I enter 2021 with top-tier status on both American Airlines and United Airlines as well as with Hyatt. But where I end 2021 is an open question…and at this point I’m in no rush to make a decision. Elite...
Loyalty Program Elite Status Winners and Losers
While elite status seems inconsequential during the coronavirus crisis, some programs came out on top while others lagged behind. This is the loyalty program elite status winners and losers. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
I’m Sitting Pretty On Elite Status For 2021…
Thanks to an unexpected gift from my preferred hotel chain and airline, I don’t have to set foot on another airplane or hotel this year and will still enjoy top-tier status until at least early 2022. After initially resisting...
Airlines: Remember Those Elite Travelers You Didn’t Need?
Airlines ramped up elite status qualifications over the last few years because they had too many elite travelers. But now, they need them more than ever, are they remorseful? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
My Airline + Hotel Status Goals For 2020
Two unexpected twists may make 2020 a different year of pursuing status than in years past. Let’s start with hotels and then move to airlines. 2020 Hotel Status I hold elite status in three hotel programs: Hyatt Globalist (through...
The Case For, Against Airline Loyalty
Following unwanted management changes at United and unrequited management changes at American, I am re-examining my airline loyalty. Here are the arguments for and against holding loyalty status. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
Hyatt’s “Surprise and Delight” Does Just That
Hyatt began running a “surprise and delight” campaign for Globalist members of the hotel chain’s World of Hyatt program. The promotion is accomplishing its stated goal. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Keeping United 1K Status via Honolulu
Maintaining my United 1K Status is very important to me and my family. For the last year, distance flown matters more than just money spent (and segments) which means I have one more true mileage run, this year via...
Lifetime Status: My Pursuits and Results
After traveling for an extended period of time, annual qualifications become a forgone conclusion, but lifetime status overtakes the annual goal. Here are my hotel and airline lifetime progressions and why I seek them. If you are considering booking...
Is the Great American Airlines Elite Evacuation Underway?
Signs from United and Delta, combined with performance issues with American point to a possibility that elites are starting to leave American Airlines after the summer of discontent. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Should I Reconsider My Hong Kong Status Run?
Not usually one to shy away, especially not from my favorite city in the world, Hong Kong protests have me reconsidering my United status run. Should I? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
Premium Economy Best Way to Qualify For Status
Last week I wrote about the need for a status run on United to maintain my 1K status. It’s clear that Premium Economy is the best way to re-qualify on seemingly any US airline. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
American Airlines Loses Revenue By Restricting Systemwide Upgrade Availability
American Airlines previously offered excellent availability of their eVIPs or systemwide upgrades (SWUs) distributed to elite Executive Platinum flyers. Restricting access to premium space and halving the number of eVIPs given out should lead to more cash with fewer...
A Year As United 1K and American Executive Platinum
Following a status match last year from American Airlines Executive Platinum to United 1K, I flew both side-by-side. My personal experience was surprising and foretells where I will spend my time next year. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for...
American Airlines Gold Status? No Thanks.
I have not flown a single flight on American Airlines this year. Nevertheless, I received an offer this week to buy up to Gold status for 2019. You might recall that I earned nearly enough AA miles last year...
Elite Status Is About More Than Upgrades
As the year closes, some elite travelers book unnecessary trips or hotel nights to maintain or “level up” their status. Some argue that status is just priority boarding and upgrades that don’t clear, causing irrational expenditure. But elite status...
Mid-Year Status Update – Surprising Results
For the first time since I became a serious frequent flyer, I am carefully tracking all of my traveling metrics for elite status. Every flight and hotel stay is logged and I am sharing my results – my expectations didn’t...
My Mid-Year Status Progress Report (Hotel + Airline)
We’re halfway through the year and I’m happy to report I’m right on target for top-tier status on one airline and one hotel chain. How about you? This year, I’m focusing on 1K status on United and Globalist status...
Free Agent Is The Best Status to Hold
After years of chasing status (I still do), sometimes being a Free Agent when it comes to choosing your travel product is the most liberating of all. While I still hold elite status, on a recent trip my family...
Why Are Miles & Segments Still Required?
Over the last five years, airlines have changed the requirements for reaching elite status from a certain number of miles flown to that component plus revenue from tickets. The airlines have all made clear that they want to reward...
