Benefits of Elite Frequent Flyer Status
Fast Tracks to Elite Frequent Flyer Status, The Best Frequent Flyer Programs for Earning Miles from Your Flights
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- 1 Elite status basics
- 2 Overview of elite status benefits with the major alliances
- 3 Premium cabin upgrades
- 4 Better economy seats
- 5 Airport lounge access
- 6 Free checked bags
- 7 Priority service and boarding
- 8 Free or reduced charges for flight changes
- 9 Inflight Perks
- 10 Enhanced earning rates
- 11 Enhanced award access
Elite status basics
- Airlines typically have three or four elite status levels. The specific names for the levels differ for each program, but the benefits are usually somewhat comparable. “Low-level” status is typically earned for earning 25,000 qualifying miles per year. “Mid-level” status is typically earned for earning 50,000 qualifying miles per year. And there can be multiple tiers of “High-level” status earned for earning 75,000, or more, qualifying miles per year. When an airline has a fourth tier, it is almost always requires at least 100,000 qualifying miles.
- When you earn elite status with any airline in an alliance, most of your benefits apply to every airline in that alliance. For example, if you are a low-level elite in any Star Alliance program, you’ll get a free checked bag, priority check-in, higher reward earning rates, and other benefits on every Star Alliance flight.
- Some elite status benefits are only available, when flying on the airline’s own flights. While most benefits are available when flying on the airline’s alliance partners, some of the most valuable benefits, such as potential upgrades to premium cabin seats, are only available when flying on the airline you have status with. Other times, the benefit is enhanced when you are flying on that airline. For example, while free baggage privileges extend across the entire alliance, you might get even better privileges on the airline where you have status.
- Upgrades to business or first-class seats are one of the most valuable elite status benefits, but you won't get them very often, especially if you don't have high-level status. Airlines are selling more of their premium cabin seats (at reduced pricing). There are less seats leftover, for elite member upgrades. Competition for whichever seats remain is high, especially for flights to and from airports where the airline is popular. If you are a low-level elite, you may never get upgraded; if you are a mid-level elite, getting upgraded is rare; and if you are high-level elite, you still can’t count on an upgrade. You won’t get upgraded to a better cabin class, when you are flying on partner airlines.
- American and United mid-level elites don’t get access to airport lounges when they are flying domestically, but mid-level elites of their airline partners do. If you have mid-level status with an airline Star Alliance and Oneworld, you’ll get lounge access whenever you fly with any airline in that alliance—with one big exception. The US airlines don’t provide lounge access on their own DOMESTIC flights. For example, if you have elite status with British Airways, you’ll have lounge access, even on economy-class American Airlines domestic flights; but if you have the same status directly with American Airlines, you won’t have access, even if you have a first-class ticket. The US Airlines want to protect the lucrative fees that they charge for lounge memberships.
- Elite status usually lasts for 13 or 14 months. after the year you qualify. With most programs, elite qualification is based on calendar years. Your elite status starts shortly after you qualify. You will then retain your status over the entire following year, as well as the first month or two of the year after that. If you qualify early in a calendar year, you could enjoy your benefits for over two years.
Overview of elite status benefits with the major alliances
This chart compares elite status benefits available from the three biggest US airlines.
| Benefit | United | Delta | AA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to better seats | |||
| Access to preferred seats (on any alliance airline that has preferred seating) | - | Low | Low |
| Priority reservation waitlist on any alliance airline | Low | Low | Low |
| Eligible for business and first-class upgrades (likelihood improves by level) | Low | Low | Low |
| Access to enhanced economy seats on airline’s own flights (access improves by level) | Low | Low | Low |
| Access to enhanced economy seats on alliance airlines, when available | - | Low | Low |
| Instant upgrades on full fare economy tickets | Low | - | - |
| lounge access access | |||
| Lounge access (for the entire alliance) | Med | Med | Med |
| Discounted airport lounge membership | High | - | Low |
| Free airport lounge membership | - | 100K | - |
| Free checked bags and other amenities | |||
| Free checked bags on the airline’s own flights (allowance increases by level) | Low | Low | Low |
| Free checked bag on alliance airlines | Mid | Low | Mid |
| Free beverage and snack in the main cabin | 100K | - | 100K |
| Bonus award miles | |||
| Bonus award miles for flights (amount increases by status level) | Low | Low | Low |
| Minimum 500 QMs per flight | Low | - | Low |
| Bonus for hitting elite status | - | High | - |
| Priority Service | |||
| Priority check-in for the airline’s own flights | Low | Low | Low |
| Priority check-in for alliance airlines | Mid | Low | Low |
| Priority security line access for the airline’s own flights | Low | Mid | Low |
| Priority security line access on alliance airlines | Mid | Mid | Mid |
| Priority baggage handling on alliance airlines | Mid | Mid | Mid |
| Priority boarding for the airline’s own flights | Low | Low | Low |
| Priority boarding on alliance airlines | Mid | Mid | Mid |
| Priority Phone line | Low | - | Low |
| Access to most sold out flights | Low | - | 100K |
| Easier to change flights | |||
| Complimentary same day standby | - | Mid | Low |
| Waived same day flight changes | Mid | Mid | 100K |
| Priority standby list on alliance airlines | Low | Low | Low |
| Discounted or waived phone service charge | High | - | 100K |
| Award ticket benefits | |||
| Priority award waitlist | Low | - | - |
| Anytime awards always available | Low | - | - |
| Better regular “saver” award availability | Low | - | 100K |
| Reduced, or waived, close-in award fees | Low | - | Low |
| Reduced, or waived, redeposit and change fees | Low | High | 100K |
| Other | |||
| Ability to give status to others | - | High | - |
| Benefits at Marriott Hotels | Mid | ||
When you earn elite status with any airline that belongs to an alliance, you get a set of benefits that works with all the other airlines in the alliances (plus additional benefits that work only for that airline). The shared alliance benefits are as follows:
| Benefit | Star Alliance | SkyTeam | Oneworld |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority waitlist and standby | Low (Silver) | Low
(Elite) |
Low
(Ruby) |
| Access to enhanced economy seats, when available | - | ||
| Priority check-in | Mid
(Gold) | ||
| Free checked bag | Mid
(Sapphire) | ||
| Priority boarding | |||
| Priority baggage handling | Mid (Elite Plus) | ||
| Lounge access. | |||
| Priority security screening (at some locations) | High (Emerald) | ||
| Guaranteed reservations on sold out flights | - | - |
In addition to the normal Oneworld benefits, Alaska and American Airlines offer a few special benefits to the other airline's elites. Alaska 75K and American Executive Platinum members are eligible for premium cabin upgrades when flying on the other airline (Alaska elites will receive Global Upgrade Certificates). In addition, Alaksa Gold and American Platinum Pro members are eligible for extra-legroom seats as soon as they book.
Premium cabin upgrades
- For most people, the most sought after elite benefit is the possibility of getting a free upgrade to business or first class. On paper, most frequent flyer programs give this benefit to all their elite members, regardless of status level.
- In practice, it is nearly impossible to get upgraded with only low-level status, it is very hard to get upgraded with mid-level status, and upgrades aren’t reliable even with high-level status. Note that you only get premium cabin upgrades on the airline that you have status with, not with the other airlines in the alliance (with the exception of Alaska and American's unique partnership).
- The likelihood of getting premium cabin upgrades has changed dramatically in the past few years. Airlines have become much more aggressive about selling their premium cabin seats, leaving far fewer empty seats available for elite flyers. Premium seat pricing has dropped, reducing the number of available seats. And as upgrades have gotten less common, more people are choosing to book directly into premium cabin seats, reducing the number of unsold seats even further.
- The general process for handling upgrades is similar across different airlines. Until close to departure time, airlines will make only a limited set of their premium cabin seats available for upgrades. In other words, there may be ten unsold first-class seats on the plane, but only two of them might be available for upgrades. Airlines can change the number of seats available for upgrades at any time and will adjust them based on how their ticket sales are going.
- People can upgrade to these seats, ahead of time, using special upgrade certificates, and/or frequent flyer points. If no upgrade seats are currently available, they can add themselves to a wait list to take advantage of any new seats that become available later.
- When it gets close to departure time, the airline starts processing any remaining upgrade space. This is where “unlimited free upgrades” comes into play. On many flights, there will be no upgrade space left, even though there may still be some premium seats available for sale. But if there are still upgrade seats available, the airlines will start giving them to their highest-level elites around 4-5 days before departure. If, somehow, there are still upgrade seats available, they will move onto lower-level elites, as it gets closer and closer to the departure day. Everyone who doesn’t get a seat, during this window, is automatically added to the wait list.
- Before the flight leaves, many airlines (including American, Delta, and United) will make any remaining unsold premium cabin space available for upgrades. Multiple new seats usually become available that the airline had been holding back (to potentially sell). The wait list is prioritized by a number of factors, with elite status level the most important, and those passengers get free upgrades to any remaining seats.
- Premium cabin upgrades from each alliance:
| American |
The upgrade system at American primarily uses “500-mile” upgrade coupons. A coupon is needed for every 500 miles you are traveling on your flight. A coupon isn’t needed for flights under 500 miles. Elite members receive four coupons for every 12,500 qualifying miles, and can purchase more for $40 each. Higher-level elites get unlimited upgrade coupons. You can use these certificates on flights within the United States, and to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Upgrades start getting processed for Executive Platinum members 100 hours before departure time, then for Platinum Pro, Platinum, and Gold members at 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours, prior to departure. A single travelling companion can be upgraded with you, and Executive Platinum members are eligible for upgrades even on award tickets. Alaska high-level (75K) elites are also eligible for unlimited upgrades in the North and Central America, but are only added to the upgrade list at check-in and are prioritized below Platinum Pro members. At some point, they will be eligible for upgrades 72 hours before travel. In addition, anyone qualifying for MVP Gold status for 2022, will receive a systemwide upgrade. Platinum Pro members can select a "systemwide" upgrade with their choice benefit and Executive Pro can select 2 upgrades with either or both of their choices. These upgrades can be used on a one-way flight to pretty much anywhere that AA flies. |
| Delta |
All elite members get “unlimited” upgrades to First Class, but not Delta One or Delta Premium Select, on flights within the United States, and to Canada, the Caribbean, or Central America. You can even upgrade award tickets. Upgrades start being processed for Diamond and Platinum members 120 hours before departure, then for Gold and Silver members at 72 hours, and 24 hours. Delta Platinum members can choose 4 regional upgrades with their Choice benefit. Delta Diamond members can choose either 4 global or 8 regional or 2 global and 4 regional upgrades with any or all of their choices. Regional certificates can only be used on flights in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Global upgrades can be used on any flights including many flights on KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Korean Air, and Aeromexico. |
| United |
All elite members are automatically upgraded, if there is space available, when they buy full-fare economy tickets. They also get “unlimited” upgrades on all other flights. Upgrades start getting processed for 1K members 96 hours before departure time, then for Platinum and Gold members at 72, and 48 hours, and then for Silver members on the day of departure. A single travelling companion can be upgraded with you, and United credit cardholders can take advantage of upgrades on award tickets. Platinum members receive 2 “Regional Premier Upgrades”, can earn 2 more if they reach 1K status, and can earn additional upgrades with additional qualifying miles after that. Each certificate can be used for a one-way flight, and the upgrade can be confirmed, before the normal assignment window. These upgrades can only be used within the Americas. 1K members receive 6 “Global Premier Upgrades”, and can earn additional upgrades with additional qualifying miles. Each global upgrade can be used for a one-way flight to almost anywhere, as long as the original ticket was purchased in certain fare classes. Upgrades can be confirmed before the normal assignment window. These upgrades can also be used ANA and Lufthansa flights. |
| Southwest |
Southwest doesn’t have separate seat classes. |
| Alaska |
All elite members are automatically upgraded, if there is space available, when they buy full-fare economy tickets. At Gold and Gold 75K levels, this benefit extends to some less expensive fare classes, and to refundable economy award tickets. All elite members are eligible for unlimited upgrades on other fares, but they are processed as part of the normal upgrade window. Upgrades start getting processed for MVP 75K members 120 hours prior to departure, and for Gold and MVP members at 72 hours, and 48 hours. Gold members can get a single companion upgraded along with them. American Airline's highest-level elites (Executive Platinum) are also eligible for free upgrades 120 hours before departure, but are prioritized after MVP Gold 75Ks. Gold level members also get four “Gold Guest Upgrade” certificates. Each is good for a one-way flight, are confirmed before the normal assignment window, and can be used by the elite flyer, or given to another person. |
| JetBlue |
Elites don’t get any upgrade benefits. |
Better economy seats
- Elite frequent flyers get free access to “preferred” economy class seating. They can choose to sit closer to the front of the plane, or in exit row or bulkhead seats, without having to pay an extra surcharge.
- Some planes have an “enhanced” economy seat section, which not only is located closer to the front of the plane, but has extra leg room, and sometimes additional benefits, such as reserved overhead bin space, or a free drink. In some cases, elite frequent flyers get free access to those seats as well (when they are available), but sometimes the they are limited to just their choice of the “regular” seats.
- In contrast to premium cabin upgrades, lower-level elites are much more likely to be able to take advantage of this benefit. There are many more enhanced economy seats available on each flight, and some of the higher-level elites will be moved up to business class.
- Upgraded coach seats from each alliance:
| American / Oneworld |
When flying on American Airlines, mid-level elites from any Oneworld program get free access to enhanced economy seats (“Main Cabin Extra”), at the time they make their reservations. Low-level elites get a 50% discount if they want to pay for them ahead-of-time, and get free access to any remaining seats when they check-in for the flight. This benefit extends to 8 companions. There are no upgrades or preferred seating on basic economy fares. When flying on other airlines, Oneworld elite members usually get the same access to enhanced and preferred seating, as the airline’s own elite passengers. Even low-level elites should get at least some kind of preferred seating, but it varies depending on the airline. |
| Delta / SkyTeam |
When flying on Delta airlines, high-level Delta elites get free access to enhanced economy seats (“Comfort+”). Mid-level elites get access to any remaining seats 72 hours before departure, and low-level elites come next, at 24 hours before departure. All elites have access to preferred seating in the regular economy section, such as seats closer to the front of the plane. This benefit extends to a single companion. There are no upgrades or preferred seating on basic economy fares. Elites on any SkyTeam airline are supposed to get some sort of preferred seating, when they fly on the alliance’s other airlines. However, this benefit isn’t usually as good as what you'll get, if you are an elite in the airline’s own program. For example, even high-level SkyTeam elites won’t get access to Delta’s Comfort+ seats. |
| United |
When flying on United, mid-level United elites get free access to enhanced economy seats (“Economy Plus”), at the time they make their reservations. Low-level United elites get access to any remaining seats at check-in. Low level elites can extend the benefit to a single travelling companion, high-level elites can bring along up to 8. Star Alliance elite status doesn’t grant any preferred seating status on partner airlines. So, United high-level status doesn’t grant you preferred seating on other Star Alliance airlines; and Star Alliance elite status doesn’t grant you preferred seating on United. |
| Southwest |
Southwest doesn’t have enhanced economy seats. Elite members get to board early, and choose whichever seat they want, including exit row seats. Mid-level elites board before low-level elites. These benefits don’t extend to companions. |
| Alaska |
All Alaska elites are entitled to enhanced economy seats “premium class”). These seats come with free drinks and better food. High-level elites from Alaska and AA are immediately upgraded, if seats are still available when they make their reservation, mid-level elites are immediately upgraded on most fares, and low-level elites are immediately upgraded on the highest priced fares. Mid-level elites, who weren’t upgraded earlier, can access any remaining seats 72 hours before departure, and low-level elites get access 48 hours before departure. Mid-level elites can extend the benefit to a single companion, low-level elites can’t. All elites have access to preferred seating in the regular economy section. |
| JetBlue |
Elites don’t get free access to enhanced economy seats (“Even More Space”). However, they can use their points to pay the $10-90 upgrade fee at significantly reduced rates (only 200-1,000 points). |
Airport lounge access
- Mid-level elite members get free access to airport lounges, whenever they are flying on one of that alliance’s airlines, even if they only have economy-class tickets.
- Lounge access is available not just for the airline’s own lounges, but for almost all the lounges operated by the other airlines in the alliance. However, lounge access is only available when you are flying that day, on an alliance airline. For example, an American Airlines elite member can use British Airway’s lounges, regardless of what Oneworld airline they are flying. But, if they are flying on KLM (a SkyTeam carrier), they are out-of-luck.
- American, Delta, and United want to sell as many lounge memberships as possible. As a result, they don’t provide their elite members, or people who purchased business or first-class tickets, access to their lounges on domestic itineraries. You’ll get better lounge access, if you have status with a foreign airline instead. Mid-level elites of other Star Alliance and Oneworld airlines, get access to United and American lounges, even on purely domestic trips.
- Access to the most luxurious first-class lounges is usually not included as part of the elite status benefit, or are reserved only for people with high-level status.
- Lounge access from each alliance:
| Oneworld / American / Alaska |
Mid-level elites, from any Oneworld airline, get access to most Oneworld lounges. Only high-level elites get access to first class lounges. The benefit extends to one travelling companion. As noted above, American Airline and Alaskan Airlines elites don’t get free access to American Airlines or Alaska lounges, when flying on domestic itineraries. |
| SkyTeam / Delta |
Mid-level elites, from any SkyTeam airline, get free lounge access, when they are flying on international itineraries. This benefit extends to a single travelling companion. Delta 100K mile elites (Delta Diamond Medallion) can choose a Delta membership as one of their three “choice bonuses”, which provides Delta club access, even on domestic flights. |
| Star Alliance / United |
Mid-level elites, from any Star Alliance airline, get free lounge access at almost all Star Alliance lounges, but only if you are departing out of the airport (as opposed to on arrival). This benefit extends to a single travelling companion. As noted above, United elites don’t get access to United lounges, when flying on domestic itineraries. |
Free checked bags
Elite frequent flyers always get access to at least one free checked bag, for themselves and for some number of traveling companions. If you frequently check bags, this can easily save you a significant amount of money. It is especially useful for American, Delta, and United’s new “basic economy” tickets, since elite members won’t have to pay to check their bags, and can still board early enough to find a good place for their carry-ons.
On the other hand, this benefit is also available to anyone who has one of the airline’s credit cards, and not just to elite flyers, so you may already have it.
| American / Oneworld |
When flying American Airlines, low-level American elites get 1 free bag, mid-level elites get 2 bags, and 100K+ elites get 3 bags. American Airlines elites also get 2 free checked bags when flying Alaska. Mid-level elites from any Oneworld airline (including American) get at least one free checked bag on domestic itineraries, and two free checked bags on international itineraries, whenever they fly on a Oneworld airline. High-level Oneworld status provides 1 extra bag above the normal allowance. |
| Delta / SkyTeam |
On Delta flights in the US, low-level Delta elites get 1 free bag, mid-level elites get 2, and high-level elites get 3. Outside the US, all Delta elites get the same number of free bags, but the number varies per region. Low-level elites from any SkyTeam airline get 1 extra piece of checked luggage than normal, whenever they fly on a SkyTeam airline. |
| United / Star Alliance |
When flying United, low-level Untied elites get 1 free bag, mid-level elites get 2, and high-level elites get 3. The bags for mid-level elites can weigh up to 70lbs. Mid-level elites from any Star Alliance airline get extra baggage allowance on partner airlines, but the exact rules are different for each airline. |
| Southwest |
2 free bags for every passenger, regardless of status. |
| Alaska |
2 free bags for the passenger and any companions. |
| JetBlue |
2 free bags for the passenger and any companions. |
Priority service and boarding
- Elites are given “priority” everything—a priority line to check-in, access to the priority line through security and immigration (when available), priority baggage handling, priority boarding (to stow that carry-on with no hassles), and a priority telephone number to contact the airline. In most cases, these benefits apply to every elite tier. But for some programs, some benefits may only be available to higher-level elites. Priority access can be used, in practice, by an entire group that is travelling together.
- Enhanced security access is useful even to people who already have TSE Precheck, because it works in many airports around the world, and not just those in the United States.
- Like free checked bags and airport lounge access, if you have status with any airline in one of the three major alliances, you’ll get priority privileges with all the airlines in that alliance. The airline’s credit card holders usually get at least priority boarding, and sometimes some other priority benefits.
- Priority service from each alliance:
| Oneworld / American |
Low-level Oneworld elites get priority check-in, stand-by, and reservations waitlist on any alliance airline. Priority boarding, security, and baggage handling come with mid-level Oneworld status. In addition, American Airlines low-level elites get priority boarding and security, when flying on American. |
| SkyTeam / Delta |
Low-level SkyTeam elites get most priority services on any alliance airline. Priority baggage handling and security access come with mid-level SkyTeam status, rather than low-level. |
| Star Alliance / United |
All United elites get priority services when flying on United. Mid-level Star Alliance elites get priority service with any Star Alliance airline. Low-level Star Alliance elites only get priority waitlist and standby. |
| Southwest |
All elites get priority services. |
| Alaska |
All Alaska elites get priority services, except security line access, which is reserved for mid-level elites and above. Alaska doesn’t offer priority baggage handling. |
| JetBlue |
Elites have access to priority services. |
Free or reduced charges for flight changes
- Most airlines will reduce, or eliminate, some charges for elite members, and allow for same-day flight changes, at no cost. These benefits usually kicks-in at mid-level, but there is quite a bit of variance between programs, and they usually don’t apply to partner airlines.
- This benefit won’t usually save you a bunch of money, since you are probably doing your best, to avoid incurring any of these charges in the first place. However, it can change the way you fly. Once the the fees go away, you can change your behavior—proactively purchasing tickets for trips you might not wind up taking, switching flights when it would be only slightly more convenient, etc.
- Waived fees from each alliance:
| American |
Free same-day standby. Free same-day flight changes at the 100K+ level. 100K+ elites also get waived ticketing charges. |
| Delta |
Mid-level elites get free same-day changes and standby. High-level elites get waived cancellation fees. |
| United |
Mid-level elites get free same-day flight changes. |
| Southwest |
Everyone gets free ticket changes, not just elite members. Elites get free-same day standby (no need to pay the fare difference), but low-level elites only get this benefit on flights less than 2 hours before their original departure. |
| Alaska |
Mid-level elites get waived ticket change fees, and free same-day flight changes (no need to pay the fare difference). |
| JetBlue |
All elites get free change and cancellation fees, for themselves and their companions. |
Inflight Perks
Airlines sometimes give their elites extra inflight amenities. There are no generalities here, as the policies differ greatly for different programs. These benefits don’t extend to partner airlines.
| American |
100K+ members get a free drink and snack, even when they are flying coach. |
| Delta |
Elites, who get enhanced economy seating, get premium snacks and drinks (plus dedicated overhead bin space). |
| United |
None |
| Southwest |
Mid-level elites get free Wi-Fi. |
| Alaska |
Mid-level elites get a free drink, even if they are flying coach. And high-level elites don’t have to pay the fee for the inflight entertainment systems. Elites, who get enhanced economy seats, get free premium drinks. |
| JetBlue |
Free drinks. |
Enhanced earning rates
Elite members of a frequent flyer program earn bonus miles on their flights.
| Low-level | Mid-level | High-Level | 100K+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American | 40% | 60% | 80% | 120% |
| Delta | 7/dollar | 8/dollar | 9/dollar | 11/dollar |
| United | 7/dollar | 8/dollar | 9/dollar plus one “choice” bonus upon qualification. | 11/dollar, plus 3 additional “choice” bonuses upon qualification. |
| Southwest | 25% | 100% | - | - |
| Alaska | 50% | 100% | 125%, plus 50K bonus on qualification. | - |
| JetBlue | +3pts / dollar
15K point bonus on qualification (from flying) |
- | - | - |
Enhanced award access
Some airlines provide some award-booking benefits to their elites, such as increased access to award availability.
| American |
Elite don’t have to pay award processing fees. 100K+ elites don’t have to pay award change and cancellation fees, and get expanded award availability. |
| United |
All elites get unrestricted access to non-saver award space, better availability for economy award redemptions, and reduced award ticket fees (for changes, cancellations, close-in booking, and telephone booking). High-level elites get increased access to premium award seats. |
