Is Airline Status Worth It???

[@steve-marsh]

Spreadsheet Hero status is better than any airline status

[@MattsPlanet]

True... Would be nice if there was some sort of award offered... Like a plaque for getting to 100,000 subscribers for example - congratulations!!!!!

[@TarrelScot]

It’s because he “excel”s at what he does!

[@paulmk5841]

Great video Matt. I would have spoken briefly about GGL though. Especially as should you get it one year it only take 3000 tier points to renew in subseqent years. Meaning on your figures (which I think were very close to reality) it would only work out double (ie 6 flights) over gold in the subsequent years. Just a thought. Also Double tier points till Dec 2024 with BA holidays. (with the usual T's & C's). One more thing to add is that the bonus Avios you get with the various tiers, does not apply if you book a BA holidays. That stays as the regular Avios amounts as before.

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Paul. It feels like around £10,000 to get to GGL in year 1 is out of most people's reach.... It's out of mine!!! And good point on the BA holidays - although I gather the holidays team can only book a 6 leg routing (3 each way) so its not that attractive to tier point runners....

[@jillianbeggs1395]

Great video and yes it’s worth it, and there is always the chance of a free upgrade, which could be worth a lot more!

[@MattsPlanet]

I agree that you do find yourself further up the invisible, unpublished, mysterious upgrade list with status.... Still unlikely in my experience!!!

[@lewisbeecham5014]

As a silver status holder I also get exit row seats for free from point of booking, not just gold. I do not get the exit rows booking long haul economy however.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Lewis... Slight whoopsie from me here. Silvers can't get the exit rows on long haul but they can on short haul.... I think the thrust of the video holds despite this error!

[@lewisbeecham5014]

@@MattsPlanet I made a booking recently for 8 people to Athens for a cruise on BA. I was able to bag 6 people an exit row for free with my status. Unlucky dip for two! What a perk that is for very little money as you pointed out well in your video. Naturally the two who didn't get the exit row tag teamed to be my lounge guest. First one at T5 South and then at T5B.

[@MH_1-9-9-6]

I agree completely with what you said at the end! I often get criticised by my work mates for how much I spend on holidays , but I don’t go out clubbing etc despite being in my mid 20’s. The 5k or so I spend a year on travel is less than some will spend on nights out , and I’ve got memories not hangovers !

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I've known people spend money on all sorts of weird stuff who are then critical of me spending mine on travel! Much smarter way to spend it if you ask me!

[@BonkersAboutAlice]

Status has changed my traveling life. All the perks and benefits mean travel is part of my enjoyable experience, not the painful bit.

[@QF_Flyer]

@@BonkersAboutAliceditto - I fell into status around a decade ago when AA mistakenly opened a promotion to everyone - I moved on to BA and ultimately QF (where I’m now lifetime, so I’m stuck with them!), but I was hooked. Seeing the mile long queue for security when you can just use the priority line on any flight is a great feeling 😂

[@Wds__99]

Memories not hangovers. Good one.

[@jamespaul4421]

My wife thought I was nuts when I first broached tp runs to get gold-now she wants me to requalify when we could quite easily drop down to silver for a year-anyway, so she can re qualify for her silver-we’ve booked two double tp holidays-plus we’d never had a free upgrade in our lives with BA-now had two in two months! That’s worth hundreds of pounds at least!

[@MattsPlanet]

Ah.... Introducing the plus one to the concept of status running.... Not heard that many stories of people being successful here so congratulations!

[@Kjgunn1111]

Thanks Matt - for me Bronze is the sweet spot - my partner and I both collect Avios and we use them on (mostly) economy flights. We try to go everywhere with just hand luggage and Bronze allows us to priority board and snag the space in the overhead lockers before the majority of economy customers.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - you don't hear that often - that Bronze is the sweet spot, but good on you for deciding that - 300 TPs is an achieveable goal every other year and it can make a trip much less stressful.... Silver brings lounges though!!!

[@stevecraven3502]

Personally I think you should both try for Silver. That will get you a seat you desire at the time of booking, even using Avios and with the deals Ba do for double Tier Points, it's not that much more expensive. Like you I only travel with hand baggage, so it is much nicer and easier for a quick exit and getaway from the crowds and the airport ASAP. Also, try an upgrade to premium economy, for me it was a big difference. The main thing I like about Silver though is the lounge access.(not necessarily BA) nothing better than a relaxing start to your holiday, whether your flying Business Class, Premium Economy or Economy, and if your flight is delayed for what ever reason you can go back to a comfortable lounge. At the end of the day though it is up to you. Enjoy either way. Steve. C. YNWA.

[@Wds__99]

Status is worthless unless it means cheap or free upgrades. All the other benefits have little value.i dont chase status. I’ll just take it as it comes. And it’s sad that all the ‘benefits’ of status were just standard free benefits 15 years ago. Bags used to be free. Seat selection was free…

[@MattsPlanet]

All good points. And upgrades are pretty rare these days too

[@adenwellsmith6908]

I used to have gold on Swiss. I made full use of the baggage allowance when I moved back to the UK. I think my record on one flight 62 kg. I did struggle on the train ...

[@MattsPlanet]

62kg is a real challenge without lots of wheels to assist you!

[@adamingleton8529]

Pays £300 for club Europe flights to bologna....still have to pay to sit together.....

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed - it is quite outrageous. But its a brilliant benefit for status holders...

[@Forgetthehorrorhere1]

I can add about £100 to each trip on top of your calculations because I drink like a fish!

[@MattsPlanet]

Good self-awareness!!! A no-brainer for you then!!!

[@courtybellaroadmodelrailwa1906]

Hi Matt, I’m 40 points off bronze BA status (renewal 07th Sept 24) we fly on 02nd Oct 24 so will get the required points but four weeks after our year ends. Do you think it’s worth contacting BA and asking if the Oct flight points can be added to my current state to take us to bronze ?

[@MattsPlanet]

It never hurts to ask! 4 weeks is a long-ish time but if you speak to them, who knows.... I'd never suggest an outright lie, but if a plan for travel in September had to be postponed because of an illness / bereavement / lost dog / lost cat / bad hair day then who knows what they'll say!

[@doc.aviator7337]

Thank you Matt for your explanations and all your videos! Very useful:)

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching!

[@wv_]

Considering I just spent £250 for someone to not sit next to my wife who is flying alone on Turkish in economy and I have Amex gold with Priority Pass I still often pay the £20 charge for lounge access. Lastly, I often book seats up front on Ryanair for £22+ more just to be less likely to sit next to people What I would pay the most for is skipping queues for checking baggage and security. I usually plan to arrive at the airport an hour before my flight

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I hope the wife is happy! Everyone's attitude is different and status can really help with the queues!

[@sidepocket28]

Hi Matt, First of all, thanks for all the work you put in making these very informative videos. Can you spare a minute and see where I stand in my tier status please. Blue status 220 points Tier collection ends 8th April Card expiry 31st May I’m flying from Glasgow - New York 3rd April - 9th April = 200 points. The outward 100 points takes me to bronze. Glasgow - vegas - 10th May - 18th May = 200 points I think I understand your explanation in this video, am I right in saying I’ll have silver status after I finish these flights for almost 2 years and can shoot for gold within this timeframe?

[@MattsPlanet]

Its all a bit complicated! Under the old date scheme, the outbound 100 will count to the old year (taking you to 320). Normally I'd say that the return 100 should go into your "new" year, as you take off on the 9th, ie after the year ends? So under the old scheme you're right - you'll hit bronze and have enough booked to renew Bronze really quickly. But your "new new" year will start on 1 April, so all 400 will go into the new year. But your balance will reset on 1 April so that won't be enough for silver, but will be a fair chunk of what you need.

[@jamespaul9929]

I sometimes wonder if I should take the hit and spend with my BA Amex abroad and effectively pay £150 in exchange fees to earn an extra 50 TP’s (BA TP Amex spend offer)-especially with the cost of business flights right now

[@MattsPlanet]

If its business expenses where someone else is reimbursing you, then I wouldn't hesitate.... If you need the 50TPs, you can get them from flying for a lot less than you'd need to run through Amex.... I just feel that 50 is nowhere near enough reward for that level of spending!

[@immikhanUK]

Hi Matt - just wanted to share that there is CRAZY availability British Airways LHR-SIN in First Class both ways May, June, July. Also for Business but who’d wanna fly Business eh? Pah! 😀 Imran

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - you beat Head for Points by a good 15 hours with this one - well done!

[@stevegonzales3612]

If you asked me 20 years ago if holding airline status is important...I would simply say "Hell No!!". No let's roll back 15 years to present and I will say I currently hold two top tier status in both Star Alliance and One World. I am currently (1K) with United Airlines and (Gold) with British Airways. The cost of maintaining status now in 2023, is ridiculous, but with that being said...the comfort and amenities with having such status is the reason I continue to keep my top tier status. Living in the U.S...(all) my flying is internationally so sleep is my priority - I NEVER eat on the flights, I simply sleep. I eat in the United Polaris Or B.A. first class lounges prior to my flights, so I can rest and acclimate to the time changes. I NEVER use my points to upgrade as I utalize the points for other things. Nor do I use these "companion" passes I get on a regular basis, since they tend to have alot of obstacles/restrictions in small print and just don't work well for me!?!? Basically...Comfort, amenities and less drama is why I keep my status.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Steve - short Eastbound flights are just not long enough to eat and sleep so that's a smart strategy - if you have the self-discipline to turn down the catering once you're on the plane!

[@stevecraven3502]

Matt. Just watching this video over again. For me it's Silver level. I'm quite happy to stick with the lounge access it affords me, to some of the better lounges with other airlines, (Qantas T3 for example) I also don't think the BA 1st lounges with the exception of the Concord lounge are much better. Also, it suites my budget for the time being. I really love the whole journey and experience, not just the destination. I really do enjoy taking flights and overnight stays in hotels. Steve. C. Silver for another year. YNWA.

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Steve... I think I would have preferred it if Man C had lost and Arsenal had won, but while there still a chance there's still hope!!! Silver is an excellent, achievable medium term goal to set... I do tend to focus on gold in videos, and I'm trying to do less of that as silver really is not much less valuable

[@RJS4287]

Do BA do "lifetime status"? - I am QF lifetime gold which I reckon is the best thing Qantas have ever done for me. Means I fly QF, MH, Cathay when without this I would be on SQ. '

[@MattsPlanet]

They do. 35,000 lifetime tier points gets you gold for life. I think its 100,000 for gold guest list for life. Both of which are quite a lot!!!

[@jamessimmonds812]

New to Silver status, and just booked some excellent value TP runs purposely at the start of my next collection year. Did so thinking i needed 600 TP a year to retain.... But not knowing about the grace period, and that TPs in your second year of silver hold effectively no value...that was good to know but hard to hear... Still lesson learned. You'd best get the bubbles in Cathay and Malaysian...Ive got some money to claw back.

[@MattsPlanet]

It's not a disaster Jamie - if you renew in year 2 that'll get you status into year 4... Not a perfect renewal strategy but not a complete disaster either.... You can then take the year off tier point gathering in year 3 rather than year 2

[@eddieffblog2006]

Matt, can you explain the sweet spot in light of the new BA memberships year changes please? I assume that grace period is only for April. Is that correct? Thanks.

[@MattsPlanet]

A video is coming.... The grace period contracting to 30 days (from 51 or so) is the big consequence - with 100% of members now looking at the same month...

[@simonysinclair7163]

Have you flown with women?. Domestic or abroad, Ive saved a fortune on extra baggage allowance due to my platinum status on Etihad 😄

[@MattsPlanet]

Not a point I'd make in that way in the 21st century, but I hear you!!!

[@bgurley412]

Thanks for this! How close are you to lifetime Gold status? How long will it have taken you to achieve that?

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm only on about 7k lifetime tier points so I doubt I'll ever get there.... I had a BA account before the concept of lifetime TPs started, then lived overseas for 14 years. Opened a new account when I got back to the UK into which 7k has gone...

[@MattsPlanet]

There's one error in this video I need to mention... Silver card holders are blocked from selecting exit-row seats on long-haul flights but they can access them on short-haul routes. So the benefits of silver would actually be higher if they picked these premium seats. That would reduce the break-even number of trips - not by much but its even better than I showed!!! Thanks to everyone who has pointed this out!

[@Samantha-sv9hf]

Can I just double check the grace period for Tier status is definitely 2.months? I am going to be very close to Silver on my renewal on 8th March and considering doing a run but everything else online seems to be talking about 2 weeks. I want to check I get this right before taking the plunge. Thanks!

[@MattsPlanet]

There's a 2 week period after the end of the year when BA will be sympathetic to backdating a few tier points if it clinches status. That's sort of a grace period, but the "Grace Period" as BA defines it is a just under 2 month period when the old status prevails into the new year. The 2 weeks is not written in policy, and there's no rule on how many tier points they'll allow you to backdate....

[@guyfarrugia7787]

Never mind the breakeven, enjoying the hate coming from the economy check- in line as you use the business/first facilities is worth it alone! I realise I am a wicked man.

[@MattsPlanet]

Hard to put a value on that!

[@jamespaul9929]

When costing out airline status I also consider potential upgrades-wife and I have had 2 short haul flights to and from Italy upgraded whilst I’ve been gold-so four business flights in total-what would you value that at for my spreadsheet?

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks James.... A few years back I had a run of 3 out of 4 upgrades from PE to club on the LHR to DXB route, (which is known as a sweetspot for that sort of thing) but other than that, I can't recall ever being upgraded.... So I'd value them at zero, but consider gold as giving you free tickets to the upgrade lottery!!

[@francp3691]

Thanks Matt, I enjoyed the video and I would be first in line to agree with you that airline status is worth it. I appreciate that most people will have different views and that there is no right answer, however, is looking at silver and gold in a standalone way a fair comparison? Is it not fairer to look at the incremental costs for the additional benefits between the £600 for silver and the £1500 for gold? In other words is the incremental cost of £900 worth the additional gold benefits?

[@MattsPlanet]

That indeed is the question! The good thing is that people have the choice - hopefully this video gives some insight into the differences... Some good feedback in the comments too...

[@palajoda]

Hi spreadsheet hero, i would love your opinion. I live in caracas venezuela. What is the best way to get star alliance gold status.

[@MattsPlanet]

Hello Caracas! I was there in 1995 - quite an experience!!! Venezuela is so poorly served these days that you'd almost certainly have to get somewhere else to find real value... Depending on the scheme you're in, work out which partner airlines are the most generous with points then start trawling through google flights to find good deals... I'm with Aegean and TAP (Air Portugal) is where I usually start looking

[@papworthj]

Another great video, Matt. I’m chasing Silver this year and really see the value this will bring with lounge access, in particular. Not all spreadsheet heroes wear capes, but they do cracking videos on KZbin 👌.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks. These days its really hard to find a phone booth to use to change into my cape....

[@jimmyjames6492]

Definitely worth it IMO. Seat upgrades are nice but perks like priority check in, extra bags, and priority baggage that come with status are just as valuable IMO. Thanks for the info + video!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Jimmy

[@vincevinnyp9224]

Whilst not quite a tier point runner I always try to schedule good tier point revenue travel plans for my grace period. My sweet spot is Silver but I push for gold every 3 years. Thereby getting the 2 year gold and 1 year silver whilst I burn through reward flights . Not sure how thar works out in value.

[@MattsPlanet]

A three year cycle makes great sense provided that year as silver isn't too painful having got used to being gold!

[@vincevinnyp9224]

@@MattsPlanet In a bizarre fluke I just realised I am 1460 off Gold for life so that will make matters easier.

[@RichardJHJ]

Awesome video - status becomes even more valuable if you can get some of the way there with travel that someone else pays for!!

[@MattsPlanet]

I remember those days! Very happy days!

[@Maur1ce.]

I’ve subscribed… but can’t access?

[@MattsPlanet]

Subscribing on KZbin just makes it easier to find and be notified about my videos. Patreon is where you need to go for the real benefits....

[@immikhanUK]

Like you, my year end is 8th July. Bugger! Right bang in the expensive bit of the year. But, if I book early enough, would it still be TP cost-effective to do a (Not) UK to LAX with lots some transfers TP run thingie in August? Also, and very importantly, indeed crucial to this channel, is our need to know if the beard is a permanent feature or intermittent? Sometimes here, sometimes not. I could not shave for 15 years and not have beard such as this.

[@MattsPlanet]

Two very different questions!!! Before the you-know-what, I didn't find August too bad a month to travel as it was in the summer holidays, business travel in the US was down so attractive fares were offered... It wasn't too bad.... Since the y-k-w, its not completely stabilised but I'm optimistic it will be ok in the future. As for question 2 - the beard usually appears as an insulation device in the winter. I often get support for the beard being a year-round feature... If only it grew so strongly on the top of my head....

[@immikhanUK]

@@MattsPlanet Thanks for the reply!

[@peterfinn6098]

No i think they are not, i would rather have better food on flights and back to the 1980s style of flying. I lost 340,000 BA miles since i could never find flights with miles and the taxes you have to pay anyways. The lounges are OK though if you achieve gold or platinum status and the stewardesses or stewards usually greet you by name and thank you for flying with them again.

[@MattsPlanet]

I'd never argue with getting better food but I don't think operating a good loyalty program precludes the airline improving the food?

[@peterfinn6098]

@@MattsPlanetno but i don’t think they are worth it a year ore due to difficulty in spending mikes, especially on today’s and foreseeable futures full capacity aircraft. Speaking on basis of working for a particular airline after leaving a manufacturer . But i cannot get miles anymore but pay around 250 euros for a one way long haul business fare, if flexible enough.

[@ponsaelius6276]

I was bronze and reset on 8th march i took a flight on the 13th the return flight would have took me to silver, should I be asking them to re add them to get silver status??

[@MattsPlanet]

If the flight you took just after the year ended would have taken you to silver, give them a call and ask them if they'll move it back. They may say no, but they may say yes!

[@ponsaelius6276]

@@MattsPlanet thank you, I will give them a call see what happens.

[@logicalthinking4376]

I get told each year and would add the possibility of upgrades if travelling solo as a gold holder. When work booked me in Premium for a long haul return, I got upgraded both ways very luckily to business

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - a few have made this point.... I've had a couple of PE to club upgrades over the years, but only ever on LHR-DXB... I didn't mention it in the video as I don't want to give people the idea that its something that might actually happen!

[@teslaintheuk910]

Don’t forget that the free seat selection from time of booking is for everyone on that booking. Seat selection this summer for me, my wife and 2 kids to ensure we sat together, both directions on a St Lucia trip was £480. This encouraged me to do a short haul plus route to go from Bronze to Silver and also experience the Finnair lie flat seat.

[@dscott8799]

I can imagine that makes a huge difference. Plenty of folks out there don’t see the value in that, nor will want to pay the £480. Then they’ll act all entitled when little Jimmy has to sit in the middle seat 10 rows back.

[@MattsPlanet]

Of course there's a legal requirement to sit a child next to an adult so it may not be that bad to not buy seats.... But there's no legal requirement to sit a child next to more than one adult! £480 is ridiculous though!

[@steve-marsh]

Henry Kelly would always go for gold

[@MattsPlanet]

That reference ages you a little!

[@MoQureshi-ti1nj]

Thank you

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching!

[@nuckymcnuck]

BA will do advanced seat under DPKA bookings

[@MattsPlanet]

I don't think I know what a DPKA booking is? Disability?

[@nuckymcnuck]

@@MattsPlanet Yeah, disability.

[@henrywm1451]

Great video Matt! Always really enjoy your videos and perspectives on travel. I agree with you that actually booking trips to get status makes a trip that is much more rewarding and enjoyable.

[@MattsPlanet]

For me a trip like that is not dead time or a dead cost...

[@QF_Flyer]

Completely agree with you re your final comment about spending money on travel/experiences over other “stuff”. Firstly, it’s nobody’s business what you spend your money on anyway, but secondly definitely do what makes you happy and, like you, that’s what I spend my money on too 👍🏻 As for status, I also agree there too, I benefit from earning status credits on reward flights from QF too, but I’ve been OWE for years now and I think I’d struggle to let go! For the sake of a few $x,000 per year, for which I’ll get trips I want to take anyway, it’s definitely worth it for me (and one thing I don’t think you covered, but priority in case of cancellations/overbooking - I’m sure it’s helped me sometimes, for example occasions when I’ve been bumped from an A330 to a B737, somehow still being accommodated in the J cabin half an hour later - I don’t think everyone on that same A330 in J will have been so lucky - ok, recliner vs flatbed is still a “downgrade”, but it’s better than Y!).

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that. I was in the QF program for many years and there's all sorts of mysteries to it that I never understood... I have a BA insider in my Patreon family and he has shared a little about the BA bot that handles rebookings and I would certainly have mentioned it in the video had I known about it before I made it!!! It can be an absolute life saver.... Not literally, but you know what I mean!

[@guyosborne2696]

Thanks Matt, great video. I soft landed to Silver after the you know what and nowadays travel BA economy short haul about once a month. This has certainly convince me it is worth spending a bit of my own money to retain Silver. PS must be the first of your videos where you didn't say 'Cheers' 😎

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks guy - did I miss a catchphrase! Oh no....

[@paololim3513]

If I may suggest, one related topic you could make a video about is what is the case for being members of multiple carriers' frequent flyers within the same alliance? I know the main reason for having just one frequent flyer account per alliance is to attain status benefits applicable across the entire alliance quickly. On the other hand, a reason to the contrary that I could think of though is to get benefits exclusive to the airline that is directly running the programme (e.g. free Wifi, ability to manage IFE playlist and carry it over to other flights, Nectar points).

[@MattsPlanet]

Interesting idea. I am Aegean in Star Alliance but I've also joined Air Canada's Aeroplan as their points redemption options are quite mindbending.... I've put it on the ideas list!

[@paololim3513]

@@MattsPlanet you mean Agean and AirCanada are both Star? I’m sure you’re aware of what will happen to SAS alliance-wise… I’m both KrisFlyer and Eurobonus member on Star, as well as SkyPass and SkyMiles on Sky, and Asia Miles and Executive Club on OneWorld.

[@MattsPlanet]

@@paololim3513 Sorry - was typing too quick! Both are Star. SAS may become an interesting route into SkyTeam when they move....

[@paololim3513]

@@MattsPlanet I don't think SAS will be the only Star to Sky move to anticipate in the foreseeable future. I'm looking at you Asiana.

[@gazzis]

Great video again Matt. Having just completed TP run 1 with Jakarta on the horizon, I completely agree with your views. One observation on your valuation of Gold though, surely the additional parachute year of Silver gives it further value?

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - the soft landing certainly does count... When scripting, it felt like one concept too many to load onto the video as getting the point about grace periods across was so important.... But if I did this video again, I'd certainly make that point.

[@graemeduncan1225]

Enjoyed this video. Two trips a year to visit Family in Australia make it pretty easy for us to maintain Silver and the benefits for us are immeasurable.

[@MattsPlanet]

Flights to Australia will help - expensive though.... Was looking at flights to Perth for a friend and it was fully priced....

[@graemeduncan1225]

@@MattsPlanet no choice really, so it’s money we have to spend anyway

[@markwaite5265]

Thanks for this video Matt - really interesting for those of us who *do* perform a Status Run each year and, yes!!, I was surprised at your calculated break-even costs although they are unsurprisingly with a BA-centric eye!! One point I'm going to pull you up on though and I think it's really just your terminology. You state " .... silver status on a oneWorld airline provides Lounge Access" and this may be confusing for those who are silver status on a non-BA airline who do NOT have lounge access. Perhaps it may have been better to have said " .... BA silver status provides lounge access when flying a oneWorld airline" since - for example Qantas silver status does not provide lounge access (save two Qantas Lounge access vouchers per year). Better still, and I realise I'm getting very picky here and this *may* be a subject for another video, perhaps it would have been better to have stated "BA silver equates to oneWorld Executive Sapphire Status and that opens the door to Lounges when flying oneWorld". However, again you *are* providing this perspective from a BA viewpoint and - even as a QF FF - I still found this both enlightening and entertaining so .... PLEASE ... keep these great videos coming!!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Mark - that is an excellent point. I guess I focus on OneWorld "silver" giving lounge access versus "silver" on Star and Skyteam not doing so, but its not that simple in reality.... Sky and Star do allow their own "silvers" to access their own lounges when flying their own airline, whilst Garuda didn't let me into the lounge as a "Gold" as it was a domestic flight.... It may actually make for its own video.... And don't get me started on whether emeralds are more valuable than sapphires!

[@markwaite5265]

@@MattsPlanet The Garuda domestic exception sounds very similar to that of American Airlines and their elites (or maybe it isn’t and that is only based on COS!!) - maybe a video on the cross alliances benefits which also gives details of specific airline exemptions …. Or maybe that’s now getting into the realms of a full Hollywood production!

[@MattsPlanet]

@@markwaite5265 I think a video like that would be a) long and b) dull!!! Duller than usual even...

[@markwaite5265]

@@MattsPlanet LOL … long definitely but I couldn’t describe your videos as dull!! Just plant that little seed … !! 😁

[@dospalmascb]

We have bronze at the moment and booked Business with assistance as my partner has a wheelchair and i have a hearing impairment. guess what? Seat selection is free!

[@MattsPlanet]

That is good to know!

[@dospalmascb]

@@MattsPlanet I looked at our booking and the seats were around £80 each, each way to book at the time of booking, then I remembered I hadn't added the assistance we needed. I added the assistance and went back to book seats and there were no charges. maybe a fluke, maybe not.

[@MattsPlanet]

Good to know!

[@obdev9473]

Thanks Matt. As someone who used to commute weekly to Europe in Y, status was worth every penny, especially in winter when things didn't always go to plan. I enjoyed the comparison between the LHR lounges and 'spoons ! And was that free-pour champagne or free, poor champagne ?

[@MattsPlanet]

Ha ha! I've always got time for a spoons but the ones airside can be crazy busy!!! And for the champagne, both have applied at different times!

[@itsjoel]

I will share this video to so many people that ask me all of these sorts of questions! Thanks so much for your efforts Matt!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! Explaining the grace period is a stinker!

[@roybackhouse117]

Brilliantly witty ending. Haha.

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers

[@richardstreet7518]

Silver for me just makes life easier... i have never been turned away from the lounge and generally very happy with the seating... how we spend our money is our own business really 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

Been some interesting debate about whether the less tangible benefits of Gold make the extra worth it... I think it probably is but I can certainly understand how silver makes great sense.

[@UniversityOfTurmoil]

Good stuff. Due to BA's recent double points for holidays promotion I'm going to get Silver this year for the first time, so this information is nice and useful. Another benefit of the Brown/Bronze status with BA is being able to book your seat for free a week before the flight which often gets you some decent seats even though the silvers/golds have had first dibs. (Was good enough to get me into the exit rows with lots of legroom on both legs of a recent trip to Malta).

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks UoT - welcome to silver! It gets addictive....

[@nuckymcnuck]

WINTER BEARD

[@MattsPlanet]

Well spotted.... Whiter every year....

[@xandrios]

I'm a firm believer of valuing these items not by their actual costs, but rather, what you would have spent. For example, without status I would not have gone for a bottle of champagne. So that value is 0 to me. Even though I'd probably enjoy a glass (or two) in the lounge with status. For other airlines the calculation is going to look very differently. For instance I highly value the Flying Blue or Aegean elite customer service lines that connect you to a knowledgeable agent within a minute, rather than to have to be on hold for ages to talk to a generic agent in a callcenter in the Philipines. Difficult to put a number on, but VERY valueable. Another major benefit is simply that having status typically is a stress reducer. It makes trips more enjoyable, en less stressful - no need to worry if you are at the gate on time to be the first one to queue for an hour to be able to find overhead storage space for your bag. And when you fly a lot, say 60-100 segments a year, just being able to enjoy all those hours travelling is an improvement of quality of life. And health!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks so much. I actually agree with everything you say - I'd never pay £40 for a bottle of champagne in an airport! You'll note I'm careful to say "value" throughout to try and make that point - this is what you'd have to pay to get the same value as a lounge, even if many wouldn't!!!

[@okeesmokee6658]

Completely different scenarios with Delta in the US, but I have been buying upgrades to my tickets I purchase for business trip in order to maintain status. It makes my current trip more comfortable, invests in future benefits, and I only have to pay the difference in the ticket price. Delta allows upgrades after purchase, so the reimbursement receipt is solid. Interesting BA scenarios.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks. US schemes are radically different and I've never felt the need to fully investigate them... Although non-US schemes seem to be inexorably moving in that direction so its probably a time investment I need to make....

[@herogeroi8521]

Seeing as there isn't a Vlog for the Doha to Melbourne economy trip I think it's only fair you book the flight again and this time record it.

[@MattsPlanet]

Ooooof.... It was a long way in economy and I was a younger man!!! Not out of the question to repeat it in business class though!

[@herogeroi8521]

We've already seen you sit in a Q Suite for 22 hours Matt! What we really want is you sandwiched in the middle row of a 777 for our viewing pleasure@@MattsPlanet

[@paololim3513]

I was super super close to hitting status with oneworld 11 years ago. I missed it by less than 500 miles. I should have booked a return ticket with BA rather than one-way and the inbound flight with someone else. Could have saved money too. Lounge access with CX and BA. Now CX has changed its Marco Polo club scheme to make the threshold higher. Which gets me to my most important piece of advice...start earning early and fast because you never know when they would inflate or complicate the requirements to earn or renew status, or reduce the benefits at your current level.

[@MattsPlanet]

Good advice!

[@hendrikdevries9725]

Grrreat video! Although not for a status reason, I'm flying the abu dhabi to Jakarta route with Sri Lankan as a holiday in April! Gonna visit Jakarta, Bandung and Belitung Island. And extra Black Friday sale discount! My BA status year ends in August. I was considering setting up a new account as I already lost my 200 odd status points last August. Any thoughts?

[@MattsPlanet]

Enjoy Indonesia - next week's video will share my experiences there.... Those 200 "lost" points still qualify as lifetime points, alongside any you've earned in previous years.... So if the total is only 200 then resetting the year could make sense....

[@chasingstatustravel]

Thanks, Enjoyed your channel for years now. My circumstances have now changed and think it would be a unique video for you to do. Family Travel. I achieved silver about 2years ago now. (I took a trip to Bucharest and achieved it in one trip) £1400 solo! This then granted me silver and a guest. It's worked perfectly till now haha. Year runs out in July. We now have a daughter who turns 2 in March and that's where things change. She will now be a guest. This has changed our focus onto us both needing silver now to guest our daughter into lounges etc as that's main perk for us. Recently looking and we are going to struggle to get silver for us both for under £3000 and that will be about 2 trips plus a ba holiday give or take. Be great to get your feedback or even better a video. Pleasure as always. Thanks ❤

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - pesky kids.... I'm sure they're a delight in many ways but at the airport? Not so much! Theoretically at £2 a tier point you'd need 600 twice so £2,400 would be a target... Tricky in one trip and pricing does seem to be drifting upwards for some of the usual suspects like SOF....

[@ETTakesOff]

The concept of tier point runs is absolutely fascinating to me. I didn't get it at first when you spoke about this in a video a couple of years back. Mainly because I was new to the concept. I think tier point runs are for people who are enthusiastic about aviation and are already travelling multiple times a year. I love planning and booking flights and travel, so I'm starting to see how this could be fun. I recently booked a flight with emirates on the A380 just for the experience! 😂😂😂

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that - you've found the right community! People who only ever fly under protest just won't understand any attraction of a TP run... I know people who book 6 or 8 flights which fill a weekend just because they love the experience of flying!

[@BaMb1N079]

Although I never held status with an airline and probably never will - I'm member of Miles & More and Qatar Privilege Club - I completely get you. I also spend my hard earned cash on stuff others don't consider to be worth anything or necessary. Like nice computers, home servers or business class tickets and expensive holidays :-). Being in a DINK household makes those things considerably easier though. Some might call it a hobby or a passion , maybe even desire :-). Don't let those mean comments get to you!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! Never gone as far as a home server but now I have terabytes of video files its something I probably should think about!!! I really don't get many outright nasty comments, but I've got a pretty thick skin for the ones I do get!!!!

[@richardbroadwith3170]

That's really interesting analysis. You make a really important point at the start that if you travel in business for work but then don't fly with BA/OW for leisure then what's the point!? But... For me as a gold card holder for the last 5yrs or so, I would say the things I enjoy the most are: Priority check-in for any OW flight. Ever been abroad at as small airport where economy has two check in desks and a queue snaking outside the terminal?! You can avoid it completely. Additional baggage when travelling as a family. The increased luggage allowance is both weight and quantity and applies to all passengers on the booking so one card holder can me a family has a huge luggage allowance. Suddenly packing lots of kids clothes / toys etc is easy and if you buy heavy items abroad, bringing them back is no issue. Finally, the lounge access is great, but... From a leisure point of view, if you only have a plus one that's OK, but if you have partner plus child(ren) - the benefit is wiped out as you can't take the additional people to the lounge. Some charm has meant I have sometimes managed to sneak a young one in, but not always. If only BA allowed some sort of payment in money or AVIOS to add a child. I don't think an 8yr old is going to cost them what another adult would? There is something else which is a bit sporadic and that's the gold welcome. Sometimes staff remember and they come to say hello at the start of the flight. Recently I felt that BA has forgotten and then it happened and they offered me food before other passengers. On a recent trip with Qatar, about two or three times in the flight the crew came to check I was OK etc. More of entertainment than value, I suppose 😊 Thanks for making great videos by the way and I wholeheartedly agree with you final comments... Travel is a far more rewarding and fulfilling way to spend time and money than so many other 'popular' activities - in my opinion!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Richard. The "kids in the lounge" question is a good one.... BA is usually not shy in opening up revenue streams so you'd think they'd have done so for non-drinkers getting into the lounge... But I suspect that crowding issues and a perception that youngsters are going to disrupt the tranquillity of the lounge. Not that they're usually that tranquil anyway but you get the point!! Never had a gold welcome on BA - had them on most other airlines but never (to my recollection) on BA!

[@davidbalcon8726]

While you are correct to note Silver doesn’t get lounge access in most STAR/SkyTeam programs (because they assign this to their first tier level, but…BA Silver is it’s true mid-tier elite but most STAR/SkyTeam carriers give lounge access with their equivalent mid-tier status. And what’s similarly confusing is that most programs use Silver as their first tier and Gold as their mid-tier whereas BA uses these metals/colours for mid and top tier which often confuses partners like AA. And then there’s further confusion with the alliances’ elite tiers nomenclatures. But good overview. Yes, status is a tangible intangible!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - it is a good point.... I assume people rarely fly on their own airline but Sky and Star do have that detail for their silvers... I have no idea which is the most valuable out of Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires which makes it a terrible basis for status.... Like the naming of the new OneWorld lounges in New York - I have no idea which out of Soho, Chelsea and Greenwich is the most premium!

[@jasiekzar]

I can’t agree more with your last sentence. To all those criticising or laughing at people following their passions (be it flying, trains or whatever they choose): get over yourself! I watched the whole thing even though I live in Luxembourg and have no interest in getting One World status - Star Alliance is more up my alley! All the best to all travellers (whether bronze, silver or gold! :))

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that! Here's to a travel filled 2024, whatever your preferred alliance!

[@dscott8799]

Great video as always! I wasn’t paying attention to the numbers much but how many bottles of champagne did you include on that spreadsheet? 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

I was conservative and included just the one for a couple! Call me a fool....

[@Tohan1]

Brilliant arguments... I'm dropping to Silver in Feb 2024, will stay silver and the requalify for Gold in Feb/March 2025... Hopefully the SriLankan Tier Point run will be still available then ;-) Think that strategy will make the most sense ;-)

[@MattsPlanet]

Sounds like a smart strategy. As has been pointed out elsewhere - silver is by no means second prize and one can certainly cope with a year in that tier! A few months before you need to start planning the 2025 renewal in detail!

[@simonjgriffithshr]

Another superb video! (I recently discovered your channel and have been enjoying immeasurably). I must admit though, that one of the items you've given £0 value to is just about my most valuable element: free baggage. When travelling in Europe I usually plump for economy (certainly for any flights of less than a couple of hours). Unfortunately I'm not a light traveller - even my work bag with laptop and notepads/books etc struggles to fit into the basic allowance (never mind a couple of changes of clothes). Thanks again for some brilliant and thought provoking content!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that! I think 8 days is the longest trip I've now been on with just a rollaboard... Have a 9 dayer coming up, including a cruise, and I'm resigned to having to check a bag for that trip.... It just pains me to have to do so!!!

[@redcomusic]

Well for me as a frequent traveler, it is. But more specifically, I thought long and hard about tier point running for Star Gold status where you recommended doing it via Aegean's scheme, and I thought Air China's more sector-based scheme (certain fare codes only, though) is better for US customers but actually Aegean is still easier in terms of both energy and budget. It's just that with Air China's scheme once you reach Star Gold, you have it for 2 years! But then again with Aegean you only have it for a year but re-qualifying is easy. So now I'm looking forward to 2024 with an eye toward the Aegean scheme and flying within Greece to complete the requirements. The best part about having a Star Gold status (that's NOT with United) is being able to access United lounges whilst flying domestic in the US. - Red

[@MattsPlanet]

Aegean has a 50% off sale running for Black Friday - ends tomorrow... May be a bit soon for you to jump aboard but it really helps keep the cost of the 4 Aegean flights down.... I'm sure you've noticed but the renewal without Aegean flights is now up to 70,000 points, which is in line with other star partners these days...

[@stevetriantaena9994]

All useful info aside, you are a pleasure to watch :) keep up the amazing work

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that!

[@trimley]

Spot on video Matt 👏 I’ve just had my first status from BA 😊, so now chasing silver which I’d obtainable the near future - unfortunately the membership dates for myself (November) and my wife (January) are a real pain! Keep up the excellent work - bet you have a spreadsheet of KZbin earnings and status?

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - next stop silver! I do track my earnings... In Powerpoint! Joking... It's in excel....

[@sarahsutton9680]

You said Gold can snag the emergency exit rows on shorthaul as if Silver couldn’t but as a Silver I always go for the exit row seats at time of booking too

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Sara - an excellent point... Silvers can't get the exit rows on long haul flights and that was what I had in mind.... First person to spot the error so congratulations!

[@madds6678]

Thanks Matt, wish I was a spreadsheet king just achieved gold for the time 🙂 but it did cost us a small fortune we did however take advantage of the double tier points promotion with BA holidays to lighten the cost. Our season tickets at Arsenal cost £1300 each (have to share them with 4 friends now as too expensive on our own) I still find the achieving status for 2 years confusing but I think I’ve got it from your reply to another comment which gave a scenario with the year end as 8th Nov which mine does, so I need to bag 1500 between Nov & Dec 😬 We’re looking to fly to Oz using the double tier points holiday promotion but don’t think it’ll be enough to bag gold again & certainly can’t afford club world. I didn’t see if you picked up on another comment or received the email about the BA Amex black card promotion of tier points after a certain spend total, was wondering if you have any thoughts on it. Great video again thanks for the effort you put into making them.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks... I was going to throw in a comment about my team (Liverpool) having a 30,000 person waiting list for a season ticket... I believe Arsenal's is a lot shorter which is why I picked them!!! The 2 year thing is complicated but hopefully this video will get people to understand it - it is crucial! I don't love the Amex tier points purchase thing - a slippery slope... I think it will reward existing behaviours rather than drive new behaviours which is poor marketing if you ask me... I'm certainly not going to spend £25k for 200 tier points - I'd spend £1.5k on a return to New York form Dublin, get 440 tier points (or more) and have a weekend in New York!

[@adamingleton8529]

Gold Priority Reward makes so much sense, charging double the Avios...if you spend your avios for an important flight to go business...it might mean you have to pay full price for your next BA flight as you have no avios...spending cash/avios and creating loyalty makes so much sense

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm planning a video on whether spending avios to reduce the cost of a flight you're buying makes sense.... My experience is that it all depends on what sort of redemption value you're able to get elsewhere....

[@JakeT0191]

Fascinating, thanks for all the analysis and concise delivery of your findings. Whether you like Taylor Swift or not, I still think you’re a legend! 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! This video has flushed out some Swifties....

[@colinwalker9583]

Cheers Matt and thanks again. We attained Gold as a result of your advice. Dropping to Silver next year which is OK but going for gold again before we hit bronze....Abu Dhabi Sri Lankan does look good!

[@MattsPlanet]

Fantastic! I didn't talk about soft landings in this video (it was long enough!) but hopefully the excellent strategy you've adopted was obvious from what I did include! SriLankan is fun....

[@js6120]

If you're not overly bothered about maintaining Gold, you can get 2 years of Gold followed by a year of Silver when you get downgraded. So a total of 3 years of lounge access, fast track security and free seat selection 😀

[@MattsPlanet]

Absolutely. Something I cut from this video as I thought it was already too long... Based on the number of comments I should have left it in!!!

[@visions1970]

Interesting video Matt, especially for someone new to gaining status... One note though, if the Swifites come for you, I fear you are on your own!

[@MattsPlanet]

Ha ha!!! I reckon I could take swifties if they came at me in twos or threes, but they move in thousands I believe....

[@gmoule]

I'd value the British Airways business lounge much higher as there's free flow champagne in there and also the lounge is much better quality than the plaza. The other thing you missed out was the upgrade potential of holding status compared to not holding it

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - champagne is on request in the business lounge - if you get friendly with a server it might end up being free flow!

[@ianworthington2324]

I would value additional baggage higher: not on BA, but on IB I can take cheaper economy tickets and add a free bag. I value this at at least €70 per person per leg, and is something I happen to do regularly. I actually think that the sweat spot is probably GFL. I plan to start this next year getting GGL then keeping that up for another few years giving me access to the best lounges for those years followed by gold access for free for the rest of my life, regardless of how little I might fly. And this is on flights I want to take anyway, so the incremental cost will be all that matters.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Ian. I lived overseas for many years so only really started my BA journey about 12 years ago.... If I'd been posing all the business travel to a BA account prior to that I'd probably be in range of GFL in which case this would be an excellent strategy... If that's you, then fantastic!

[@pgriff44]

Does status influence how many seats are available when you are using a 2 for 1 voucher?

[@MattsPlanet]

That's an excellent question - although status only makes extra economy seats available so there's no benefit when using a twofer for an upgrade. Sadly...

[@pb456-7]

Just a small point - pretty sure silvers can reserve exit rows on short haul - only long haul they can’t (at least that was the case for the last few years).

[@MattsPlanet]

It's exit rows on long haul flights that aren't available to silvers - other seats are available long haul. Exit rows are the ones you want, but that's the rule!

[@Halfwayto100]

Brilliant video! Completely agree that spending money on travel experiences and the lifelong memories it brings is good value for our hard earned money.

[@MattsPlanet]

Absolutely. And for the record, I don't dislike Taylor Swift!!!! I just wouldn't pay that to see her live

[@mikewarde2802]

Great video Matt, digging into the analysis, something you enjoy, clearly! I am in your camp on this. Each to their own, variety and choice are the spice of life. Of course, only if you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity of these choices.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Mike. If you really enjoy spending your money this way, and get status too, where's the downside!!!

[@tonyracks2956]

man what great video a very simple explanation in simple words to help anyone thanks again matt for another great video

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching Tony

[@ukdavepianoman]

Matt, I've really learnt so much about status (OneWorld) from watching your videos and how to achieve it without actually spending a fortune - for that, I thank you. And, like you, I love travel and choose to spend money on this (seeing the world and different cultures is complete addictive and enhances one's view/understanding of people). As you say, someone who travels a lot and chooses to go Economy or PE now and then, it is absolutely worth it. For me the primary benefits of Silver or above are lounge access and being able to choose my seat at booking. Also priority check-in/boarding is a bonus as it just relieves boredom/stress of queueing. I'm already Silver but am on a mission to achieve Gold now. This really is a brilliant summary of the benefits.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Dave. I surprised myself with how few trips you'd need to make it pay off! And travel certainly does broaden the mind!

[@edhayes2256]

Soft landing from gold to silver, could also factor into someone’s value calculation of going for gold

[@MattsPlanet]

Excellent point which I did have in the script, but I thought the video was already long enough!

[@richardallen2236]

I found this video fascinating & I certainly wasn't expecting the break even point to be so low. I recently watched your video on the Srilankan tier point run and subsequently my wife & I did the run. It was very interesting & great fun. The other interesting part about the trip is , that due to my status as Diamond Ambassador Elite with IHG hotels & lounge access at the airports, we managed to sepnd not a single penny on food whilst on the trip. Free breakfast at each hotel & club lounge access as well, this gave us some great food & free alcohol each evening & also if we were around the hotel during the day, free tea, coffee & soft drinks & cakes/sanwiches for the afternoon. So, although we spent £450 return flight to Abu Dhabi on BA/Qatar & then £831 each on the Srilankan leg, plus 5 nights in hotels in Jakarta/Abu Dhabi (£750 for both of us), it worked out to be a brilliant trip at quite a reasonable cost. Although I haven't maximised my length of status, I will going forward. I was swapping from AA to BA, as getting AA status has become almost impossible for me now & BA seemed a lot easier thanks to your videos.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for sharing that. Very happy the Jakarta run was a good experience for you - I'm hearing lots of reports of Sri Lankan cancelling flights left right and centre which is throwing a spanner in the works of many people's runs....

[@richardallen4397]

@@MattsPlanet We nearly had a flight cancelled on us, the 2 previous flights from Colombo to Abu Dhabi had been cancelled, they put on a replacement aircraft operated by another airline. Lucky.

[@gjol90]

Another great video Matt! I travel a few times a month for work purposes and whenever I can, spend my cash on travelling and the experiences that brings. Gold status is what makes life liveable, particularly through the first wing where (relative) peace is delivered in a venue that often brings about tantrums/war/divorce. I regularly travel in club with BA and feel the experience on board could be improved (what happened to hot towels and why are they incapable of popping a bottle on the ground?) but overall the status experience is worth the many pennies spent.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks... I'd love to know what BA's service standards actually are so we can know definitively when BA's crews "can't be bothered"

[@treaiskit]

I love the comparisons at the end! Hilarious! 😂 and It really made me think!

[@MattsPlanet]

Well done for making it to the end! Lot's don't...

[@jimhicksuk]

You are 100% correct. Anyone can be uncomfortable….

[@MattsPlanet]

Uncomfortable is often the default status!

[@yvr2002rtw]

For this video to be more useful, you might want to mention to those who are not familiar with the BA program what the equivalent status in Oneworld is. For example, Oneworld Sapphire, Oneworld Emerald etc. While I usually fly paid business and sometimes first class, and only travel about once or twice a year now, I no longer go for status. However, sometimes when I see vloggers go into lounges as as the Finnair Platinum Wing in Helsinki (only available to Oneworld Emerald members) or use the Qantas First Class lounge in Sydney (even when flying business class), a part of me wants to achieve Oneworld Emerald. Also, on airlines like SWISS and Lufthansa, even when flying business class and you don't have status, you get the inferior "Business Lounge" as opposed to the Senator Lounge. On the other hand, certain airlines treat their Business Class passengers better than status holders. As examples, Qatar Airways only allow those flying Business Class to use their Al Mourjan lounge. Status holders instead go to an inferior lounge. Singapore Airlines only allows those flying Business Class to use their Silver Kris Lounge in Singapore, while status holders in Economy go to the inferior Kris Flyer lounge.

[@MattsPlanet]

These are all excellent points.... I really need to learn the ranking of the oneworld tiers as I don't instinctively know whether an emerald is more valuable than a ruby!

[@garethjennings7607]

Might have missed it in the comments, but exit-row seats are free for Silver members on short-haul, but not long haul. so in the example you used, the silver member could have booked the £22 seats. Believe gold gets you gree exit row seats on long haul where silver doesnt.

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed. Finally - proof I am not perfect!!! I've pinned a comment as a few people have pointed this out but thanks. It actually makes silver status better and lowers the break even a little....

[@garethjennings7607]

​@@MattsPlanet I still enjoy the videos... even if they aren't perfect ;)

[@ZackYounguk]

Thanks for all you do Matt, I really enjoy your videos. I was a BA exec fanboy for many years…. But jumped ship to Finnair Club, given they have some additional benefits at the same level (2 long haul or 4 short leg upgrade vouchers for BA silver equivalent, lounge access with points in their bronze equivalent and you can actually buy tier points by converting the miles (3-2-1) upto 50% of your annual threshold - you can of course also buy miles often with a 100% bonus) Worth taking a peek…

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I've always assumed a certain level of Eastbound travel that can be made on Finnair was necessary for this to be worthwhile?

[@ZackYounguk]

@@MattsPlanet I don’t believe so… they fly to US and Mexico too… but the status is one world, so you benefit from Iberia/BA/etc

[@nav33d]

Love these videos Matt. Thanks for making it. While we’re talking about theoretical values, what value would you put on lifetime gold? 😉 Keep up the great work!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! GFL has significant value - but at £2 per TP it needs to have a lot of value as it would cost £70,000 to get it!

[@cammyk34]

Fantastic advice as always. Superb advice.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@tokoexplore]

Thank you for this video, Matt. Currently, i have only silver with iberia. But what i found nice when i still had gold was a free upgrade to business.

[@MattsPlanet]

Aha - the elusive upgrade! Rarer than BA's website working....