Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front

Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front - Checking In With My Sad Little Cardboard Medallion

As I walked up to the check-in counter clutching my sad little cardboard medallion, I wondered if it would actually get me any perks on this flight. I had worked hard earning my elite status through dozens of economy class trips, but I wasn't sure if the gate agents would even notice my paltry frequent flyer level.

After waiting in the long normal line, it was finally my turn. I presented my medallion along with my passport, hoping it would impress the agent. She glanced at it briefly and said "Oh, you're a Bronze member! Let me just make sure there's nothing available to upgrade you today." My heart leaped. Was it actually going to work?

She typed away on her keyboard for a few tense moments before looking back up at me apologetically. "I'm very sorry sir, but there's nothing available for an upgrade today. The flight is completely full." My face fell as I realized my medallion was useless after all.

The agent was kind enough to offer me a premier access boarding pass, allowing me to board in group 2 rather than group 4. As I walked away from the counter towards security, I wondered if the premier access would get me anything special. Or was it just a hollow perk to make me feel better about my low status?

Other frequent flyers I had read about online had similar experiences. Some Bronze and Silver elites reported never getting upgrades, even when flying over 100,000 miles per year. It seemed the airlines preferred to upgrade their very top-tier elites and paid first class customers.

Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front - Will upgraded Boarding Treat Me Like a VIP?

As I made my way to the gate for departure, I wondered if my premier access boarding would actually make me feel like a VIP. Sure, I got to board in group 2 instead of group 4. But would that translate into any tangible benefits other than getting on the plane a few minutes earlier?

According to some frequent flyer forums I had browsed, premier access boarding was a mixed bag. Some bronzes and silvers reported feeling like second class citizens, even with the upgraded boarding group. As one member put it: “Despite boarding early, I was greeted with eye rolls from the flight attendants when I attempted to find space for my carry on bag. They knew I was just a peon elite and didn’t think twice about giving me attitude.”

However, other anecdotes were more positive. A different member shared: “I was pleasantly surprised by howfriendly the gate agents were when they scanned my boarding pass. One said ‘Welcome back, Mr. Smith! We appreciate your loyalty. Enjoy your flight!’ It was a small gesture, but made me feel valued as a customer.”

A third member echoed: “Boarding early allowed me to snag coveted overhead bin space for my rollerboard. I knew if I had boarded later, I would've been forced to gate check my bag. Premier access boarding definitely saved me from that hassle.”

Based on the mixed experiences, it seemed premier access boarding was not a golden ticket to feeling like a VIP. While you get on the plane earlier, flight attendants don’t always prioritize economy elite passengers. However, there were some definite practical advantages like securing scarce overhead bin space.

Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front - Attempting to Score a Complimentary Drink in Coach

As I settled into my cramped seat in coach, I decided to test my elite status further by trying to score a free drink. After takeoff, I pressed the call button to summon a flight attendant. Once one arrived, I politely asked, "Excuse me, I have Silver status - is there any chance I could get a complimentary beer or wine?"

She gave me a thin smile and responded, "I'm so sorry sir, but we don't offer free alcoholic drinks to Silver members. Only our top-tier Platinum and Diamond elites receive drink vouchers." My face fell. Yet another perk that my mid-tier status apparently didn't qualify for.

According to other back-of-the-plane explorers on FlyerTalk forums, trying to score gratis drinks in coach as a low level elite is usually a fruitless endeavor. As userBizTravel69 lamented: "The flight attendant laughed in my face when I asked about a free beer as a Silver. She said 'In your dreams buddy!' Guess my status doesn't impress them."

However, userRoadWarrior23 had a more positive anecdote: "To my shock, the flight attendant took pity on me as a newly minted Gold member. She quietly handed me a couple of drink coupons and said 'Don't tell the other coach passengers, this is just for you!' So it is possible to get lucky sometimes."

And userUpInTheAir75 shared: "I've found it helps to ask nicely and explain you've had a long week on the road. Once I said 'It's been a rough work trip, could I possibly get a glass of wine on the house?' The flight attendant whispered 'Just this one time' and gave me a pour. Being polite and sympathizing with their job really helps."

Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front - Asking Politely For a First Class Snack Basket

As I settled back into my economy seat after striking out on a free drink, a tantalizing smell wafted back from first class - the warm, buttery aroma of fresh-baked cookies. My mouth watered as I eyed the lavish snack baskets being distributed to the pampered passengers up front. Could my elite status somehow score me one of those coveted baskets? It was time to run my final experiment.

When the flight attendant returned to the economy cabin, I gently waved her down. “Excuse me, I don’t mean to be a bother, but I was wondering if it might be possible to get one of those lovely snack baskets they’re handing out in first class? As a Silver elite member, I’d really appreciate anything you could do to help.”

She frowned slightly and responded, “I’m so sorry, but those are reserved exclusively for our first class passengers. I can offer you some pretzels or Biscoff cookies?” Deflated, I declined her offer - my status couldn’t even land me a few scraps from the first class snack basket.

According to FlyerTalk member BizClassDreaming, “When I asked about getting a snack basket as a Gold, the flight attendant laughed in my face. She said economy elites were absolutely not entitled to first class food per company policy.” Fellow member Coach4Lyfe agreed: “As soon as I requested a basket, she shut me down quick saying ‘If you want first class snacks, you have to pay for a first class ticket.’ No wiggle room at all.”

However, some elites did succeed through politeness and persistence. UserRetiredCEO shared, “I very nicely said if there were any extra snack baskets after all the first class passengers had been served, I would greatly appreciate one. Miraculously, at the end of the service, the flight attendant came by with a basket just for me!”

UserUpInTheSky78 had a similar experience: “I sweetly told the flight attendant I was celebrating a special occasion and asked if she could possibly spare a special treat. She gave me a knowing wink and said ‘Just don’t tell anyone.’ Five minutes later, she discreetly handed me a beautiful fruit and cheese plate. Being super polite and mentioning a special occasion seems to do the trick sometimes.”

Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front - Trying to Sneak Into the Priority Security Line

As I wandered through the terminal after striking out on free drinks and first class snacks, I came across something that gave me an idea - the priority security line reserved for elite frequent flyers, families with small children, and first class passengers. The regular line stretched back seemingly forever, while the priority line was completely empty. I figured with my Silver status, I had nothing to lose by trying to sneak in.

According to FlyerTalk member SecurityInsider, “Airport agents are usually on high alert looking for economy passengers attempting to jump the priority security line. They’ll turn you away in a heartbeat if you don’t have the appropriate credentials.”

Fellow member TSAHatesMe agreed: “Don’t even think of trying it without legitimate priority status. I tried flashing my Silver card once and the agent said ‘Nice try buddy, back of the line for you!’ Lesson learned.”

However, some economy elites have succeeded in accessing the priority queue. UserWindowSeat23 said, “I casually flashed my Gold card and pretended to be absorbed in my phone when nearing the priority entrance. It worked - the agent assumedisassumed I was entitled to use the line and waved me through!”

UserCoach4Days shared a similar anecdote: "I confidently strolled up to the priority lane, said 'How are you doing today?' and held up my lowly Silver card. The agent gave it only a cursory glance and said 'Have a good flight!' I couldn't believe I finessed my way into the priority line!”

Emboldened by those accounts, I decided to give it a shot when approaching the priority entrance. As nonchalantly as possible, I held up my Silver medallion and kept walking forward without making eye contact. To my utter shock, the agent gestured me in without question! I tried to conceal my glee as I sailed through the fast lane past all the regular passengers. For once, my pathetic status had really paid off.

Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front - Fishing for a Free Upgrade at the Gate

As I arrived at the gate for my flight, I decided to take one final shot at scoring an upgrade. While my elite status hadn't gotten me much so far, perhaps I could get lucky at the last minute if the flight wasn't full. According to many frequent flyer forums, fishing for a gate upgrade as a low-tier elite is very hit or miss. As FlyerTalk member CoachAspirant put it: "Scoring an upgrade at the gate feels like winning the lottery if you don't have top-tier status. Gate agents typically only handout upgrades to their Platinum and Diamond elites."

Fellow member Onceuponatimeinfirst agreed: "As a mere Silver, I've never had any luck convincing a gate agent to bump me up to first. Most of the time, they don't even make eye contact. To them, I barely exist as an elite."

However, some intrepid explorers have succeeded in snagging surprise upgrades, especially when flights aren't full. As BackofthePlaneDreaming described: "On a whim, I politely asked the agent, 'Any shot at bumping a Silver up to first today?' I was stunned when she smiled and handed me a new boarding pass. She said they had empty seats, so why not. Just like that, I was handed a golden ticket!"

User LivingTheHighLife expressed similar disbelief: "I figured it couldn't hurt to ask about an upgrade as boarding was finishing up. The agent had sympathy on me and said, 'You've had some long connections, let me see what I can do.' The next thing I know, I'm sipping champagne in first class! Sometimes it pays to ask."

While certainly not a sure thing, some key tips emerged for increasing your odds: Ask super politely, score sympathy points by mentioning long journeys, wait until the last minute when empty seats are more likely, find gate agents who aren't busy, and employ a heavy dose of luck. As UpintheSky78 put it: "It's a total roll of the dice, but hey, you can't win if you don't play. For us back of the plane folks, it's all about maximizing our chances and hoping for a little magic from the airline gods."

Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front - Checking Out the Luxurious First Class Cabin

After striking out on upgrades and freebies in coach, I decided to at least catch a glimpse of the promised land by taking a quick walk through the first class section. According to many back-of-the-plane warriors on FlyerTalk, it's worth experiencing first class at least vicariously when the curtains are open during boarding.

As BackofBusDreaming wrote: “I’ll often wander up front and check out the enormous leather seats, fancy meals, and top shelf booze. It’s fun to imagine actually sitting there one day.” Fellow coach resident LifeintheRear shared: “Seeing the pampered first class passengers get champagne and caviar makes me feel motivated to earn more miles and status.”

User LivingLaVidaUpFront provided an evocative description: “First class on long haul international routes is like entering a different world. Lay-flat pods with duvets and designer amenity kits, multi course meals with fine wines, even in-flight showers on some planes. Just watching the flight attendants pamper the lucky few makes me fantasize about living the high life someday.”

However, some back-of-plane explorers feel visiting first class only leads to frustration. As user Coach4Ever lamented: “Walking through first class just depresses me. The seats are like mini hotel suites while I’m jammed in a narrow seat with no legroom. The contrast is painful.” Fellow member BasicEconomyBlues agreed: “I try to avoid looking at first class entirely. Out of sight, out of mind. No point in coveting what I can’t afford.”

As I made my way through the luxurious cabin, I could understand both perspectives. While boarding, first class was a serene oasis compared to the cramped chaos of coach. The spacious leather seats with footrests and high seatbacks provided total privacy and comfort. The flight attendants offered champagne, warm towels, and personalized assistance stowing bags.

Each seat had a huge personal entertainment screen and premium noise-canceling headsets. The amenity kits stocked luxury cosmetics and skincare products. As the passengers settled in with smiles, I imagined how amazing it would feel to fly like that on every trip. No contorting into tiny seats or fighting for elbow room and bin space.

Time to See if My Cardboard Medallion Status Actually Gets Me Anything: A Back of the Plane Explorer's Journey to the Front - Reflecting on What Medallion Status Actually Means

As I settled into my cramped seat in coach for the flight home, I found myself reflecting on what my Silver medallion status really offered me as a frequent flyer. According to many of my fellow back-of-the-plane warriors on FlyerTalk, elite status means different things to different travelers based on their priorities and expectations.

For road warriors like user LivingInLounges, the airport perks that come with mid-tier status are invaluable: “As a Silver, I can access airport lounges when traveling internationally, which are an oasis of free food, comfy chairs, and WiFi. This makes long layovers bearable and saves me money.” Fellow frequent flyer OnTheRun22 agrees: “My main reason for maintaining Gold status is lounge access. Having a relaxed space to work or relax makes all those hours in airports and connections so much better.”

Others find that elite status offers a sense of recognition after countless flights in the cheap seats. As user CoachLifeExplained says, “I’ll never get upgraded to first class, but when the gate agent greets me by name and says ‘Thank you for your loyalty,’ it makes my Silver status feel worthwhile.” User BackoftheBusDreaming agrees: “It seems minor, but having airline employees recognize my status makes me feel valued as a customer after being ignored on countless economy flights.”

However, some frequent flyers feel medallion status is meaningless without actual first class upgrades. As user LivingtheHighLife puts it: “Without complimentary upgrades, elite status is useless in my opinion. Why strive for Silver or Gold if you never get bumped up from coach?” User FirstClassorBust agrees: “No upgrades, no free drinks or first class meals for mid-tier elites. Where is the value if I don't receive any true premium perks?”

Others note elite status may not offer the value it once did, as user BrandLoyalist laments: “Airline elite status ain't what it used to be. With all the cutbacks, it seems medallion members get nickeled and dimed just like everyone else these days.”

And user StatusSeeker45 notes the psychological component: “The role elite status plays depends on personal expectations. If you expect first class upgrades and preferential treatment as a Silver or Gold member, prepare for disappointment.”