What exactly is elite travel status — and how can I get it?

Citi is an advertising partner of TPG.

Airlines, hotels and other travel service providers offer loyalty program to encourage travelers to book with them. Then, the more you travel and spend with a brand, the more elite status you can achieve, which translates into additional perks and rewards, such as free breakfast at hotelUpgrade rooms and seats and many other benefits.

We often use the term “elite status,” but some travelers aren’t sure what it means. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of elite status and how you can achieve it; we’ll also share other ways to get elite benefits without “status.”

Related: The World’s Best Hotel Rewards Programs: Which One is Right for You?

What is elite status?

Elite status is the term given to members who have reached a higher level than basic membership in a loyalty program.

You can often achieve higher incentive levels based on spending with a brand and its partners, booking frequency, and sometimes through other activities.

You can also get elite status just by having suitable credit card.

Airline loyalty program

Many airlines offer priority travel to frequent flyers and their partners.

In the past, you would typically earn elite status by flying a certain number of miles or taking a certain number of flights with an airline and its partners each year. However, many airlines have recently revamp their frequent flyer programs to reward spending (on airfare, with co-branded credit cards, etc.) rather than simply flying.

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

This means that — in addition to flying — you’ll earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent for every eligible AAdvantage mile earned from purchases on American Airlines Co-Branded Credit Card like Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see prices and fees). Similarly, you can earn when you shop through US shopping portalRent a car with one of our car rental partners or take advantage of other money making opportunities.

Elite benefits from airlines can include free upgrades, priority boarding, free checked baggage, and higher miles accrual rates on flights.

While most credit cards don’t automatically earn you airline elite status, some cards make it easier to qualify. Delta has revamped the way its credit cards help card members earn elite status with a metric: Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs).

For example, if you keep Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardYou’ll earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent on the card in a calendar year, and there’s no limit to how many MQDs you can earn through card spending. Cardholders will also receive an MQD boost of 2,500 MQDs each year that qualifies for medallions. Basically, if you spend a lot on this card, you can earn SkyMiles elite membership without having to travel.

Related: Complete Guide to Airlines Matches and Challenges 2024

Hotel loyalty program

Hotel chains also encourage frequent stays through loyalty programs.

Members can earn elite status in a variety of ways, depending on the program. Some metrics include the number of stays or nights you book each year, the number of points you earn based on your stays, how much you spend on a co-branded credit card, or if you own a certain co-branded credit card.

The higher your elite status, the more benefits you’ll receive when staying at a hotel chain. Depending on the program and your status level, benefits may include earning rewards points on stays, free room upgrades, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, lounge access, and the ability to gift status to friends or family.

Some hotel credit cards, such as World of Hyatt Credit Cardoffers complimentary Discoverist elite status and five qualifying night credits (which count toward your next status level). This benefit can be a great starting point if you want to achieve higher status levels than usual through stays.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card provided to cardholders free of charge Diamond status — the top floor of Hilton Honors Typically requires completing 30 separate stays, staying 60 nights, or earning 120,000 base points in a calendar year.

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

Cruise and car rental loyalty programs

Other types of travel companies also offer elite status benefits in their loyalty programs. Depending on how valuable or useful these benefits are to customers, they may be compelling enough to entice travelers to book with one brand over another, even if it may be more expensive.

Elite status of car rental service allow some people to avoid certain fees, enjoy free category upgrades, and earn more points. In some cases, elite members of car rental services also have a wider selection of vehicles to choose from. While car rental companies don’t have their own co-branded credit cards, some premium travel credit card offers car rental elite status as a benefit. You can even suitable for some airline status to car rental programs.

Some cruise line loyalty program also offer elite status to their best customers. While not as prominent at lower tiers, higher tiers can offer enticing perks like free drinks, priority service, free laundry, and special events.

Related: National Emerald Club: A Guide to Earning, Redeeming, and Achieving Elite Status with the Car Rental Loyalty Program

Elite Status vs. Credit Card Benefits

Many of the best travel credit cards offer automatic elite status or similar benefits. Best of all, you don’t have to take multiple flights or stay dozens of hotel nights to enjoy them.

Many card benefits are available immediately after you are approved for your card. However, in some cases, you must manually activate the benefits before using them.

Some of the benefits offered to elite or elite-like credit cards may include:

• Automatic elite status: If you’re an occasional traveler, achieving elite status can be a challenge. Some travel credit cards include automatic elite status (or elite status through spending) so you can enjoy elite status perks starting with your first booking.
• Airport lounge access: Some premium travel credit card includes a free Priority Pass Select Membership airport lounge access worldwide. Some offer unlimited usage, while others only include a limited number of visits. Some airline cards also extend membership or lounge access at their specific airport.
• Free checked baggage:Many airline credit cards allow cardholders to check bags for free on affiliated carriers — but pay special attention to the terms regarding the number of bags, travel companions, and whether you need to pay for your ticket with the card to take advantage of this benefit.
• Priority boarding:Many airline credit cards include priority boarding as a cardholder benefit.

How to Get Premium Hotel Perks Without an Elite Membership

If you don’t have an elite hotel membership, you can still get the same benefits simply by booking through these sites, even if it’s your first time booking.

Luxury Hotels + Resorts

Those who have The Platinum Card® from American Express can receive exclusive privileges when booking through the issuer Luxury Hotels + Resorts portal. Elite benefits include early check-in, late check-out, complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and at least $100 in experience credits. Plus, some bookings include a free night for extra savings. Up to a $200 annual credit for Platinum cardholders can be combined with these stays. Registration required.

Hotel Collection

Hotel Collection is the Amex mini-version of Fine Hotels + Resorts, available for both Amex Platinum and American Express® Gold Card member. You’ll receive a free room upgrade when available, early check-in and late check-out when available, and a $100 resort credit to spend on qualifying resort activities, dining, and spa services when you book. Some hotel perks also include a free night, free breakfast, or both.

Capital One Premier Collection

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card And Capital One Venture X Business Cardholders can enjoy hotel benefits when booking Premier Collection properties through Capital One Travel. Benefits include earning 10 miles per dollar, early check-in and late check-out when available, room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and on-site experience credits (worth up to $100) to use during your stay.

The last line

Gaining elite membership with your favorite airline, hotel, or other travel programs can improve your travel experience.

Elite status can unlock free travel faster with points or miles, depending on the specific loyalty program. Elite members also receive valuable perks like upgrades and priority service at the airport or hotel. Eligibility for Elite status varies by program, but some credit cards can help you get there faster based on your spending or even just being a cardholder.

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