7 Unexpected Benefits of Maintaining Frequent Flyer Status

Delta Air Lines recently caused a bit of a stir when it announced changes to its SkyMiles® frequent flyer program. Starting January 1, 2024, Delta is reducing lounge access for all but the highest spenders, and Delta passengers will no longer be able to earn actual “miles” for being frequent fliers. Instead, Delta’s elite status can only be achieved by paying cash.

While other airlines are still offering frequent flyer miles for actual flights, Delta’s changes were widely seen as an ominous sign. Will airlines begin making harder deals with their most loyal customers? As the air travel landscape changes, airport lounges are becoming more crowded and the rules for qualifying as an airline are becoming more confusing. Some industry observers are starting to question whether it’s worth your personal finances to maintain frequent flyer status.

There is no easy way to decide whether to keep or cancel your frequent flyer membership. Breaking up is difficult. This is especially true for major airlines that have been flying for many years. It all depends on how often you fly and which airline has the most flights from your home airport or the most flights to your preferred destination. The decision to keep or ditch your frequent flyer status may depend on how much you spend on airline credit cards and partner travel rewards cards and how much value (financial, emotional, etc.) you’re getting from these benefits. airline.

But even though airline rule changes can be unclear and frustrating, don’t be too quick to cut up your frequent flyer membership card. Earning elite status with an airline is still one of the best ways to enhance your travel experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the unexpected benefits of having frequent flyer elite status.

1. Elite status of partner airlines

Being an elite frequent flyer doesn’t just give you additional benefits on your major airline. It can also open up a wider world of possibilities for you to get deals and privileges on other airlines in your airline alliance.

For example, AAdvantage Gold® status also offers oneworld® RubySM status. American Airlines Elite status allows you to gain priority service and other experiences on oneworld’s international partner airlines, such as British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and more.

2. Bonus miles

Earn elite airline status so you can earn frequent flyer miles faster than ever before. That’s because airlines often offer bonus miles to their elite status customers. Think of it like compound interest on your mileage.

For example, United Airlines offers Premier Silver members bonus miles worth seven times the amount they would typically earn by booking fares. Premier Gold members earn 8x the mileage and Premier Platinum members earn 9x the mileage. Once you earn enough miles to earn elite status, it becomes easier to continue earning frequent flyer miles and maintain elite status. Circular logic, but in a good way! Isn’t that a privilege worth maintaining?

3. Bonus points to start the new year

Once you achieve elite status with an airline, it doesn’t last forever. You must continue to accumulate enough loyalty points or credits to maintain your status in subsequent years. Some airlines make this easier by offering status-earning bonus points upfront to start the new year.

For example, at the start of a new program year, United offers existing Premier members a “PQP Deposit,” which is bonus Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs). This is a great start to achieving your elite status goals for the new year.

4. Same-day flight change

Some levels of elite airline status make it easier to change flights if your plans change. American Airlines AAdvantage® Platinum offers same-day standby priority, and Platinum Pro® offers free same-day flight changes.

5. Lots of free checked baggage

Are you tired of packing light? Elite airline status allows you to live in luxury, packing all your extra socks, power tools, or even an actual kitchen sink. American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum status gives you two free checked bags, and higher levels get you three free checked bags. Don’t worry about baggage fees anymore!

6. Free upgrade for companions

Earning elite airline status isn’t just good for you. Family and friends can also help you have a better flying experience. This is because many airlines offer free upgrades to their companions even if they are not elite status members.

For example, United Airlines allows companions to receive the same upgrades they qualify for at any level of Premier® status. But keep in mind that there are some limitations. If your companion is traveling on an award ticket, they cannot upgrade for free.

7. Priority customer service

People love to complain about airline customer service. This is especially true in extreme situations such as weather delays or mass cancellations. If you’re afraid of getting stuck at the airport or having to wait in line for hours at an understaffed ticket counter, earning elite airline status may be the right move.

American Airlines AAdvantage® offers priority service and reservation assistance for all elite levels, from Gold to Executive Platinum. As an elite status customer, airlines are more likely to pamper you and take extra steps to ensure your trip runs smoothly. When delays and cancellations occur, elite status is like back-up travel insurance to help you get on your flight as quickly as possible.

Earning elite status with an airline isn’t easy, cheap, or complicated. You’ll need to fly and make a lot of purchases, navigate complex frequent flyer program rules, and be strategic about how you spend money on your airline credit card. However, achieving and maintaining elite airline status is often worth the effort. These unexpected benefits of frequent flyer status make it difficult to leave.

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