Questions and Answers

Hi Lucky and All,

I received a direct mail offer from American to buy Gold (I know, not worth a whole lot) but for a flat price or $495. Not terrible. I don’t fly American much, and when I do it’s usually redeeming miles. But it’s nice to have status for checked bags on the couple occasions I may have to fly BA. But, I have CitiBusiness, so I get a free bag that way, so maybe I don’t need to spend 500 bucks for something that I no longer need?

Last year I was Delta Diamond and gave up trying to meet the MQD, and I ended up flying way less than usual, anyway. And I knew this year, I’d have plenty of opportunities with a heavy travel schedule and SkyTeam patners.

Currently I am 2019 Delta Gold with almost 80K rollover MQM. Delta offered me a direct purchase for Delta Platinum at $1495. But for $1495, I feel that’s a bit steep, and I may as well just shell out for a business class ticket at that point.

Wondered your thoughts on the lowkey back-door entries to airline status and if it’s worth it. $495 isn’t a huge investment, and Ruby could be useful when traveling on partner airlines in other parts of the world.

Appreciate any input!

THANKS SO MUCH!!

[QUOTE=”Rav, post: 63143, member: 4095″]Hi Lucky and All,

I received a direct mail offer from American to buy Gold (I know, not worth a whole lot) but for a flat price or $495. Not terrible. I don’t fly American much, and when I do it’s usually redeeming miles. But it’s nice to have status for checked bags on the couple occasions I may have to fly BA. But, I have CitiBusiness, so I get a free bag that way, so maybe I don’t need to spend 500 bucks for something that I no longer need?

Last year I was Delta Diamond and gave up trying to meet the MQD, and I ended up flying way less than usual, anyway. And I knew this year, I’d have plenty of opportunities with a heavy travel schedule and SkyTeam patners.

Currently I am 2019 Delta Gold with almost 80K rollover MQM. Delta offered me a direct purchase for Delta Platinum at $1495. But for $1495, I feel that’s a bit steep, and I may as well just shell out for a business class ticket at that point.

Wondered your thoughts on the lowkey back-door entries to airline status and if it’s worth it. $495 isn’t a huge investment, and Ruby could be useful when traveling on partner airlines in other parts of the world.

Appreciate any input!

THANKS SO MUCH!![/QUOTE]

I would put the money towards a domestic first or international business class ticket when it makes sense for you. I don’t know that free bag check and priority check-in with the occasional domestic upgrade should cost $495.

Yeah, you’d have to be checking bags on a very regular basis to recoup that $495…

Not to mention that you already get free bags with the AA CitiBusiness card you mentioned. Intl itineraries on BA already offer free checked bags anyway (unless you buy their hand luggage only tickets)