What is elite status in travel, and how can you achieve it?

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Travel providers like airlines and hotels have loyalty programs designed to incentivize bookings. As you travel and spend more with a brand, you can ascend to higher levels of elite status, unlocking perks such as complimentary hotel breakfasts, room upgrades, and various benefits.

We often use the term "elite status," yet many travelers may not fully grasp its meaning. This article will clarify the essentials of elite status, guide you on obtaining it, and explore alternative ways to enjoy elite benefits without holding the status.

What does elite status mean?

Elite status refers to members who have advanced beyond the basic level of a loyalty program.

You can usually attain higher elite status through spending with a brand and its partners, frequency of bookings, and occasionally through other activities.

Elite status can also be obtained simply by possessing the right credit card.

Loyalty programs from airlines

Numerous airlines provide elite status for travelers who frequently fly with them and their partners.

In the past, achieving elite status typically required flying a specific number of miles or taking a set number of flights with an airline and its partners annually. However, many airlines have recently revamped their frequent flyer programs to focus on rewarding spending (on tickets, cobranded credit cards, etc.) instead of just flight count.

For instance, American Airlines has adopted Loyalty Points as the exclusive metric for elite status. You accrue Loyalty Points whenever you earn base miles.

This implies that besides flying, you can earn 1 Loyalty Point for every dollar spent on eligible AAdvantage miles earned through purchases made with an American Airlines cobranded credit card such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees). You can also earn points when shopping through the American shopping portal, renting a car with affiliated rental partners, or taking advantage of other earning opportunities.

Airlines often provide elite status perks such as free upgrades, priority boarding, complimentary checked bags, and enhanced mileage earning on flights.

While most credit cards don't grant automatic airline elite status, some make it easier to qualify. Delta has revamped its approach, focusing on one metric: Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).

For instance, with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, you earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent on the card in a calendar year, with no cap on the MQDs earned through card spending. Additionally, cardholders receive a boost of 2,500 MQDs each Medallion Qualification year, meaning substantial spending on this card can help you achieve SkyMiles elite status without needing to fly.

Loyalty programs for hotels

Hotel chains also promote frequent stays through their loyalty programs.

Members can achieve elite status through various methods depending on the loyalty program. Metrics may include the number of stays or nights booked each year, points earned from stays, spending on a cobranded credit card, or simply holding a specific cobranded credit card.

The higher your elite status, the more benefits you enjoy when staying at a hotel chain. Depending on the program and your tier, perks might include bonus points on stays, complimentary room upgrades, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, lounge access, and the option to gift status to friends or family.

Certain hotel credit cards, such as the World of Hyatt Credit Card, offer complimentary Discoverist elite status along with five qualifying night credits that count toward your next tier status. This benefit can significantly accelerate your path to achieving higher status levels than you might through stays alone.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card grants cardholders complimentary Diamond status — the highest tier of Hilton Honors, typically requiring 30 separate stays, 60 nights, or 120,000 base points within a calendar year.

Details for the Hilton Aspire card have been independently sourced by Dinogo. The information provided here has not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Loyalty programs for rental cars and cruise lines

Various travel companies also offer elite status benefits through their loyalty programs. Depending on how appealing customers find these perks, they can influence travelers to choose one brand over another, even if it comes at a higher cost.

Achieving car rental elite status allows some members to waive specific fees, enjoy free category upgrades, and earn additional points. In some cases, elite members have access to a wider selection of vehicles. While rental car companies typically lack cobranded credit cards, certain premium travel credit cards provide rental car elite status as a perk. You can even match specific airline statuses to rental car programs.

Several cruise line loyalty programs also offer elite status to their top customers. While the benefits may be minimal at lower tiers, higher levels can provide appealing perks such as complimentary drinks, priority service, free laundry, and exclusive events.

Elite status compared to credit card benefits

Many of the top travel credit cards provide automatic elite status or comparable benefits. The best part is that you don’t need to take multiple flights or stay numerous nights in hotels to enjoy them.

Most elite benefits from credit cards are available as soon as you are approved for your card. However, in some instances, you may need to activate the perks manually before you can use them.

Some credit card elite or similar benefits may include:

• Automatic elite status: If you travel occasionally, attaining elite status can be tough. Some travel credit cards offer automatic elite status (or status via spending), allowing you to enjoy elite perks right from your first booking.
• Airport lounge access: Certain premium travel credit cards provide a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to airport lounges worldwide. Some cards allow unlimited visits, while others limit the number of entries. Specific airline cards may also offer access to their own lounges.
• Free checked bags: Numerous airline credit cards permit cardholders to check a bag for free on their affiliated carrier — just be mindful of the terms regarding the number of bags, companions, and whether you must pay for your ticket with the card to enjoy this benefit.
• Priority boarding: Many airline credit cards offer priority boarding as a cardholder benefit.

How to access premium hotel perks without elite status

Even without elite status at a hotel, you can still enjoy similar benefits just by booking through these platforms, regardless of whether it’s your first reservation.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express can access exclusive perks when booking through the issuer's Fine Hotels + Resorts portal. Elite-level benefits include early check-in, late checkout, complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and an experience credit of at least $100. Additionally, some bookings may include a free night for further savings. The up to $200 annual credit for Platinum cardholders can be used alongside these stays. Enrollment is necessary.

The Hotel Collection

The Hotel Collection is Amex's simplified alternative to Fine Hotels + Resorts, available for both Amex Platinum and American Express® Gold Card holders. You'll receive a complimentary room upgrade based on availability, early check-in and late checkout when possible, along with a $100 resort credit to spend on eligible resort activities, dining, and spa services upon booking. Some hotel deals may also include a free night or complimentary breakfast, or both.

Capital One Premier Collection

Holders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business card can access hotel benefits by booking Premier Collection properties through Capital One Travel. Perks include earning 10 miles per dollar, early check-in and late checkout where available, room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and an on-property experience credit (up to $100) to use during your stay.

Final thoughts

Holding elite status with your preferred airline, hotel, or travel program can enhance your travel experience.

Elite status can accelerate your journey to free travel through points or miles bonuses tied to specific loyalty programs. Elite members enjoy valuable benefits such as upgrades and priority services at airports or hotels. While qualifying for elite status differs by program, some credit cards can expedite the process based on your spending or simply by being a cardholder.