Last month, Kevin achieved Gold Elite status with Continental/United for the first time after all of his previous-year’s travels and his first mileage run. As a frequent business traveler, he looks forward to the complimentary first class upgrades (when available) which are conducive to a more comfortable flight.
I chuckle when he complains to me for not getting upgraded to first class all the time (hello entitlement), but I do understand that he values the added comfort and meals that come long with having a first class seat.
Believe me, I’d choose a first class seat over coach any day, and what’s even better is that when we travel together, he is a perfect gentleman who graciously gives up his seat to me if he gets upgraded and I do not (I’m only Silver Elite).
First class aside, my favorite “perk” about his elite status is actually something elite status holders may overlook or under appreciate at times. You see, I’m the kind of girl who values quality time with my loved ones over anything else, and I’m not going to lie and tell you that it’s easy when your other half is always away on business. I get lonely and spending weeks apart is hard on me even though we do have our separate lives.
Long story short, after spending 10 days away on the west coast, Kevin was due to fly home from SNA tomorrow morning and arrive back in the evening. However, upon check-in, he had the option for a no-fee flight change and switched his return flight to a red-eye flight leaving tonight and arriving very early in the morning as a surprise for me.
Although there’s only a 12 hour difference in his return, you should have seen the ear-to-ear smile on my face after hearing that he would be coming home early; it totally made my day. Sure, all of the other benefits of having status are fabulous, but when one small benefit can truly make your heart smile, it definitely makes you appreciate the little things in life. :)
Does anyone have any similar stories or can relate?
Neither Mike or I travels for business often, but I still know what you mean! We used to date long-distance, so understand the "joys" of flying to see someone and how getting in early can make all the difference. Enjoy your extra twelve hours!
There are a lot of fee waivers (or reductions) that come with the status benefits that I appreciate. I use the award change fee waivers more than the same day change waiver, but they're all nice.The important thing to remember is that not all of the benefits of the programs are always going to work for everyone so it is important to find the ones that are valuable to you and then make the most of them.
Amen! It's all about making the valuable benefits work for you. Thanks for your input :)