Besides the fact that you get a much more comfortable, spacious and private seat to stretch out in – there are many: No baggage fees. Priority check in. Priority security line passage. Priority boarding. Complimentary upper class lounge access, including complimentary food and drink. Complimentary (and often very good) in flight meal service. Finally, if you need to cancel an award ticket, your miles are, often fully refundable back to your frequent flyer account, with the payment of a modest reinstatement fee (typically $150-$250 per ticket). Compare this with the frustration of being stuck with a non-refundable ticket purchased from the airlines.