Buying cheap isn't always the most valuable decision, especially if you fly with any frequency. In my experience, airline loyalty is very important and valuable.
When I checked in at American Airlines one morning in London, it reminded me why loyalty to a specific airline is so important. Let me explain why in more detail.
A few years ago, I reached Gold status with American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flier program. Actually, they bestowed on me a lifetime Gold status because I'd accumulated a million points in my AAdvantage account. I accomplished this through actual flights and using my Citibank AAdvantage credit card for purchases.
Here's two reasons why I consider loyalty to an airline so valuable.
Gold status gives me express privileges. American Airlines and many other carriers allow premium members (Gold, Silver, Platinum) to check-in first at the gate and board the aircraft ahead of thr rest of the passengers.
I consider this extremely important, especially on a flight that is full. The flight I was on that prompted this writing was full. Passengers who boarded last could not find overhead space to stowe their carry-on bags. Not a problem for me though. I was the third person to board in economy class and my carry-on was safely stowed just above me in the overhead compartment. When we arrived in Chicago, I was able to quickly retrieve my bag and disembark.
Unfortunately, the lady who sat next to me had to stowe her carry-on at the rear of the aircraft, twenty-two rows back! I'm sure she had a difficult time getting her bag and getting off the plane.
Another excellent reason is the airlines give free upgrades to premium members. Recently, my wife and I took a week vacation in Cancun, Mexico. The afternoon we departed from Cancun, I was called to the agent's desk moments before the flight was to start boarding. The gate agent handed me new boarding passes for my wife and I, seating us in First Class for our flight back to the USA.
If a flight is oversold in economy class, airlines routinely upgrade members of their frequent flyer program to Business or First Class. This makes room for the extra economy passengers who paid for seats that aren't available. Who gets upgraded is determined by the level they have reached in the frequent flyer program. This has happened to me several times since reaching Gold with American AAdvantage in 2005.
There are other good reasons to have loyalty to an airline, too. The cheapest ticket to your destination is rarely the best reason to fly that airline, because airlines do consider those passengers who have been loyal to them.
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