Airline and Frequent Flyer elite status is constantly evolving and while the core perks of elite status have more or less remained the same during the past several years, several aspects have changed about airline elite status to a point where travelers are pondering whether or not it makes sense to keep and renew their status year after year.
Airlines and their loyalty programs keep changing elite status benefits and also the requirements needed to earn a specific tier level. It seems like the past ten years has seen the most modifications to frequent flyer programs and status benefits than in their entire lifetime. Airlines used to make modifications to their programs every few years but lately, it seems like almost every year there is yet another change – members are confused and angry that airlines keep changing benefits year after year, it almost makes one want to not hold status because of how difficult it can be to understand.
does earning airline elite status still make sense?
Basic Elite Status Benefits
Every airline and frequent flyer program determines what perks and benefits are offered at each tier level – the higher your level is, the more benefits you are entitled to. The most basic elite status benefits, which virtually all airlines offer to status tier members, include:
- priority check-in
- priority baggage handling
- extra baggage allowance
- priority security
- lounge access
- priority boarding
- preferred seating in Economy Class
- complimentary space-available upgrades (US programs only)
- dedicated phone line
There are more benefits which airlines offer that vary depending on your frequent flyer status, the route you are flying, the fare you booked, etc.
“Replacement” Elite-Like Travel Benefits
Nowadays you can actually not hold elite status and still travel through the airport like a pro and as if you held elite status. This is thanks to various programs which have come to life over the past few years which you can select and subscribe to. Let’s compare the basic elite status benefits listed above to their “replacement” programs:
- priority check-in
- most people check-in online or on the app and then visit a dedicated online bag drop counter with no lines
- extra baggage allowance
- holding an airline credit card often gives you a free checked bag for yourself and a companion on the same reservation
- priority security
- TSA PreCheck or Clear
- lounge access
- Priority Pass or other independent lounge-access program
- preferred seating in Economy Class/complimentary space-available upgrades (US programs only)
- you can often purchase extra-legroom Economy seats or upgrade to First Class for a good price
- dedicated phone line
- if you have issues you can reach out to airlines on social media or even texting them, which is usually quicker
Elite First Class Upgrades
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of holding airline status within the US is the fact that you are eligible for complimentary, space-available upgrades to First Class on qualifying itineraries within the US and some North American routes – this perk is usually even made available to entry-level status. However, this benefit has been significantly reduced over the past few years due to a number of reasons:
- First Class is less expensive than in the past
- there’s more flyers with elite status, so more competition for upgrades
- the cheapest, Basic Economy tickets, are usually not eligible for upgrades (so you have to buy a more expensive ticket just to be eligible for a hard-to-get upgrade)
- rules on what flights are eligible for these upgrades keep changing
Airlines sell First Class upgrades these days for much less than they did in the past – which is why status flyers receive less upgrades. In the past, the cost to upgrade to or buy a First Class ticket was astronomical, but these days the cost sometimes isn’t that expensive – especially if you consider the perks that come with a First Class ticket (like free bags and airport priority services).
The perk of complimentary upgrades to First Class has been devalued over the years and First Class often gets booked up in full by people paying for it, so upgrades aren’t as easy to get as they were in the past.
elite status can help you travel better
Does Earning Airline Elite Status Still Make Sense?
Having taken all of that into consideration, these days it may not make sense to hold airline elite status anymore mainly because you can simply subscribe to services which offer similar airport ground services for a yearly fee – and these services apply to you regardless of which airline you fly with. If you want to hold elite status you have to fly X number of miles each year with a specific airline or their partners – and your benefits only apply to that airline and their partners.
If you don’t hold elite status and instead subscribe to the various airport/travel services, you have the freedom to fly with whatever airline you want based on what works for you in terms of schedule and cost – you no longer have to select an airline because you have status with them or need to re-qualify for that status. All of this can give you more travel options since now you can be open to any airline and be flexible and select what works for you.
Elite Status is not the same as it once was and only you are able to make the call if it makes sense for you to renew it year after year and hold on to it. Perhaps you are more successful with upgrades on the routes you fly and you may not subscribe to any of the “replacement” services, so it could make sense for you to have status. Maybe your company pays for all of your flights and therefore you aren’t really paying out of pocket for it. Each traveler has to decide for themselves, based on their travel patterns and their past use of elite status, if it still makes sense – there just isn’t a “one size fits all”.