United and JetBlue have taken another step toward a closer commercial relationship with the launch of reciprocal revenue bookings on each other’s flights, but the details of what is and isn’t available matter a great deal to MileagePlus members....
My Last Flight As A United Premier 1K…
An extended chapter of my life has come to an end, as I drop from a Premier 1K to a Premier Gold in the United MileagePlus program for the first time in many, many years. With a missed upgrade...
My Upgrade Dilemma On American Airlines
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...
