Is it worth the extra money...

[marshalldillon Member Find all posts View Profile Close marshalldillon]

To purchase premier level points? I currently own 10,000 qualified points and 9,000 non qualified points. (19,000 points per year) I could purchase 5000 more qualified points to become bronze or 10,000 to become silver...however with as cheap (or free) as non qualified points are, is having the bronze or silver benefits really worth it?

A. Is being able to get on the wait list at the 12 or 13 month window really worth the added expense??

B. I am a very satisfied BG owner and want to say thank you to all the BG folks on this board...being able to stay updated through this forum is very beneficial as an owner.

There may be those of you that feel differently about this, but please plead your case. Part of me would really like to go premier but the other part of me asks, "why?"

[VA_Traveller Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close VA_Traveller]

I kinda wonder the same thing myself. I am at 11K qualified points. Does bronze really give you anything other than the 12 month booking...and since I have never really had an issue getting where I want to go..I don't see the benefit.

[timeos2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close timeos2]

In general terms these types of VIP or premium programs never favor the owner only the organization selling the overpriced points / credits to obtian the "status". Don't fall for it it isn't worth the cost.

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

I would agree, that it is not worth it for 95% of people. Look at the bronze level gets you and ask how long it will take for you to get the thousand's of dollars of benefit out of it? Not having the chart, you might get one extra white week with a value of say $500. IF you can use it, every year for the next 10 years and you only may $5000 you MIGHT get your money's worth. As many can tell you the last minute upgrades at check-in, discounted presidential stays, etc mean nothing as they are VERY rarely available so you pay for air.

[motomem Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close motomem]

Don't just consider the waitlist, but consider all the other perks as well. Would it be nice to have the cancellations/change fees waived? Discounted presidential suite bonus night rates? Being able to upgrade to a better unit? Extended stays up to 3 nights for free?

Just a thought. Of course Gold and Plat get the best perks.

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

As others have mentioned, it would take a LOT of waived fees, discounted presidential suites, and upgraded units to make up for the upfront cost. Also, have you looked at how many properties even HAVE presidential unit? If you not located close by, there is no value there. As for the extra free nights, upgrades, many have mentioned these are never available so there is no value there either.

Don't just consider the waitlist, but consider all the other perks as well. Would it be nice to have the cancellations/change fees waived? Discounted presidential suite bonus night rates? Being able to upgrade to a better unit? Extended stays up to 3 nights for free?

Just a thought. Of course Gold and Plat get the best perks.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

It could be worth it, especially if you are close to the next Premier level. You can purchase a package to get you to that next level with someone who will offer you a bunch of unqualified points as in incentive to purchase the qualified points. Your total cost to acquire then becomes much more attractive. If anyone is interested, let me know.

Jim

[crwisconsin Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close crwisconsin]

Not worth it for You

To purchase premier level points? I currently own 10,000 qualified points and 9,000 non qualified points. (19,000 points per year) I could purchase 5000 more qualified points to become bronze or 10,000 to become silver...however with as cheap (or free) as non qualified points are, is having the bronze or silver benefits really worth it?

Part of me would really like to go premier but the other part of me asks, "why?"

If you have to ask if the Wait List is worth it, it means for you it isn't because you have been able to get what you want at 11 months (or less). We were completely tied to the school calendar and the Wait List was valuable for us. And since we had to fly, last minute opportunities did not work. Now with retirement on the horizon and resale so cheap, I wouldn't buy qualified points as long as I had some.

Charles