So, what exactly is elite status in travel — and how can I get it?

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Airlines, hotels and other travel providers offer loyalty programs to encourage travelers to book reservations with them. Then, the more you travel and spend with a brand, the higher the level of elite status you can reach, which translates into additional perks and rewards, like free hotel breakfast, room and seat upgrades and other benefits.

We use the term “elite status” frequently, but some travelers are unsure what it means. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of elite status and how you can get it; plus, we’ll share other ways to get elite benefits without the “status.”

What is elite status?

Elite status is the term used for members who have progressed beyond the basic membership of a loyalty program.

You can typically achieve higher levels of elite status based on spending with a brand and its partners, how frequently you make reservations and sometimes through other activities.

You can also receive elite status simply by having the right credit card.

Airline loyalty programs

Many airlines offer elite status for travelers who fly regularly with them and their partners.

Previously, you would usually earn elite status by flying a certain number of miles or taking a certain number of flights with an airline and its partners each year. However, many airlines have recently been overhauling their frequent flyer programs to reward spending (on airfares, with cobranded credit cards, etc.) rather than simply flying.

For example, American Airlines implemented Loyalty Points as its sole elite status metric. You earn Loyalty Points whenever you earn base miles.

This means that — in addition to flying — you’ll earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent for every eligible AAdvantage mile earned from purchases on an American Airlines cobranded credit card like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees). Likewise, you can earn when you shop through the American shopping portal, rent a car with one of its rental car partners or take advantage of other earning opportunities.

Elite status benefits from airlines may include complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, free checked bags and higher mileage-earning rates on flights.

While most credit cards don’t automatically get you airline elite status, several cards make qualifying easier. Delta has overhauled how credit cards help cardmembers earn elite status with one metric: Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).

For example, if you hold the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, you’ll earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent on the card in a calendar year, and there is no limit on the number of MQDs you can earn through card spending. Cardholders will also receive an MQD boost of 2,500 MQDs each Medallion Qualification year. Essentially, if you’re spending a lot on this card, you could earn SkyMiles elite status without needing to travel.

Hotel loyalty programs

Hotel chains encourage frequent stays through their loyalty programs, too.

Members can earn elite status in various ways, depending on the program. Some metrics include how many stays or nights you book each year, how many points you earn based on your stay, how much you spend on a cobranded credit card or if you carry a certain cobranded credit card.

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

Some hotel credit cards, like the World of Hyatt Credit Card, provide complimentary Discoverist elite status and five qualifying night credits (which count toward your next tier status). This benefit can be a great jumpstart if you want to earn even higher status levels than you normally would through stays.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card provides cardholders complimentary Diamond status — the top tier of Hilton Honors that normally requires completing 30 separate stays, staying 60 nights or earning 120,000 base points in a calendar year.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Rental car and cruise line loyalty programs

Other types of travel companies offer elite status benefits within their loyalty programs as well. Depending on how valuable or useful customers find these benefits, they might be compelling enough to cause travelers to book with one brand over another, even when it might be more expensive.

Car rental elite status lets some folks avoid certain fees, enjoy free category upgrades and earn more points. In some cases, car rental elite members have a greater selection of vehicles to choose from, too. While rental car companies do not have their own cobranded credit cards, some premium travel credit cards offer rental car elite status as a benefit. You can even match certain airline statuses to rental car programs.

Some cruise line loyalty programs also provide elite status for their best customers. While lackluster at the lower rungs, higher tiers can offer attractive perks such as free drinks, priority service, complimentary laundry and special events.

Elite status vs. credit card benefits

Many of the best travel credit cards offer automatic elite status or similar benefits. Best of all, you don’t have to take numerous flights or spend dozens of nights in a hotel to access them.

Many card elite benefits are available immediately after you are approved for your card. However, in some cases, you must manually activate the perks before using them.

Some credit card elite or elitelike benefits may include:

Automatic elite status: If you’re an occasional traveler, reaching elite status can be challenging. Some travel credit cards include automatic elite status (or elite status via spending) so you can enjoy elite status perks starting with your first reservation.
Airport lounge access: Some premium travel credit cards include a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership to access airport lounges worldwide. Some provide unlimited use, while others only include a handful of visits. Certain airline cards also extend membership or access to their specific airport lounges.
Free checked bags: Many airline credit cards allow cardholders to check a bag for free on the cobranded carrier — but pay special attention to the terms regarding the number of bags, travel companions and whether or not you need to pay for your ticket with the card to receive this benefit.
Priority boarding: Many airline credit cards include priority boarding as a perk of being a cardholder.

How to get premium hotel benefits without elite status

Koenigshof, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich — MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

If you don’t have elite status with a hotel, you can still receive similar benefits just for booking through these sites, even if it’s your first reservation.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Those with The Platinum Card® from American Express can receive exclusive perks when booking through the issuer’s Fine Hotels + Resorts portal. Elite-level benefits include early check-in, late checkout, a complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast for two and an experience credit worth at least $100. Plus, some reservations include a complimentary night for additional savings. The up to $200 annual credit for Platinum cardholders can be combined with these stays. Enrollment is required.

The Hotel Collection

The Hotel Collection is Amex’s scaled-down version of Fine Hotels + Resorts, available for both Amex Platinum and American Express® Gold Card members. You’ll receive a space-available complimentary room upgrade, early check-in and late checkout where available, and a $100 resort credit to spend on qualifying resort activities, dining and spa services when booking a room. Some hotel offers also include a free night, complimentary breakfast or both.

Capital One Premier Collection

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business cardholders can enjoy hotel benefits when booking Premier Collection properties through Capital One Travel. Benefits 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 (worth up to $100) to use during the stay.

Bottom line

Having elite status with your favorite airline, hotel or other travel programs can improve your travel experience.

Elite status can unlock free travel faster with points- or miles-earning bonuses depending on the specific loyalty program. Elite members also receive valuable perks such as upgrades and priority services at the airport or the hotel. Qualifying for elite status varies by program, but some credit cards can help you get there faster based on your spending or even just for being a cardholder.

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So, what exactly is elite status in travel — and how can I get it?