Elite status is one of the ways that airlines reward their most loyal customers. If you fly with an airline enough, and spend enough money with it, you could earn elite status. The major U.S. airlines also offer travel credit cards that can help you get elite status more quickly.
If you’re considering going for elite status, it helps to know what the perks are. While they vary based on the airline and your status tier in its loyalty program, here are the most common and valuable benefits.
1. Complimentary upgrades
The best part about having elite status is that it can get you complimentary upgrades when available. Airlines normally have an upgrade list. If there are upgrades available, they’ll go down the list and assign them to passengers. The higher your status in the airline’s loyalty program, the higher you’ll be on the upgrade list.
Your status tier could also determine how early you’re eligible for upgrades. For example, with United, Premier Silver members are eligible for an upgrade on the day of departure. Premier Gold members are eligible for 48 hours before the flight, Premier Platinum members for 72 hours, and Premier 1K for 96 hours.
2. Free checked luggage with expedited baggage service
If you check a bag when you fly, elite status could make it more affordable and more convenient. Elite status often includes a free checked bag, or even multiple free checked bags in higher status tiers. With $35 now being the standard fee for a checked bag, this benefit could save you $70 on each round trip.
Just so you know, many airline credit cards have this benefit, too. If you aren’t able to get elite status, you could also open an airline card that includes free checked baggage.
Passengers with elite status may also get expedited baggage service. Your bags will be some of the first to come out at baggage claim, so you don’t need to spend too much time waiting.
3. Priority check-in and boarding
Nobody likes waiting in line, and you’ll do less of it with airline elite status. Airlines typically have special priority boarding lines reserved for passengers with elite status or who are flying in first or business class. With how long check-in lines get during busy travel periods, priority check-in can save you a lot of time.
You’ll also be one of the first on the plane. Elite status passengers get to board with the earlier boarding groups. While not everyone likes to get on the plane too early, it helps if you have a carry-on and want to make sure you can store it above your seat.
4. Free drinks
Whether you go for the in-flight cocktails or something lighter, it could be on the house with elite status. Delta Air Lines offers four in-flight drink vouchers for its Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members. Alaska Airlines offers a complimentary premium beverage or chocolate for Main Cabin passengers in its MVP Gold tier and above.
5. A dedicated phone line
While you can handle quite a bit online nowadays, there are times when your best or only option is to call customer service. For example, if your flight gets significantly delayed or canceled, calling may be the fastest way to get yourself on another one.
Some airlines have priority phone lines specifically for their elite status passengers. You spend less time waiting on hold, and you get premium service from the airline’s most well-trained representatives.
Having airline elite status can save you time and money, and it improves your travel experience. It’s not always easy to earn, but if you’re a frequent flyer, it’s worth seeing if you can meet the status requirements for your airline of choice.