Top 5 benefits that motivate me to "hunt" for frequent flyer status
I am often asked what are the real benefits that come with frequent flyer status in a company; every traveler has a different classification.
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Often in discussions about the our secret Facebook group, but also in other places virtual and otherwise, we talk about renewing/achieving status, about Make mileage runs specifically for clustering the points or miles needed in a loyalty program.
My advice, since I discovered this world, however, is very simple status makes sense if you then in the day-to-day you take advantage of it and then make a profit after investing to get it.
A small premise: Invested means, for example, having spent more to fly on that particular airline, or taken a stopover flight instead of a direct one, to precisely having taken flights solely and exclusively to renew/obtain the elite card.
Top 5 benefits of being a frequent flyer
But what are the real benefits that really matter to me in owning an elite card and that make me aim for renewal? Here is my TOP5.
I will not be left on the ground
If you fly a lot, inconveniences can happen: whether it's a snowstorm, a problem with a car, or a sudden cancellation. Having status is a real parachute.
Not only that I will be among the first to be reprojected, but also the one who (normally) is treated best even if I travel in ultra basic economy. In case of overbooking, it is more likely that the airline having to choose between me and a random passenger, even in business, will choose him and not me.
Zero stress at the airport
Status is needed if you travel a lot (and in economy), being able to take advantage of fast routes, priority desks, lounge access and other related services means I don't have to "suffer" standing in line or have to spend money on coffee and go crazy to find a power outlet and decent wi-fi.
Because of the status before I am asked to board my trolley, it will be asked of all the other "non-status holders," and that is a triple benefit. Because I will not be forced to have to waste time upon arrival.
Zero extra costs
Not only that I never have to worry about the fare if it includes checked baggage or not, but most importantly thanks to the status I will not have to pay for seat selection on board, often being able to take even comfort economy seats without spending a euro even on intercontinental flights, where a passenger without a level is forced to pay even more than 100€. Not to mention that more and more often, thanks to the card, it is also possible to have free in-flight wi-fi.
Cuddling on board
Of course in some companies by now "the bum" is sought after special, but even where I am nothing more than a passenger with a beard I happened to receive small attentions such as a bottle of water or a treat, but not only that. For example. BA leaves the neighboring seat vacant as long as possible even when flying in basic economy.
More points
Last but not least if you have elite status you accumulate more points than if you travel without status, and since in the end ours is a game where collecting points is everything it is a very good thing to be able to take advantage of bonuses and surcharges because you are a loyal customer.
In conclusion
Every traveler has his own motivation. These are mine. The only regret is that physical cards have disappeared from almost all companies and if you are also "orphan" this gadget take a look at what we at TFC have come up with.
- 6,000 Mile Registration Bonus
- Collect miles WITH EACH PURCHASE
- Your miles with no expiration*
- No fees for ATM withdrawals and foreign purchases
- Without having to change banks
- Autonomous card activation
- Multi-function mobile application
- Free travel insurance
- Free credit for up to 7 weeks
- Contactless Payment
- Mastercard® SecureCode
- 20€ discount directly in your statement by spending €60 in one or more transactions with Carta on Italotreno.it
- Free fee the 1st year. From the 2nd €5.50 per month
- You can choose to pay in full or in installments
- Premium level of the Italo Più program
- 4 Vouchers per year for access to Italo Club Lounges
- Preferential Access to Italo's Fast Track at the station
- For every 5 purchases of Italo ticketing and/or onboard services made with Italo American Express Credit Card you will receive 1 voucher for room upgrade
- Welcome bonus of 100,000 Volare points upon reaching 6 thousand in spending in the first 3 months after card issuance
- Accumulate 1.5 qualifying Volare points for every euro spent, accumulate an additional 3 non-qualifying Volare points ( for a total of 4.5 Volare points) for every euro spent on ticketing purchases and other services offered by ITA Airways
- Access to the Premium Club of ITA Airways' Volare program.
- ITA Airways Lounge Access
- Free excess baggage
- Points Back