning rates 2. Access to better telephone agents in case of an issue

[@kwfown]

Thanks Sebby!! I must have timed my last Q very well ☺️

[@dlhanson51]

Status doesn't mean much to us. Currently we are Delta Silver - but we are in SE Asia now and on our way home we will be Delta Gold. But since we fly Delta First Class in the USA and Delta One when we go to SE Asia - status doesn't really give us much. These fares come with bigger baggage allowances, access to Delta lounges (or contract lounges) internationally, and priority boarding. We fly Delta because we like their service and product better than the competition.

[@AskSebby]

Good food for thought about service.

[@wannabedal-adx458]

Me too (about Delta's service). I also like Delta's operational reliability. They have been the best at getting you where you need to be, on time! I generally can't afford First Class or Delta One, but their Economy product/service is great. Would love to try out Economy Comfort soon. I don't travel enough for status so I got the Delta Gold Card instead to get Silver 'lite' benefits!

[@lalew2]

how many black t-shirts does sebby have?

[@ivankool357]

@lalew2 .... a couple of dozens LoL 😂

[@jishudas4979]

lalew2 he gets one free with every sign up bonus

[@leroyjenkinsjriii5865]

Jishu Das 😂

[@AskSebby]

From the company I like, probably 6 or 7? I have a bunch from Banana Republic I'm about to toss though (looking worn out).

[@2808Heavy]

Nice video. I don’t worry about airline status because I only fly First Class domestically as it really doesn’t cost that much more than main cabin and reason being is because you’re just getting a slightly better seat. I do travel internationally for work but they pay for Comfort+ so no need to worry about it there. I fly out of a Midwest space where not too many folks have status and Southwest dominates here. On any given day I can get a non stop from here to DFW in first class for a couple hundred bucks which isn’t that much more than main cabin.

[@AngelFlores-fb4qz]

Yep paid $275 to upgrade more leg room in Cathay fro a trip from HkG to SFO

[@wannabedal-adx458]

Premium Economy (or Economy +) is my sweet spot for comfort and price!

[@joec4720]

Like some other comments can you do an update of this one and best ways to maximize mileage

[@wins22]

I matched to Silver Medallion for Delta this year and was upgraded to first class 4 times already this year. Once each way to Cancun and once each way to Dallas. Probably going to hit Silver again for next year. (for the record, I had Premier Silver for United before and never got upgraded to first, just economy+ a couple of times).

[@AskSebby]

Nice! SFO too? I was UA Platinum and liked the Economy+ for Asia flights but got lured to Delta by friends who get pretty consistent upgrades as Silver/Gold on Delta (out of SFO).

[@wins22]

@@AskSebby Chicago. I've gotten more upgrades in 6 months on Delta than 3 years with United.

[@DeborahE7]

@wins22 - Is it worth trying for status if I’m flying with my 3 children and husband? Will they upgrade 5 seats at once?

[@DattKiddFromSTLouis]

I don’t know guys... I’m kinda feeling the low light back ground with the LED screen in front. It’s a mood

[@piper998877]

Why I have status: 1. I live in South Dakota where it is cold here 8 months of the year. I'll fly some place warm at least once per month. 2. We have limited airline/airport options here, with limited flight times, and only one of the major airlines typically fits into a person's schedule. I may make it only to Gold or Platinum status, but it is worth it. 3. I'm fat, so even if I somehow don't get the opportunity to upgrade into first class for at least one of the legs, I can at least change my seat to one with more leg room. 4. If I'm upgraded, so is my luggage. There seems to be more care that it makes it to my destination with me.

[@frankcutronijr]

I would never wait an hour to check a bag. Carry-on only.

[@frankcutronijr]

I like status. With Delta most business travelers have Diamond or Platinum and fly more than the pilots. 😂

[@ardenleung4842]

I get my Star Alliance gold through Asiana. It's 40,000 miles in 2 years to qualify or 30,000 miles in 2 years to maintain status vs. 50,000 miles per year for UA. Even if you are only getting 50-75% miles on UA flights, Asiana would still be easier to qualify with. UA fliers who do this will lose upgrades and free overweight bags but gain US domestic lounge access.

[@AskSebby]

I was actually looking into this recently. Lifetime *AG at 500k miles is also on the lower end.

[@gtrain3]

I'm a business traveler, about 100,000 miles a year. So for me it's more about the convenience of having status.

[@xabierlanda8998]

I love status, I start with AA, create a challenge and I have almost two years platinum status, 2 flights to Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand in 4 months

[@WHERESSS]

I swap in my usual ANA for direct Asiana bookings to SE Asia once a twice a year just because its the easiest way to earn Star Alliance Gold. I think its 40k within a year and you get the status for 2 years, which is crazy. I value Star Alliance Gold for United flights since mostly all of my domestic trips are in economy, but I wouldn't be able to hit it on United flights. Its hard to give up the shorter check in queues, Gold Track and priority baggage claim after you get used to it.

[@SelfSM1987]

So me and my wife fly once a year normally locally but we have a lot of fixed bills that I set up on auto pay with debit card. Want to get a travel card for these bills and pay off the credit card every month for the points and have no idea what card to get. I’m in MN which is a Delta hub so I was thinking the gold but no idea as this is my first time getting into points. Anyone have ideas if I should get the Delta gold or is something else better?

[@Welner]

I just moved to Minnesota and I got the American Express delta reserve. It is 550 a year. I should of got the American Express platinum better because you get more points when you pay for stuff. The platinum is 550 a year too. Anyhow good luck

[@stuckhere14]

Busted a WSOP event As a poker player myself I have the feels for that

[@Jrob129]

oh yea... Like the time when my set Aces gets crack by runner runner straight :'(

[@COWAF_Events]

I’m addicted to status lol. Luckily I climbed up quickly with the cc and international flights. Delta loyal customer

[@AskSebby]

SkyTeam makes status pretty easy :) It helps that I like Korean Air's economy product too for MQMs.

[@Jrob129]

My International paid flights usually in OneWorld, and credit the flights to Alaska's program. I only fly enough to hit low-tier status, and find Alaska Airline MVP the best compare to the Big 3. When in U.S, my secondary airline is Delta, after Alaska Airline. I can just get the Delta Gold Amex for the Perks and use Priority Pass for lounge access

[@johnedwards2482]

Thank you, I learn so much from you

[@phych]

How do you find out what airlines are the most popular at a given airport?

[@AskSebby]

Wikipedia is usually pretty good for major airports. SEA as an example: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle%E2%80%93Tacoma_International_Airport#Airline_market_share

[@skylinec83]

As a Delta Platinum Medallion member, I am in the process of a 7-country trip going 90% by United/Star Alliance partners instead of Delta. Why? Because Delta was nearly $10k more expensive. So while status and loyalty points are nice but $$/better deals always win out.

[@AskSebby]

Yep. SFO to PPT was UA for me (Mandy still has Silver) and not Air France due to cost differences.

[@timothybracken1728]

I have a question for you Sebby. what happened to the dog? Did he drink too much whiskey? I miss the dog.

[@AskSebby]

He's in rehab.

[@kinart2543]

I like the idea of status since you've explained it.

[@justinwilliams2273]

Let's goooooooo sebby 🤙🤙🤙🤙 love this topic

[@AskSebby]

✌

[@mbelmana]

Very informative. Thank you 🙌🏾

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

I’m currently attempting platinum status for American Airlines this year but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to be worth it!!!!

[@sinofdusk3]

I know this is an old video but I hope you can answer the points vs status paradox. In order to attain status, you need to pay for fares, preferably business class otherwise it will take dozens of economy class tickets. However, spending points does not give status. Furthermore, if you fly business class to begin with, all the benefits of status are null and void as lounge access, priority boarding etc are bundled into business class. Hope you can shed light on this issue as I am currently leaning on the points game and probably will not chase status given the above problems.

[@AskSebby]

Some programs allow you to generate status via spend. Amex Delta cards have "status boost" with the DL Platinum and DL Reserve cards. Some easy ways to have high spend without being rich: 1) run a business that has high expenses (i.e., real estate) 2) anything involving buying/selling inventory (i.e., flipping, Amazon FBA, a convenience store) 3) work in marketing where you get reimbursed for running digital ads (many people here easily have $25k to $100k in "spend")

[@AskSebby]

The other main use case is consultants or sales engineers who have (had?) to fly a lot for work. Many consultants flew out Monday and back on Thursday. Every week.

[@AskSebby]

The final group are people who fly a lot (whether rich or deal seeking). For Delta, very easy to generate MQDs and MQMs for $1,000 to $1,500 J fares -- probably Diamond status with 4 of these flights. This means you get status + upgrades for your domestic flights. Lots of play here obviously. If you're deal seeking, good forum: www.flyertalk.com/forum/premium-fare-deals-740/

[@irishinusa1615]

Is it correct if you hit Gold, flights can be changed for free or min cost? Great video thank you 😊 👍😁👊

[@Ricocase]

What if you purchase through an agency/site? Are you upgraded just by showing card (but booking econ, with amexp, then use DR to ask for upgrade)?

[@DaleC1980]

Someone please explain the premise of this video. What is the "it" in "worth it" ? Worth what? The five minutes to sign up for a mileage plus account? That's free. If you fly 100+ times a year like I do, you haf beter believe it was worth the 5 minutes to setup a free loyalty account. Now if the question is, is it worth it to stay loyal to one airline in order to attain status, that makes sense. And the answer is yes.

[@ImRefuge]

I am a student, starting professional school in August for 3 more years. The only thing on my credit report is my student loans which are in deferral until i graduate. I just got the capital one journey card this month to start trying to build credit. I have 2 hard pulls on my report right now from the US Dep. of Ed and from my capital one application. Should I stick with just this one student card for building my credit over the next few years, or should I get an additional card?

[@jjthejetplane2021]

So if I book a Korean Air ticket directly on their website, will I still get the bonus Mileage accrual and the bonus MQDs and MQMs? As opposed to booking a Korean Air operated flight on directly on Delta's website?

[@getsugatenshoFTW]

Got a notification and clicked right away!

[@AskSebby]

Notification squad!!

[@p.a.7075]

Me, too!!!

[@getsugatenshoFTW]

Ay I'm back

[@danielroque6317]

Looks like the same line that I was in at sfo last week.. so it must be normal with delta

[@skylinec83]

(8:28) my worst flying experience was flying from China to the US in economy next to a *really* fat guy in the middle seat with a child kicking the seat behind me for half the flight.

[@AskSebby]

Yikes.

[@AngelFlores-fb4qz]

I mean My HUB is Mia AA and i got a card with them due to them having the most flights out and availability. But you are 100 about competing with everyone that jas status hmmm

[@AskSebby]

It's a balancing act I think. If you're not going to get status organically, that's still probably the best play.

[@lewis20002000]

I value hotel status more than airline status, but I do have the big four basic cards.

[@mranderson8725]

I flew 40+ times last year and still don’t have status. I didn’t use credit card mostly debit but I should’ve earned something at least

[@RudieObias]

Delta or United? 🤔

[@adriano6k]

At 4:06, what airport is that?

[@davidodabashyan324]

very clear "Ask" "Sebby" to avoid KZbin's Ass Debbie loll.

[@AskSebby]

Pretty much :)

[@petervfl]

Yes but only if you do fly alot and you normally don't fly first class.

[@AskSebby]

2 roundtrip international flights usually gets you the MQM/PQM/etc. needed. Credit cards have waivers with spend.

[@zerog2270]

i was hoping to see details on getting airline status

[@AskSebby]

Fly 30,000 miles and spend $3,000 (or hit status waiver of $25,000 spend on DL/UA credit card) for basic entry level status.

[@onemoretime107]

I got invited to take part of Delta 360 for the last 18 months and it's sure a step above Diamond. I don't think I've ever not been upgraded to 1st or Business class and they always hold the plane for me if my connection is late. Being picked up in a Porsche by Delta is always a plus at my connection as well. It makes a stop very enjoyable. Being Diamond out of Atlanta doesn't help you much these days because there are so many now.

[@AskSebby]

Nice! I figured ATL was Diamond/360 or bust but sounds like it's 360 or bust. Same thing with SFO with UA (GS or bust).

[@jabroni005]

I ALWAYS am the last to get on a plane no matter what status. Why be cramped up longer than I need to be.

[@yarondavid]

I always used to get United Silver/Gold but now with the spend requirement it's pointless... also chasing status defeats the point of flying using miles. no synergy

[@alexgmsd]

So wheres the part where he mentiones what card gives you status?

[@james-p]

I like hotel status, because I don't mind booking a cheaper room at a hotel and missing an upgrade. It's still a room. But I don't bother with airline status at all. There's no bloody way in hell I'll risk getting stuck in Steerage if I buy a cheap seat hoping for a bump up to the front. I'm just too tall. Actually, I'm only 6'4" but over the last 10 years or so, they shaved a few more inches off the seat pitch and I simply don't fit anymore. And I don't fly often enough anyway(s). Domestic First and International Business come with all the perks that matter, so I guess I'm a deal seeker.

[@andrewmccarthy4029]

Interesting video that reinforced that getting status isn't really a priority for me. As an aside, although I cancelled my United card recently, it did have the adverse benefit of making Basic Economy less awful. With the card, I could still purchase a basic economy fare, but: (1) was still in boarding group 2, and (2) still had the free checked bag. There may have even been a carry-on allowance, but I can't recall. Either way, with card you get the cheaper fare, and only really lose the ability to pick your seat, and maybe have to check what you'd carry on if you're a light packer.

[@PhotoDaveJax]

Status is confusing!!!

[@johniii8147]

It doesn’t have to he value it use to,

[@samsa668]

is this st regis bora bora over water villa ?

[@AskSebby]

Close!

[@samsa668]

Ask Sebby in tahiti? over staying the night so you can take next morning flight to bora bora or are you in la maridian

[@AskSebby]

@@samsa668 I think Mandy is posting stuff to IG (MandyRoams and/or AskSebby). More in a future video ;)

[@z07hz79]

What?! 10 seconds later and already the 4th! I thought I was the only one who likes before watching.😂

[@AskSebby]

🙌

[@thematthewlong]

Short answer: No; shop best price [always] especially for first/business flyers

[@AskSebby]

For F/J, there's an argument to credit miles to Alaska (usually one of the best for RDMs).

[@neoflyerx]

Great video. If anyone wants to know the benefits of the lower tier elite status levels on US airlines I’ve got a video on it!

[@jdeveraux1027]

Nice haircut :)

[@derekb4life]

I’m not stress out about it.

[@frankcutronijr]

I would never wait an hour to check a bag. Carry-on only.