Summary

  • Alaska Airlines offers MVP Gold status for life when reaching one million miles flown, offering premium upgrades and waived fees.
  • American Airlines provides AAdvantage Gold status when hitting one million miles flown, with free checked bags and upgrades.
  • The Delta Air Lines Million Miler program grants unique gifts and exclusive rewards to members at different million-mile milestones.

As the name suggests, the Million Miler status can be earned by traveling a million miles. While it may seem a far-fetched target, it can certainly be achieved with some determination and consistency towards a specific airline. But once achieved, it generally means having some kind of elite status throughout the lifetime of the carrier’s loyalty program.

While the Million Miler program varies by airline, most achievers do receive perks like priority check-in and boarding, complimentary seat selection, and sometimes free upgrades, too. Simple Flying explores the US airlines that offer the Million Miler program and its benefits.

1

Alaska Airlines Million Miler

Calculated based on the actual distance flown on Alaska Airlines flights

  • One million miles flown: MVP Gold status
  • Two million miles flown: MVP Gold 75K status

Notable Gold status benefits

  • Complimentary first and premium upgrades (plus companion)
  • Four guest upgrades annually
  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Two free checked bags (plus companions)
  • Priority security, seating, phone line
  • Discounted Alaska Lounge membership

The Alaska Airlines Million Miler Program calculates the actual distance flown by the passenger on Alaska Airlines’ metal. As a million-mile achiever, the MVP Gold status stays for life, with several benefits. Members can also share their elite status for life with a household member. A nomination must be submitted to the airline with the household member information, which takes up to six weeks to process.

Alaska Airlines shutterstock_1574673760

Photo:  VDB Photos | Shutterstock

Apart from priority everything, million-mile holders also get a 100% mileage bonus, premium and first class upgrades, and several fees waived. Reach the two million mark with the airline and get the MVP Gold 75K status for life, bringing even more frequent benefits. Mileage members can view and manage their mile balance and progress in the Alaska Mileage Plan account.

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2

American Airlines Million Miler

Calculated based on the actual distance flown

  • One million miles flown: AAdvantage Gold status for the life of the program plus 35,000 bonus miles
  • Two million miles flown: AAdvantage Platinum status for the life of the program plus four one-way systemwide upgrades
  • Each subsequent million: Four additional systemwide upgrades

Notable Gold and Platinum Elite Benefits

  • Automatic flight upgrades
  • Automatic companion upgrades
  • Mileage bonuses
  • Free checked bag
  • Discounted Admirals Club membership

Additional Benefits for Platinum

  • Additional free checked bag
  • Oneworld business and frequent flyer lounge access
  • Oneworld priority boarding and security

The American Airlines Million Miler Program calculates the actual distance, in miles, flown by the passenger on American Airlines and its affiliates. Base miles flown on partner airlines also count towards the Million Miler status.

American Airlines 737s on the taxiway

Photo: American Airlines

Apart from priority, Gold and Platinum members also receive automatic flight upgrades, companion upgrades, free checked bags, mileage bonuses, and more. Platinum members also enjoy a free checked bag, oneworld priority boarding and security, and oneworld business and frequent flyer lounge access. Every subsequent million miles after achieving the Platinum provides four additional upgrades.

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3

Delta Air Lines Million Miler

Calculated based on the actual distance flown, excluding Basic Economy tickets

  • One million miles flown: Gold Medallion status for the program’s lifetime.
  • Two million miles flown: Platinum Medallion status for the program’s lifetime.
  • Three and four million miles flown: Diamond Medallion status for the program’s lifetime.
  • Five or more million miles flown: Delta 360 for the program’s lifetime.

The Delta Air Lines Million Miler Program also calculates the actual distance, in miles, flown by the passenger but excludes travel on Basic Economy fares. Members reaching the Million Miler status get to choose a gift from a unique selection, including a personalized wine set and backpack.

United Airlines and Delta Airlines aircraft at Portland International Airport.

Photo: Jonathan Park | Shutterstock

New million milers are also rewarded with special bag tags and complimentary annual Silver Medallion Status, enabling even more benefits. Notable benefits of Gold and Platinum members are complimentary upgrades, SkyTeam Elite status, expedited baggage service, and SkyTeam lounge access. The Diamond members also receive complimentary CLEAR membership, 3 Choice benefits, and President’s Circle Hertz status.

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4

United Airlines Million Miler

Calculated based on the actual distance flown on United and United Express flights

  • One million miles flown: Premier Gold
  • Two million miles flown: Premier Platinum
  • Three and four million miles flown: Premier 1K
  • Four million miles flown: United Global Services
United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8

Photo: MKPhoto12 | Shutterstock

The United Airlines Million Miler Program calculates passenger flights based on actual distance flown on United and United Express-operated flights. It is one of the most advantageous million-mile programs as it grants the ability to give a companion (or significant other) an equal Premier status.

Apart from priority everything, other major benefits include preferred seating, complimentary domestic upgrades, lounge access when traveling internationally, and Star Alliance Gold benefits. The Premier Platinum, 1K, and Global Services status also includes complimentary regional upgrades, enhanced award availability, discounted United Club membership, and global upgrades (Premier 1K and Global Services members).

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What are your thoughts on the US carriers that offer the Million Miler program to its members? Do you have the coveted status with any airline? Share your experience in the comments section.

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