Putting traveller perks to the test
Journalists try out what it’s like to go on the same trip with and without upgrades
ORLANDO, FLA. Summer travellers may find themselves stuck in long security lines. For frequent travellers, or those who can and want to pay extra, perks are available including upgrades to first-class seats, airport lounges and free food.
Are the benefits worth the cost? The Associated Press sent two journalists on a two-day visit to Orlando, Fla. — one with perks, one without.
Scott Mayerowitz has elite status with airlines, hotels and car rental agencies. He also has a five-year membership in a Transportation Security Administration program that lets him use fast-track lanes at airport security. Premium credit cards aimed at frequent travellers get him into airport lounges. Candice Choi has no such perks. Here’s how their experiences differed:
SECURITY
Scott breezed through the TSA’s checkpoint in less than two minutes without having to take off his shoes. His laptop stayed in his suitcase, thanks to his membership in the Global Entry program, which includes expedited screening.
It took Candice nearly 15 minutes to get through regular security, which included taking off her shoes and jacket. There was also a delay after she forgot to remove a bottle of water from her purse, and found herself waiting shoeless for her belongings as a TSA agent searched her bag.
On the return flight, Scott cleared security in about three minutes. It took Candice 19.
AIRPORT
Scott headed for the roomy airline lounge, and took advantage of the free Wi-Fi, newspapers and breakfast spread that included bagels, muffins, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt and coffee. A day pass costs more than US$50, but credit cards aimed at frequent travellers often include lounge access as one benefit that comes with a hefty annual fee of US$450 to US$550. Scott’s card also refunded him the US$100 TSA Global Entry fee.
At the gate with everyone else, Candice found a seat with a table. There were outlets to recharge phones and a tablet to order food and get flight updates.
BOARDING AND FLIGHTS
Scott’s airline status means he boards early, and often gets upgraded for free to first class — where there are no middle seats and passengers still get hot meals. Finding space for luggage in the overhead bins also isn’t a worry.
Elite status in the U.S. starts after flying 25,000 miles a year, or five round-trip flights between New York and San Francisco. Rack up more miles and the perks increase substantially.
Scott got upgrades both ways on Delta Air Lines. He was a served an egg sandwich, yogurt and fruit on the way to Orlando.
Candice waited in a disorganized crowd by the gate to board. Her pass said Zone 3, which was really the sixth of Delta’s seven boarding groups. The last passengers to board often struggle to find space for their bags, but there was still room in the overhead bins by the time Candice neared her seat.
Once in Orlando, Scott was off the plane in seconds. Candice was six minutes behind as other passengers gathered their belongings.
RENTAL CARS
Members of car rental loyalty programs, even those without status, get to skip the lines at the rental counter. Scott headed straight to the garage. He spotted a BMW X3 SUV in a lane of cars for those with National’s executive elite status, which comes with 12 annual rentals. He settled into the plush leather seat, turned on the nine-speaker stereo and drove off.
Candice isn’t a member of any car rental programs. But on a Thursday morning, there was only one person ahead of her in line. Registration was quick and she could have picked a mid-size option like the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla.
UNIVERSAL THEME PARK
At the parks, it was Candice’s turn to be elite. Both paid US$165 for a two-park ticket, but Candice added on a US$99 Universal Express pass that let her skip lines. With Orlando at 34 C and humid that day, she couldn’t have been happier.
On The Incredible Hulk rollercoaster, Candice went through a separate entrance and to the front of the line. It took about 10 minutes for the entire experience. It took Scott 42 minutes, despite it being a slow day at the park.
HOTEL
Scott was given a corner room on the 26th floor of a newer tower with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the city. He also got access to the hotel club with free breakfast and drinks, and a nighttime happy hour with complimentary beer, wine and desserts.
Elite status at hotels starts with 10 nights at a chain. The benefits start at check-in, where members often get a dedicated line. On this trip, there was nobody waiting to check-in, so no advantage.
Candice had a room with comparable furnishings on the 12th floor of the hotel’s older tower. She didn’t get the huge windows, and her pool view was slightly obstructed.
Scott was rousted from sleep at 6:45 a.m. when an electrical fire meant an evacuation and a trek down 26 flights of stairs. Later, the front desk manager gave Scott 15,000 points — enough for a free night at the same hotel.
The disturbance wasn’t an issue for Candice — there was no fire alarm in her tower.
The Associated Press