[b1twise]

I used to skip the lounge access also, but its a nice perk. It has decent internet, some snacks until I eat on the plane, and foremost comfortable seating. I don't like a lot of noise around me as well, so its a break from the rest of the airport bustle. I fly business when available because many of my flights are 13hrs-ish. I'm oversized, so I literally have to fold myself up to fit within my space in coach. That's fine for 2hrs, but not more. I can't sleep sitting up. That's a long 13hrs staring at the seatback display of the plane going around the world.

I scored a mid-level membership once. I didn't go out of my way to do it. Nothing super good about it.

Oh, your luggage gets a priority tag and comes out first. In certain airports that can save an hour of your life.

But mostly its about accumulating miles on trips I'd be taking anyway. Essentially free upgrades, or entirely free flights. Just for joining their silly program. Why not?

I do the same with hotels.