
Well, sort of.
Speaking of status on airlines, I am reminded of something that happened a few weeks ago. Those of you who are amused by the Plane Princess and his outlook on travel since we began travel hacking may get a kick out of it. I know I did. He cracks me up. But then again, I am very easily amused. Those who aren't, feel free to scroll on by.
A couple of weeks ago I went to Antigua to teach CPR classes at some very nice resorts for the week. Neither of us had ever been there and DH was allowed to come with me on his own dime. So he took the week off from work. We flew in economy for a little over 3 hours. All business class seats were taken both ways so there was no option for the Plane Princess. He didn't complain but did mention how much he appreciates this hobby. Many people travel with just a carry on and sometimes we do too if we have crazy flight schedules and tight connections. No option for that on this trip since I had to bring lots of mannequins, a training defibrillator, first aid supplies etc. that would last for a week of classes. So, I have several large checked bags. When we got to the airport to depart home and check our bags there is a LOOOOOOONG line for economy passengers. We both looked at the line and went

We gave ourselves plenty of time but Plane Princess is concerned he will miss out on lounge time with that line

Then, we spot the priority line which is empty and as Plane Princess is bemoaning the idea of trudging through the economy line for who knows how long, he notices that the priority line is for business, first AND those who have status with AA

We have gold status! Don't ask me how, because I still don't know. I suspect it was paying for flights with gift cards, MR and UR points when we couldn't find award space with miles. The look of panic disappears from his face and is replaced with relief. We head to the priority line and there is one person being serviced at the counter so we are first in line. Plane Princess looks at the economy line then at me in desperation and says in a rush, "What do we need to do to maintain gold status for next year? I don't ever want to have to stand in a line like that if I can help it. I read something about mileage runs. What are those exactly? Do we need to do one? We can fly to Paris on a cheap flight if we have to and go hit the 2 parks over a weekend just to get in all 12 parks in the same year. Start looking for fare wars to Europe. 2 birds, one stone" I'm standing there listening to this verbal barrage

First it's lie flat seats, next was lounge access, then it's a preference for A380 planes, and now it's maintain the status we still don't quite know how we got. Sigh ...
The funniest thing about all this, at least to me, is that this is so completely out of character for him. He is the most laid back, easy going, low maintenance person I have ever met. He's not picky about anything, happily satisfied with everything. I'm the high maintenance one. But every rule has an exception and for him, it seems to be travel. I'd say I created a monster with this hobby, but that's not quite right. I've created a princess and I think he just earned his tiara.