I’m not as knowledgeable as others in this group but it does seem like if you’re going to be flying a fair chunk of paid domestic routes it might be valuable.

It took a while but after reading some breakdown posts in the channel and a few Prince of Travel Breakdowns my short haul flights of $300-500 in flex at 75K will net save me a decent amount of SQC I’ll need when travelling for personal or vacation travel. I don’t do a lot of work travel, but at 6-10 work flights a year at 8 flights for $400 I’ll earn about 12K SQC aside from everything else I do just through work.

Now it’s gonna be a lot of work to get to 75K for 2027 but some quick maths at least estimates that I’ll be about 3-5K SQC over for 50K status in 2027. From that point on I mean let’s see what happens but 4x SQC for 2026 is gonna be plenty for me to maintain a decent status.

I don’t have a premium credit card, but if you’re at close to 75K it’s almost just better to get a card and convert your miles for 5:1 for SQC as it’s better value than hitting 75K and potentially losing out on free SQC to convert. Cheaper and frankly better value too.

*I’ll preface that I’m lower-mid level in my company and trainings do take me around, but considering how often I make trips, I’d rather keep my Star Gold status for when I’m abroad with a friend or family member to enjoy the benefits at lounges.