Two recent flights on American Airlines demonstrated that even AAdvantage Gold status would have been advantageous, though upgrading to first class makes far less sense when economy class is also empty. The Surprising Value Of AAdvantage Gold Status –...
I Tried Status-Free Airline, Hotel Free Agency And Hated It

After years of frustration with loyalty programs I proudly freed myself of the elite status grind. I hated it and came crawling back to both airline and hotel status. Why Chasing Status Had Run Its Course Every year the...
My 2026 Elite Status Strategy: Embracing Free Agency Across Airlines And Hotels

As we enter the new year, I’m doubling down on an elite status strategy that worked very well in 2025: free agency. This year, I will continue to fly carriers where the price and schedule make the most sense....
United Global Services Member Throws Fit After Family Boards Before Him

Flying in first class does not guarantee class, and holding elite airline status often seems to confer a sense of self-importance rather than actual importance. A recent United Airlines boarding incident illustrates that point perfectly. United Global Services Member...
Entitled United Passenger Demands Premier Benefits He No Longer Has

Sometimes you just have to laugh at the entitlement on display when a traveler demands benefits he no longer qualifies for and some he never qualified for. “Back Of The Line Fredo!” Entitled United Passenger Demands Premier Benefits He...
Earning United Premier 1K Status Exclusively Through Credit Card Spending

You can now (almost) earn Premier 1K status in the United Airlines MileagePlus program via credit card spending alone. There is one caveat, though, and an even larger red flag: it’s not worthwhile when you run the numbers. You...
United Airlines Grants Me 1K Status Extension…

United Airlines has extended my MileagePlus Premier 1K status for another year… How I Received A Premier 1K Status Extension From United Airlines When I wrote in late 2024 about how I was losing my United 1K status, some...
A Surprising End of Year Elite Status Review

Like many travelers, I’d given up on chasing elite status but as a result of travel and some backpedaling, I have a surprising 2024 end-of-year status review. If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t followed...
End Of An Era: United Airlines Makes It Easier For Me To Give Up 1K Status, Embrace Free Agency

The 2025 changes announced to United MileagePlus today confirm my already-made decision to abandon the hamster wheel of frequent flyer elite status. I’m sad, but somewhat relieved! The End Of My Era As A United Premier 1K Flyer Today,...
My 2024 Elite Status Progress Report

Welcome to August. Seven months down, five to go in 2024. I thought it would be a good day to take a look at my elite status progress report as I think about the rest of 2024. My Elite...
My 2023 Elite Status Report Card, Plus A Look Ahead

Today is the great reset. 2023 is out, 2024 is in, and most of my trackers reset today when it comes to elite status. Let’s review 2023 and look ahead to elite status in 2024…which (big surprise) is probably...
My 2023 Q4 Elite Status Progress Report

As we enter the final quarter of the year, I thought I’d provide an elite status progress report and my thoughts on what the rest of the year and 2024 may look like. My 2023 Final Quarter Elite Status...
Airline Status Seller BasisTravel Seemingly Shuts Down

Two weeks ago I posted about an airline status seller, BasisTravel.com, and its dubious offering. It seems they have now shut down. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com....
Shady Airline Status Seller, BasisTravel, Hurts Elite Challenges

A company is outright selling airline status matches and challenges through shady practices and it’s not good for elite loyalty members. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If...
Overheard: Marriott Bonvoy Lost A Lot Of Elites Last Year

Clients this week shared some information from a Marriott employee that suggested the brand had a significant drop off in Bonvoy elite status holders. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
Dropping The Ball On Hilton’s Diamond Status Challenge

Hilton offered a Diamond Status challenge to me and I completely dropped the ball, here’s why and what I intend to do about it. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
The Upsides To Losing Elite Status

For the first time in more than a decade, I’ll enter next year with almost no elite status, but there are upsides to that too. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
My Grim Midyear Elite Status Progress Report

As we enter the second half of the year, I stand in a very dangerous position. Will this be the year I lose all my cherished elite status? My 2022 Midyear Elite Status Progress Report Here we are are...
Nearly Free Status With American Airlines Loyalty Points

I had written off American Airlines’ new Loyalty Points, and frankly, the airline until I found this way to cheaply and quickly earn status and points. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
I Lost My American Airlines Executive Platinum Status And I May Just Ditch All Status…

Here we are in April and my travel year is shaping up to be so different than I could have ever imagined. The bad news: I just lost my Executive Platinum elite status with American Airlines and dropped three...

