Whether or not it's worth it will vary from person to person - like most things in life that people make blanket judgements about. If you don't travel much and fly a ton just for elite status. I travel a fair amount and sometimes I am just short of Gold Status and, one year, Gold 75K. I flew a few trips to get across that line. I picked routes carefully and watched for sales. For me I think it makes economic sense.

- I earn miles at double the the rate or even 125% the rate. Those save us a fortune helping our kids fly home from school. We used a bunch for medical trips and those alone made the "fluff trips" worthwhile and economical.

- We save a lot on not having to pay change fees - and our travels change suddenly a lot. The flexibility has a lot of value for me.

- As I get older the extra leg room is nice and makes the trip more standable and even the exit row seats are easier and cheaper to get if you are elite status.