Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with new information.
At TPG, we love the benefits of elite status. These include first-class upgrades, dedicated customer service support, waived change fees, and more.
However, if we look at it objectively, does the elite status of the airlines deserve it right now? This question is especially difficult to answer in today’s travel landscape: Upgrades are getting harder and harder, and there are occasional operational failures and packed planes.
Here are the arguments for and against making another spin on the elite status hamster wheel.
Why is elite status not worthy?
Many elite benefits overlap with credit card benefits
Key benefits of airline elite status are often things like free upgrades, priority check-in, early boarding, and free checked baggage. However, one branded airline credit card may reflect many of these privileges.
For about $100 per year, you can get a midsize airline pass and enjoy many of the same benefits, plus discounts on in-flight purchases (a perk not even offered to members). elite member).
The United Explorer card even provide Prize expansion for cardholders, usually for elite members, as well as a pair of disposable cards United Club pass each year.
Meanwhile, more premium airline cards, as well as premium travel rewards card alike Platinum Card® from American Expressoffers even more benefits, including access to lounges in some cases – something elite members often don’t even get unless they have a pre-flight ticket.
Some airline cards, such as Delta SkyMiles® Pre-booked American Express Card and Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit cardeven reward cardholders every year companion flight certificate (although their terms vary widely between cards); Even elite members often don’t get these certifications simply for the sake of status.
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Considering that even the lower tiers of elite airline status typically require a few thousand dollars in annual spending, it might be better to pay a flat annual fee for one of these cards and guaranteed access to the perks that matter to you without having to go out of your way to pursue status.
Upgrading is still difficult
The other problem is that many airlines have automatically extended elite status, meaning many travelers are still eligible to upgrade. Example: Automatic Delta Air Lines extend all elite status to January 2023.
In addition, those who have won the status with lower thresholds that airlines launched last year are now joining the competition.
Add in the airlines that sell more premium seats, potentially bringing in as many dollars as possible, and you have a limited “free” upgrade.
For example, Delta often offers an upgrade to first class at a discounted price until one day before departure. TPG senior news editor Clint Henderson recently received an upgrade to first class on a flight from San Francisco to Salt Lake City for just 9,900 Delta SkyMiles or $99 cash. (He jumped on the mile upgrade for that price.)
Then there’s the matter of everyone who tries to use certificate upgrade has been renewed during the pandemic. So you usually try to use them and the airlines simply don’t offer upgrade seats for elite members. Both Delta and American AirlinesFor example, it can be quite stingy with the release of upgrade inventory – something that couldn’t get better during the pandemic.
Airlines have eliminated change fees for everyone
While often overshadowed by more glamorous perks like free upgrades and lounge access, for a long time one of the most valuable perks of elite status was flexibility. higher.
Most elite statuses offer some form of day-shifting benefits. Some status levels even offer exemptions ticket change/cancellation fee. This perk can save you hundreds of dollars as it effectively lets you keep your ticket for as long as you need it to.
However, these benefits are hardly relevant as many airlines have eliminated those fees. You can now change or cancel most award and premium tickets for free, and the award tickets are essentially refunded.
Likewise, United now offers same day free standby for all passengers, allowing you to easily switch to an earlier flight.
Sure, free same-day changes – usually for elite members – are nice to have, but they’re probably not worth the status pursuit.
Why elite status can still be worth it
If you are pursuing a top level position
As discussed, it’s fairly easy to replicate the benefits of low- and mid-tier elite status with a branded airline credit card. The top elite status, however, is a different story.
Top tier elite members typically receive some tangible reward for qualifying for status, such as an upgrade certificate or the ability to give top tier status to others. Upgrading is also more likely to be obvious as these elite members are at the top of the status food chain.
Also, sometimes the top tier elite members are treated significantly better and can sometimes be moved between doors during times of tight connection.
Finally, many of the best airport lounges (especially first class lounges) are usually only available to first class customers and first class elite members – you usually can’t use them with a credit card or membership. waiting room staff.
Related: Is it worth the lifelong pursuit of elite status?
Better customer service
You will get much better customer service as a top elite member. Stage = Stage.
Typically, elite members can access dedicated phone service numbers. Or, the airline will recognize the elite member’s phone number and forward them to elite phone agents; this gives them quicker access to help, or it can allow them to skip the line entirely. The rules that apply to the accounts of these valuable customers can also be … more flexible.
TPG recognizes that waiting times can exceed three hours in 2021, and during the system’s disintegration, this could still happen today. Our employees with elite status on Delta rarely have to wait this long. You can’t put a price on your precious time and elite status will save you time and patience.
Related: 9 Hours Waiting: Here’s Why Retention Time Is So Bad
You will also be given priority in occasional activities. It was another big problem last summer when unsettled weather and activity led to mass flight cancellations for airlines such as Spirit Airlines and American Airlines. In 2022, Delta and other airlines ran into their own summer travel problems resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations.
Not only will calls from top elite members be answered faster, but they’ll often be given top priority when rebooking. Those with status get to choose the new flight first if they are facing cancellations. Oftentimes, major airlines will even re-register top elite members over competitors just to keep their most loyal/valuable customers.
It’s still easier to make money in 2022
While elite status may not seem as valuable as it once was, it is also becoming more attainable than ever.
Due to the pandemic, most airlines lower their 2021 elite qualification requirements. We’ve seen less leniency in 2022, but we’ve seen Delta scores all qualifying miles for the 2021 Medals until 2022. Not to mention, United give away free Premier Qualifier points in early 2022, and American gave elite members extra time to qualify for status as it transitioned to Loyalty Points.
In addition, frequent flyer programs have provided supporting promotions, such as rewards for passengers. Double Elite Miles on flights. For example, Southwest Airlines is running some year-end promotions for Class A status; that is retroactively reward points for some bonus flights and is offering double class points on flights taken before 30 November.
All of this before looking at the elite status shortcuts offered by branded airline credit cards.
Even in normal times, many airline credit cards allow cardholders to earn incremental credits towards status through their spending. And with American’s move to Loyalty Points, you can get status without even setting foot on a plane.
Related: The best credit cards to start elite status
Key point
The value of airline elite status ultimately depends on how well you use it and the value you get from it.
For most people, the pursuit of airline elite status probably won’t be worth much. You can easily replicate many of the perks that a low- or even mid-range elite traveler would enjoy by keeping the right credit card and occasionally buying an upgrade to first class. Or, you can simply book a business or first class ticket and not have to worry about an upgrade at all.
That said, there are some exceptions for those who are true road warriors and can achieve top elite status. Flying as a flagship airline is still a different experience than it is without it. Likewise, between the reduced qualifications and promotions offered this year, it may be worth the crossing if you just cross the finish line; Various pathways to status opened up this year through converted miles, credit card spending and other promotions.
So is the airline’s elite status worth it? It’s certainly possible – but only if you can get to a relatively high level without trying too hard or spending too much.
Additional reporting by Andrew Kunesh.
