As British Airways continues its path towards low -
cost airline status it would appear that the low - cost carrier it's most concerned about is rising to meet it part - way.
Not exact matches
While it's true the
airline industry is financially healthier than it has been in years — thanks to
cost - cutting and its new pay - as - you - go approach (United
Airlines is even offering passengers who don't qualify for elite
status the opportunity to pay $ 500 a year for seat upgrades and another $ 350 a year to avoid baggage fees)-- the changes have made flying a truly trying experience that is only likely to get worse.
A new annual household membership to the American
Airlines Admiral's Club
costs between $ 675 and $ 925 (depending on your American
Airlines AAdvantage program
status), so the membership alone is worth the annual fee.
Note that Premium Economy fares earn 1.50 EQP on British Airways, Japan
Airlines, and Qantas, which may provide a
cost - effective path to
status.
The rationale I've heard is that the 10,000 EQM prevents the card holder from having to do a «mileage run» at the end of the year to achieve
status on American
Airlines so it's saving the user the airfare and associated
costs of that mileage run.
Granted, if you don't have American
Airlines status, it's going to
cost you to select these «Main Cabin Extra» seats.
I think it is worth considering that we may no longer be in a time when
airline status can provide greater benefits than the
cost to earn.
Also try to keep in mind the opportunity
cost — for instance, if you hold
status with an
airline you are likely to always fly that
airline, even if another carrier may offer cheaper rates for certain itineraries — this could end up
costing you more in the long run than simply paying for that checked bag or priority seat every time you fly.
The number of miles required is usually tiered by elite
status (just like the
cost when paid by cash or credit card), but almost all
airlines charge about 50,000 miles for members in the top tiers of their respective loyalty programs.
If you can maximize benefits like the $ 200 annual
airline rebate, lounge access, free Hilton Gold
status and free Starwood Preferred Guest Gold
status, the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits, this card's perks can easily be far more valuable than the
cost of the annual fee.
For travelers without elite
status on other
airlines or a co-branded credit card, this can save you a bunch of money since checking two bags roundtrip could
cost $ 120 per person.
That makes ThankYou Points good for saving cash on low -
cost carrier tickets — which are often impossible to book with miles — or American
Airlines and US Airways flights if you are going for
status on American
Airlines, so you want to fly paid tickets.
• Welcome passengers as they arrive at the reservation counter and inquire into their travelling preferences • Look through the system to determine open slots and provide passengers with information regarding
airlines and flight times • Book passengers on their desired flight and provide them with information on ticket
costs • Ascertain that passengers are made aware of baggage policies and ensure that any excess baggage issues are communicated to them • Provide accurate information regarding flights, products and destinations, and indulge in appropriate upselling activities • Check in passengers by first gauging their reservation and ticketing
status • Issue tickets and itineraries and ensure that passengers are made aware of any changes in flight times • Respond to reservation and flight information queries over the telephone, in accordance with the company's protocols