Analyst: Frequent Flier Miles - the airlines don't need them any more.

[openseat]

Airline status in frequent flier programs: "They're just your union card for when things go wrong"

Airlines Don

 

[samh004]

To a fair degree I do agree, it's certainly one of the reasons people chase status.

Now the frequent flyer club means you will be less inconvenienced than if you don't have miles.

 

[opusman]

When the cough hits the fan I'd rather be put on the next flight rather than one three days later, or put up in a hotel rather than have to sleep on the floor of the terminal. Having status seems to give the best chances of that.

 

[boylero]

Frequent flyer miles are worth what the airline wants them to be. Its like a currency, when the central bank devalues it your spending power is reduced. If you understand inflation you would not hoard miles.

 

[JohnK]

Having status is great when things go wrong.

But airline customer service is just as important. If the staff handling the re bookings are not trained properly the your status is not that helpful.