You Asked, I Answered | Your Ultimate Status Guide
Your Ultimate Status Guide
Hello, lovely readers! I am thrilled to have you back for another insightful read on @ericgoinglobal!
This time, I am diving into one of the most searched-for travel topics and am excited to share all the information you need.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to one of my dedicated supporters, who sparked the idea for this post!
Their question about travel status while I was working on my tips and tricks blog post inspired this piece! I love this question, and as an avid traveler, I am honored to be able to provide the answer!
I figured there is so much information out there that I should consolidate it into one post so my readers can have everything they need to start accumulating miles successfully!
I want to be like The Points Guy (TPG) and write articles about travel that you all find beneficial and inspiring. Hey, maybe TPG will hire me one day! You know what to do, supporters! Help me get out there!
Now let us talk all things status, miles, points, and everything related! Consider this your ultimate status guide!
Why You Should Care About Status
First, why should you even care about status?
I know status can appear as just a flashy badge of courage people carry around to have awesome titles reflected on their boarding passes, but I promise it is much more than that!
Getting elite status is a popular goal for many travelers, mainly because of the benefits offered. Furthermore, depending on how frequently you fly can depend on how quickly you earn and how easily you maintain status!
In my opinion, status matters if you travel often! Is it necessary for a safe and beneficial trip? Not at all, but it does enhance the travel experience!
So, let us discuss some of those benefits and travel enhancements to help you understand them better!
Benefits
Travelers highly seek airline elite status due to its many benefits.
In the following discussion, I will explore some primary advantages and provide detailed resources for exploring the benefits with some of my preferred travel partners!
Priority Boarding
Priority boarding is a highly sought-after perk that offers travelers a seamless transition from the terminal to their aircraft, significantly enhancing the overall travel experience.
With priority boarding, passengers are granted early access to the plane, allowing them to settle into their seats without the usual rush and chaos accompanying general boarding. This convenience provides ample overhead bin space for carry-on luggage and minimizes the stress of boarding a crowded flight. Travelers can take their time to organize their belongings, ensuring a smoother departure.
Additionally, for families, business travelers, or anyone with special needs, priority boarding can alleviate the strain of navigating through bustling crowds, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable start to their journey. Overall, this perk saves time and elevates the travel experience, allowing passengers to board with ease and peace of mind.
Lounge Access
Lounge access offers travelers a comfortable haven away from busy airport terminals where seating can be cramped and limited.
Typically found in international airports, these exclusive lounges provide cozy seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and sometimes showers and nap areas.
For travelers, having access to a lounge can transform the often stressful airport experience into a relaxing one. It allows them to unwind before a flight, catch up on work, or enjoy quiet time.
Additionally, lounges often provide a more efficient boarding experience, reducing the chaos of gate areas and making the journey more enjoyable overall.
Whether you are a frequent flyer or on a memorable trip, lounge access can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Award Travel
Award travel is exactly as it sounds.
It is the ability to use accumulated frequent flyer miles or points to book flights, accommodations, or other travel experiences at a reduced cost or even for free.
This system allows travelers to maximize their rewards, making travel more accessible and affordable. One of the primary benefits of award travel is the potential to experience premium services, such as business or first-class seating, for a fraction of the cash price, turning a long-haul flight into a luxurious experience.
Additionally, using points can help travelers stretch their budgets further, enabling them to explore new destinations or enjoy extra perks like hotel upgrades.
Overall, award travel enhances the travel experience and provides an opportunity to travel more often without breaking the bank.
Other Benefits
Other benefits include systemwide upgrades, which allow you to upgrade complimentary to the next highest class of service!
Status members can also experience priority check-in, priority security screening, complimentary seat selection, free checked bags, and partner airline benefits!
How to Earn and Maintain Status
Earning and maintaining airline status primarily involves consistently flying with a particular airline or its partners to accumulate a set number of miles or segments within a calendar year.
Most airlines have tiered loyalty programs, where travelers earn points based on the distance flown, the fare class purchased, and their overall travel frequency.
To achieve status, you typically need to meet specific thresholds, such as flying a certain number of flights or earning a specified number of loyalty points.
Once you have attained a status level, maintaining it requires continued loyalty—flying regularly with the airline and meeting the annual requirements set by the loyalty program.
To simplify the process, consider strategies like booking flights during promotions, using a co-branded credit card to earn extra points on everyday purchases, and partnering with hotels and rental car companies. By staying engaged with the airline and strategically planning your travel, you can enjoy the benefits of elite status, including priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and access to lounges.
Earning and maintaining airline status outside of flying is possible through several strategies that leverage everyday spending and partnerships.
One of the most effective ways is using a co-branded airline credit card, which often allows you to earn frequent flyer miles or loyalty points on everyday purchases, such as groceries and dining. Many airlines also offer bonuses for spending in specific categories, so choosing the right card can accelerate your points accumulation.
As mentioned above, airlines frequently partner with hotels, car rental companies, and other travel-related services. By booking stays or rentals through these partners, you can earn points that contribute to your status. Some airlines even allow you to convert points from hotel loyalty programs into airline miles.
Participating in airline promotions and challenges is another excellent way to boost your status without flying. These might include earning double points during certain periods or completing specific tasks for bonus miles.
By strategically managing your spending and taking advantage of partnerships, you can effectively gain and maintain airline status even when you are not in the air.
Let’s Discuss Status Challenges
There are nuances to this that are specific to each traveler and airline, but explained concisely, an airline status challenge is a program that allows frequent travelers to earn elite status with an airline more quickly than usual.
Typically, participants must prove their travel habits by completing specific requirements within a set time frame, such as flying a certain number of miles or segments.
Here is how it generally works:
Enrollment: Travelers apply for the challenge, often requiring a fee or proof of existing status with another airline.
Requirements: The airline outlines the specific criteria, such as flying a certain number of qualifying miles or segments within a few months.
Traveling: Participants fly with the airline to meet the challenge requirements.
Status Granted: Once the requirements are met, the airline grants the desired elite status for a defined period, usually until the end of the following year.
This program is a way for airlines to attract high-value travelers who may be loyal to other carriers. We will discuss some major carriers below in greater detail.
Airline Status Guide & Airline Alliances
Which program you decide to be loyal to will depend on your preference and proximity to its hubs. Now that you understand how airline status works, let’s get into the specifics of each program!
An airline alliance is a partnership between multiple airlines that allows them to collaborate on various services while maintaining their individual brands.
These alliances aim to enhance customer benefits, such as more accessible connections, coordinated schedules, shared lounges, and frequent flyer mile accrual across member airlines. The three major global alliances are OneWorld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam.
By working together, airlines can expand their networks, improve operational efficiency, and provide travelers with a more seamless travel experience.

American Airlines (OneWorld Alliance)
This Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas-based airline is the largest in the world, measured by scheduled passengers carried, revenue passenger miles, and daily flights!
Their mileage program is known as the AAdvantage Program, and I linked it so you can have all the details, including how to sign up! They have four status tiers: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum, in ascending order.
There is an invitation-only status known as Concierge Key. I am proud to say that I have Executive Platinum Status with AA!
You see “OneWorld Alliance” in parentheses. That is the airline alliance American Airlines is a part of! You can enjoy benefits and earn miles while flying any of its other 15 member airlines, including Japan Airlines, British Airways, and my personal favorite, Qatar Airways!
For more information on partner airlines, see my blog post on Qatar Airways at the link above and the OneWorld link, also above!
AA Hubs
American Airlines’ largest hubs by passenger traffic include:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the largest hub and a central connecting point for domestic and international flights.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a key East Coast and Southeast travel hub.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a significant hub for both domestic and international routes.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is essential for international flights, particularly to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a central hub for the western US.
United Airlines (StarAlliance)
This Chicago-based airline (yes, Chicago-O’Hare is a hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines) operates an extensive domestic and international route network across the United States and all six inhabited continents.
Their Mileage Program is known as the Mileage Plus Premier program. They also have four status tiers: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K, in ascending order!
You see “Star Alliance” in parentheses. That is the airline alliance United Airlines is a part of! You can enjoy benefits and earn miles while flying any of its other 25 member airlines, including Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Air New Zealand.
United Hubs
United Airlines’ largest hubs by passenger traffic include:
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)- As United’s primary hub, O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is a critical connecting point for domestic and international flights, offering extensive routes throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – This hub is essential for United’s operations in the southern US and serves as a gateway to Latin America. IAH offers a wide array of international and domestic flights, making it a key hub for both passenger and cargo traffic.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Serving the New York metropolitan area, Newark is a vital hub for United, particularly for transatlantic flights. Its strategic location allows easy access to major markets in the Northeast and Europe.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – As a hub for flights to Asia and the Pacific, SFO is crucial for United’s international network. It also supports a strong domestic route structure, connecting travelers to cities on the West Coast and beyond.
Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver is a key hub for United, especially for travelers flying between the Midwest and the West Coast. Its central location makes it an important connecting point for domestic flights across the US.
Delta Airlines (SkyTeam)
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta is the oldest operating airline in the United States. Similar to United, it serves all inhabited continents from the United States. Its status program is known as the Medallion Program and features four status tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, in ascending order!
I am proud to say that I have Gold Medallion Status with Delta!
You see “SkyTeam” in parentheses. That is the airline alliance Delta Airlines is a part of! You can enjoy benefits and earn miles while flying any of its other 19 member airlines, including KoreanAir, Air France, and Virgin Atlantic.
Delta Hubs
Delta Airlines’ largest hubs by passenger traffic include
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – As Delta’s largest hub, ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is a primary connecting point for domestic and international flights, offering extensive routes throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) – DTW is a crucial hub for Delta, especially for flights to the Midwest and Canada. It has a robust international presence and is a critical connecting airport for transatlantic flights.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – MSP is a significant hub for Delta in the Upper Midwest. It offers many domestic routes and is a key gateway for international flights, mainly to Asia and Europe.
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – JFK is a vital hub for Delta’s international operations, especially transatlantic flights. Its strategic location in the New York metropolitan area connects travelers to many global destinations.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – SLC serves as Delta’s primary hub in the western US. It provides extensive domestic routes and acts as a gateway to destinations in the Pacific, making it a crucial point for travelers in that region.
Specific airline loyalty programs and their benefits can be found on their website!
Hotel Status Guide
Airlines are not the only entities that carry status programs and benefits. Hotel brands also carry status, and I will highlight some of the major ones below.

Hilton
Hilton operates various hotel brands, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria, and Hampton by Hilton, catering to different market segments, from luxury to budget-friendly options.
The company is also recognized for its loyalty program, Hilton Honors, which rewards guests with points for stays and other benefits.
Their status tiers are member, silver, gold, and diamond! I currently have Diamond Status with Hilton!
Marriott
Marriott operates various hotels and resorts under different brands, including Marriott Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield Inn. These cater to diverse markets, from luxury to budget-friendly.
The company also offers the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, rewarding members with points for stays, exclusive offers, and other benefits.
Its membership tiers include Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador in ascending order!
IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) operates well-known brands such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Kimpton Hotels. IHG also offers the IHG Rewards loyalty program, which allows guests to earn points for stays and enjoy exclusive benefits.
The program features club member benefits in addition to four status tiers: silver, gold, platinum, and diamond, in ascending order!
Hyatt
Hyatt operates various brands, including Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, and Hyatt Place, catering to different market segments, from luxury to more affordable options.
Hyatt also features the World of Hyatt loyalty program, rewarding members with points for stays and exclusive perks.Its status tiers include member, discoverist, explorist, and globalist in ascending order!
Other hotel loyalty programs and membership benefits can be found on their websites.
Rental Car Status Guide
Like airlines and hotels, rental car companies provide loyalty programs with member benefits!

Avis
The Avis Preferred Program features preferred, preferred plus, and president’s club status tiers in ascending order! I am proud to say I have president’s club status with Avis!
Enterprise
The Enterprise Plus Program features plus, silver, gold, and platinum status tiers in ascending order!
Hertz
The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program features gold, five-star, and president’s circle membership tiers in ascending order!
Other rental car companies’ rental program information can be found on their website!
Travel Credit Cards
As mentioned above, another way to earn and accelerate your status is through rewards purchases through credit cards! Travel partners usually have many of them, so I will not list all of them.
However, I will include the link to a comprehensive list for each travel company so you can decide which one is best for you and mention which ones I use!
I only use airline credit cards. I do not have any for hotels or rental car companies!
American
I think the best resource to find all the credit cards under American Airlines is through their AAdvantage credit cards webpage!
I use the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which includes benefits such as complimentary lounge access (Admirals Clubs), the first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for your application fee.
United
The MileagePlus Personal Credit Cards webpage has all the information on United’s credit cards for travel rewards. I use the United Gateway Card through Chase. Its perks include no annual fee, 20,000 bonus miles, and 2x miles on United purchases.
Delta
Delta Skymiles Cards is a good resource for all Delta’s American Express Cards information! I use the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card. Its benefits include no annual fee, 20% back on in-flight purchases, and no foreign transaction fees!
Hotels
All the hotel groups I mentioned offer credit cards for their rewards programs. These cards work very similarly to airline cards, so rather than regurgitating the benefits, I will include the links here for your convenience: Hilton Cards, Marriott Cards, IHG Cards, and Hyatt Cards.
This is a good place to note that many general travel cards are not airline or hotel-specific!
I think Forbes and NerdWallet have the best articles on these! Some popular ones include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and The Platinum Card from American Express.
Conclusion: Start Earning Status NOW!
Hopefully, this post will lessen the intimidating feeling of earning status! I tried to accumulate all of my travel knowledge over the years and make a simple, comprehensive guide to help you start earning today.
Please strongly consider opening accounts with your travel partners as soon as possible so you can stop wasting free points. Some travel partners even let you request miles retroactively, so there is no reason to travel without earning rewards.
When you have enough points for an international trip, you will thank yourself later. If you still have questions, each travel partner’s website provides detailed information on how to earn and maintain status.
Again, I want to reiterate that status is not required for travel!
Many people go on excellent trips without being a member of major travel companies!
I just wanted to ensure you have the resources necessary to make informed decisions. It is ultimately up to you to decide if status is an essential goal for you and, if so, which travel partners meet your travel needs!
I am more than happy to help you do that! You can use my site’s contact form to send me any questions you may have, and I will respond promptly!

Similar to the tips and tricks blog post, I will regularly update this one to ensure you have the latest information!
Thanks for reading!
This is an amazing: one stop shop: a how to blog: all you need to know blog!! This would have been great to have way back when in the Northwest and Continental Airlines days lol!! But thank goodness it is here now!! I absolutely loved everything about this blog from the beginning to the end. The easy read. The practicality. The honesty. The sincerity. No stone was left unturned. You went above and beyond any expectations. First class blog!! Phenomenal!! Outstanding! I also love that you thank me for visiting your website it shows your appreciation and gratitude for my time, so thank you ericgoingglobal for sharing your expertise (which I trust). I will be sharing with everyone I know and don’t know for that matter.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! This was definitely the goal! And I 100% agree with your point on Northwest and Continental! The airline mergers have definitely made this process easier! I’m glad this has helped you, and thank you so much for sharing! I trust it will help them as well 🙂