So what exactly is elite status in travel – and how can I get it?

Airlines, hotels, and other travel providers offer loyalty programs to encourage travelers to book with them. Then the more you travel with a brand, the more elite you can reach, and that often translates into extra perks and rewards, like free hotel breakfasts, room upgrades and seats and other perks.

We use the term “elite status” often, but some travelers aren’t sure what it really means. In this article, we will explain the basics of elite status and how you can get it, then we will share other ways to get elite benefits without going to the location. taste.

What is elite status?

Elite status is the term used for members who have gone beyond the basic membership of the loyalty program.

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Often, you can achieve higher levels of elite status based on your spending with a brand and its partners, how often you book and sometimes through other activities.

Sometimes, you’ll get elite status simply by having a co-branded credit card.

Airline loyalty programs

Many airlines offer elite status to travelers who fly frequently with them and their partners.

In the past, you used to earn elite status by flying a certain number of miles or taking a certain number of flights with an airline and its partners every year. However, many airlines have overhaul their frequent flyer programs in recent years to reward spending (buying airline tickets, with a branded credit card, etc.) instead of simply flying.

For example, American Airlines recently implemented Loyalty Score as its sole measure of elite status. You earn Loyalty Points whenever you earn base miles.

This means – in addition to flying – you’ll earn one Loyalty Point for every dollar you spend on an American branded credit card like Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. Likewise, you can earn for shopping through America’s shopping portalwhen you rent a car with one of their car rental partners or take advantage of other earning opportunities.

Elite status benefits from airlines include things like free upgrades, priority boarding, free checked baggage, and higher mileage accrual rates on flights. Some programs also include free lounge access, free checked baggage, and free changes.

While most credit cards won’t automatically help you achieve airline elite status, some make it easier to qualify. For example, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card earn up to 20,000 Medallion Miles per year based on your spending.

Hotel loyalty programs

Hotel chains also encourage frequent stays through their loyalty programs.

Members can achieve elite status in a variety of ways, depending on the program. Some metrics include how many stays or nights you book per year, how many points you earn based on your stay, how much you spend on branded credit cards, or even if you just carry a branded credit card, in some cases.

The higher your elite status, the more privileges you receive when staying at the hotel chain. Depending on your plan and status level, perks can include earning points for your stay, free upgrades, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, lounge access, and the ability give status to friends or family.

Some hotel credit cards, such as World of Hyatt credit card, which gives Auto Discoverer elite status and maintains credits just for carrying them. This type of benefit can be a great starter if you want to earn even higher status levels than you normally would through your stay. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card even auto expansion Diamond status – the highest level of Honorable Hilton typically requires completion of 30 stays or 60 nights in a calendar year – is one of its benefits.

Information about the Hilton Aspire card has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Car and yacht rental loyalty programs

Other travel agencies also offer elite status benefits in their loyalty programs. Depending on how valuable or helpful customers find these benefits, they may be compelling enough to induce travelers to book with one brand over another, even by doing so. may be more costly.

Car rental elite status allows certain people to avoid certain fees, enjoy free category upgrades and earn more points. In some cases, car rental elites also have a wider selection of vehicles to choose from. While car rental companies don’t have their own branded credit cards, some premium travel credit cards offer car rental elite status as a benefit. You can even match certain airline statuses with rental car programs.

Some cruise ship loyalty program also offers elite status to the best clients. While lackluster in the lower tiers, higher tiers can offer enticing perks like free drinks, priority service, free laundry, and special events.

Elite status versus credit card benefits

Many travel credit cards offer automatic elite status or similar benefits. Best of all, you don’t have to take multiple flights or spend dozens of nights in hotels to access them.

Many card elite benefits are available immediately once your card is approved. However, in some cases, you have to manually enable the privileges before using it.

Some of the benefits of an elite or elite credit card may include:

• Automatic elite status. If you’re an occasional traveler, reaching elite status can be challenging. Some travel credit cards include automatic elite status (or spend-through elite status) so you can enjoy the perks of elite status starting with your first booking.
• Access to airport lounges. Some premium travel credit card including one free Select priority card member for access to airport lounges around the world. Some offer unlimited usage, while others include only a handful of hits. Some airline cards also extend their membership or access to specific airport lounges.
• Free checked bag. Many airline credit cards allow cardholders to check baggage free of charge on a branded carrier – but pay particular attention to terms regarding the amount of baggage, your travel companions, and whether you need it. pay for tickets by card or not.
• Priority boarding. Likewise, many airline credit cards include priority boarding among their perks.

People with Platinum Card® from American Express can get privileges when pre-booking through the issuer Good Hotel + Resort portal. Elite-level benefits include early check-in, late check-out, free upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and at least $100 worth of experience credits. Plus, some bookings include a free night for extra savings. An annual $200 credit for Platinum cardholders can be combined with these stays.

Hotel Collection

Hotel Collection is a scaled-down version of Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts, available for both Amex Platinum and American Express® Gold Card members. When you book, you’ll receive a free upgrade and $100 worth of resort credit. Some hotel deals include a free night, free breakfast, or both.

Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Service

Mastercard offers its own hotel booking portal that offers elite-like benefits. When you book in advance Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Service, you’ll get free daily breakfast, a special up to $100 worth of amenities, and a room upgrade. Guests can also take advantage of early check-in and late check-out during their stay.

Visa Luxury Hotel Collection

Visa also has a hotel booking program that offers exclusive benefits to eligible credit card holders. There are more than 900 luxury hotels around the world participating in Visa Luxury Hotel Collection. When you book through this service, you get some premium benefits at no extra cost. These benefits include automatic upgrades, free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, $25 dining credit, and late check-out.