AmEx Centurion to get FC Gold.....

[RichardMannion]

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=658070

Interesting, not sure if it applies to just US cards (will have to check) but seems a bit strange as that will represent a significant number of new Gold members!

Thanks,
Richard

Update: Would appear to be US only. Awaiting a call from the monkeys at UK Centurion in the morning to see what the deal is, rob Peter to pay Paul (and then some) springs to mind!

[Bazz]

That sucks! That is really rubbing salt into the wound.

[preiffer]

Actually, Amex issues aside, I think the PRINCIPLE of a fee-paying charge card providing access to a top tier FFP stinks, regardless of which card/airline.

[Decker]

I agree but I feel the same way about Hotel loyalty programs and I've never stood on principle when using the SPG Plat benefit. Interestingly we now know how SPG Plat members must have felt when Cent struck that deal . Even more interesting has been the reaction on that thread on FT - basically "big deal". Just goes to show how relative things are. To us they're being offered the holy grail, to them a useless gewgaw.

[Bazz]

I noticed that too Andrew, but as most seem to travel in Y I guess it is not a big deal for them, they get CH access anyway and don't seem to be too bothered about the mileage multiplier.

[Nottingham Nick]

Are we being too harsh here? Are Amex / VS being VERY forward thinking for the USA market?.

IF / When Virgin America get off the ground and IF they become part of the Flying Club scheme and / or premium class pax / Golds on Virgin America can use the Clubhouses in the airports that have them, then suddenly it attracts a whole new group of potential passengers to the airline.

Nick

Originally posted by preiffer
Actually, Amex issues aside, I think the PRINCIPLE of a fee-paying charge card providing access to a top tier FFP stinks, regardless of which card/airline.

I'm going to offer a counter arguement to that. I'm gold with VS, Diamond with Hilton, but, on the odd occasion I can't stay at a hilton (Vancouver springs to mind), being used to upgrades etc with Hilton and VS, it's nice to get gold with SPG and me plat amex... You don't just give Plat and Centurions to anyone.

However, has to be carefully mnanaged. Some CH's in the states are quite small (Dulles and EWR spring to mind) and the larger number of peeps could spoil things.

[Decker]

Woggledog - that wasn't a counter argument - it was a statement of personal preference. As I said - I like my SPG Plat gift from Amex BUT I think in principle it sucks for those who have earned it to see it given away to me. It's just that I'm not going to take a principled stand on this. [:>]

[Scrooge]

You don't just give Plat and Centurions to anyone.

Yes they do, case in point [:0]

Getting serious for a second, just how many US centurion holders are there and how many of them fly with VS ?

I don't see it as that big of a deal, as hell if you have that card chances are you can afford a UC flight which gives you most of the extras you get with a gold card.

Originally posted by Scrooge
I don't see it as that big of a deal, as hell if you have that card chances are you can afford a UC flight which gives you most of the extras you get with a gold card.

Putting regular travel and/or business expenses on personal cards is a remarkably easy way to boost your spending into Centurion territory. Of course this is presuming you aren't issued a corporate card. Centurion isn't exactly something bestowed upon the uber wealthy.

As for Amex Platinum...[ii]

[Decker]

The uber wealthy don't need cards...

[preiffer]

Originally posted by Scrooge
...if you have that card chances are you can afford a UC flight which gives you most of the extras you get with a gold card.

Well, not always the case. We all know of at least one Centurion holder who buys soley Y/W tickets [:w];)

Originally posted by Decker
The uber wealthy don't need cards...

Ha ha - I can't claim that but having never contributed to the cards thread (because I debit all my expenses rather than charge them) I sometimes think its more about management ...[:w]

[Decker]

I don't see a huge difference between a charge card and a debit card. Credit cards are anothermatter

Originally posted by Decker
I don't see a huge difference between a charge card and a debit card. Credit cards are anothermatter

That too! But never had an Amex ... means more paperwork, but what is the benefit apart from miles?

[preiffer]

Originally posted by slinky09
That too! But never had an Amex ... means more paperwork, but what is the benefit apart from miles?

In THEORY, there's absolutely no limit to the amount you spend on it.

(Just need to make sure you have the money in the bank when the bill comes in...)

[mcmbenjamin]

It's all about cash management.

[Decker]

For me? Insurance for me and 5 supps. Free priority pass. Some loyalty cards I otherwise wouldn't bother getting. A sometimes good concierge service. The occasional nice freebie. Mandarin Oriental 241. Occasionally FHR rates. I'd estimate I get a £2,000 value for a £650 expenditure. YMMV.

[RichardMannion]

I'm with Paul on this in regards to FC Gold being given away. I know the approximte numbers and ratios here (for instance I know which way round the order of FC Gold's for UK, and number of UK Centurion accounts go), and it is proper dilution. I saw merit in the old policy of giving UK cardmembers Clubhouse access as there was kickback in money for VS towards the facility and could act as a great marketing tool to lure more regular business. Giving Gold is a whole other matter. When the ratios are stacked in the worng favour, then it really is a bad idea. Give them silver at best, maybe with fast track to Gold.

Interesting though is AmEx saying it was a VS decision to pull Clubhouse access from UK members.....

Thanks,
Richard

Does that mean it is being given to UK Centurions? I thought it was US only; more of them but a smaller percentage of VS users?

Please tell me yes as I'm off to LAX on Thursday and could use the extra points.

[RichardMannion]

No it's for US Centurions only, and there are plenty of them!