All for the points! Is achieving airline status really worth it?

Airline status. That elusive, coveted badge of honor that promises a world of perks: free checked bags, priority boarding, and of course, the holy grail – those coveted upgrades. But what lengths are we willing to go to gain points to achieve this coveted status?

For me, it involved a truly absurd journey: a 45-minute flight from Chicago to Milwaukee.

Yes, you read that right.

A mere 45-minute hop.

Why, you ask? Because every mile counts, and those precious qualifying miles were within reach. So, I found myself on a tiny plane, enduring a 2.5-hour delay, all for the sake of a few extra points.

Looking back, it was undeniably ridiculous. With the delay, most patrons simply caught the train to Chicago - 1.5 hours directly to the city! But I needed that final flight leg to propel me into the next category of status, all before the end of the calendar year, which was a frustrating debate in my head. Do I just let it go, and continue on for the next year, starting from scratch, satisfied with some mild benefits that I'd achieved already? I decided it was worth the pricey flight (albeit 1 way) and get the flight to a destination that was as close as possible, and as cheap as possible, and endure the pain of this frustrating delay!

But guess what? It paid off.

That seemingly insignificant flight catapulted me into a new tier of status. And let me tell you, the rewards are real. Just last week, I got to access the lounge due to my new status, and then subsequently got pulled out of my economy seat and into the first class cabin. This was a good result, and worth that 2.5 hr delay. Suddenly, I see those long-haul journeys being transformed into a luxurious experience, which makes flying all the better!

So, while my Milwaukee misadventure may sound absurd, it serves as a reminder of the lengths we go to for a little bit of comfort and luxury.

What's the silliest thing you've done to achieve airline status?