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I travel to Asia (Japan/China/Thailand) approximately 8 times a year. I always travel on the cheapest fare that will reward me 100% status miles towards being in the top tier FF level. This top tier allows me lounge privileges, frequent upgrade certificates, pre-boarding, front of the line, no excess baggage charges and all of the other first class tidbits including upgrades to first class when they are oversold in economy.
To secure this status you need 100,000 miles every year. I have managed to achieve this amount for the past 5 years traveling while traveling on the cheapest available fares. It is really worth it because when the airline fucks up (which they do frequently on Asian routes out of Canada) they go overboard trying to compensate. For example, last year I purchased a seat sale ticket to Tokyo for $680.00 return. This is a real damn bargain!!! With this fare I was eligible to use a certificate to upgrade to first class, which I did. I had a terrific pod seat in first class that converted into a private 180 degree bed with all of the first class amenities. It was terrific especially when you consider the fare price. One hour out of Toronto the entertainment system went down and remained down for hours. I didn't give a rat's ass since I was reading, drinking, experiencing the pleasures of first class and knew I would soon be sleeping for the next 10 hours. Nonetheless the flight attendants passed out these forms to apply for compensation for the faulty entertainment system. I filled in the forms and was told that I would receive $350.00 credit due to the fact the entertainment system didn't work. Hmmmm. I did the math. My ticket was $680.00. I was upgraded to a $4,000. seat. Then they gave me a credit for $350.00. Wow! So I ended up flying from Toronto to Tokyo in first class for $330.00 RETURN!!! All because their silly entertainment system was down.
Other things have happened over the years that were not all that dissimilar to example cited above. It is mind-boggling. No wonder the airline industry suffers.
All this to say I concur with the notion to remain loyal to one airline entity even if you pay a bit more for your trip on occasion. You will reap the benefits eventually. I certainly have.
To secure this status you need 100,000 miles every year. I have managed to achieve this amount for the past 5 years traveling while traveling on the cheapest available fares. It is really worth it because when the airline fucks up (which they do frequently on Asian routes out of Canada) they go overboard trying to compensate. For example, last year I purchased a seat sale ticket to Tokyo for $680.00 return. This is a real damn bargain!!! With this fare I was eligible to use a certificate to upgrade to first class, which I did. I had a terrific pod seat in first class that converted into a private 180 degree bed with all of the first class amenities. It was terrific especially when you consider the fare price. One hour out of Toronto the entertainment system went down and remained down for hours. I didn't give a rat's ass since I was reading, drinking, experiencing the pleasures of first class and knew I would soon be sleeping for the next 10 hours. Nonetheless the flight attendants passed out these forms to apply for compensation for the faulty entertainment system. I filled in the forms and was told that I would receive $350.00 credit due to the fact the entertainment system didn't work. Hmmmm. I did the math. My ticket was $680.00. I was upgraded to a $4,000. seat. Then they gave me a credit for $350.00. Wow! So I ended up flying from Toronto to Tokyo in first class for $330.00 RETURN!!! All because their silly entertainment system was down.
Other things have happened over the years that were not all that dissimilar to example cited above. It is mind-boggling. No wonder the airline industry suffers.
All this to say I concur with the notion to remain loyal to one airline entity even if you pay a bit more for your trip on occasion. You will reap the benefits eventually. I certainly have.
TEXASMAC
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