Free Baggage, Best Seats, and More: How to Get and Use Elite Passenger Status on US Airlines

Elite airline status can greatly enhance your travel experience. Along with desirable perks like first-class upgrades and more practical perks like free checked baggage, status can make a big difference in air travel, reports Travel Leisure.

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In 2023, the status of airlines in the world has changed, with airlines returning to business as usual after three years of low earnings amid the pandemic. If you're lucky enough to get status for the first time, here's how to take advantage of the perks other travelers so often envy.

Breakdown of airline elite status levels

Contrary to popular belief, the elite status of an airline is not only beneficial to spenders. While upgrades may be less common among lower status passengers, any type of elite status can make a significant difference to a day of travel.

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Each airline has its own unique status levels and their names. However, they all have one thing in common: the more you fly (or spend), the more privileges you get. For example, each of the largest US airlines - Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines - offers four different status levels with increasing benefits.

• Alaska Airlines: MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold 100K.
• American: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum.
• delta: Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion.
• United: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K.

While low-cost carriers like JetBlue and Southwest have fewer differentiated status levels that are easier to earn, they don't offer perks like the coveted seat upgrades you can get on major airlines.

What bonuses should you expect?

With elite airline status, expect a host of benefits at the airport, on board, and even at home.

At the airport

Use your newfound elite status for free checked baggage, expedited check-in, faster boarding and faster security check-in. Tip: If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, using these privileges can often be faster than waiting in the priority security queue.

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If your travel plans change, many airlines also offer free same-day flight changes or reserve benefits for Elite Members. And at the airport of arrival, checked baggage must appear at baggage claim before someone else's.

On board

On most US airlines, elite passengers booked in economy class get complimentary access to more attractive seats, such as preferred front rows or exit seats. Status holders will also be added to an exclusive list of upgrades for Economy, First or Business Class seats with extra legroom.

Passengers with the highest status, such as Executive Platinum on American Airlines, even get a free alcoholic drink and snacks while sitting in the economy class cabin. On some international airlines (Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific is a prime example), passengers with elite status are personally greeted by the crew, given a welcome bottle of water and offered a choice of first course.

Houses

With dedicated phone lines for airline elite status members, waiting times for customer support are greatly reduced compared to regular travelers. Status holders should also count on additional miles after the flight. For example, those who have an Executive Platinum status with American receive a 120 percent bonus for miles when they purchase tickets.

How can I use my airline status for an upgrade?

Upgrading from economy class to the next one is a very desirable privilege. While each airline handles upgrades differently, all of the major carriers mentioned (Alaska, American, Delta, and United) reward their most frequent flyers with free first class seats on domestic routes.

In general, you don't have to do anything other than include your frequent flyer number on your booking to receive a free upgrade. The update process, including getting into the list of exclusive updates, occurs automatically. However, since the priority on the waiting list for upgrades is determined by status level, the higher your status level, the better your chances of getting a first class seat.

Tip: Consider flying on less popular routes or flying at off-peak hours if an upgrade is important to you. For example, instead of flying on a Friday afternoon, consider a Saturday evening flight, which can be less crowded (and less stressful for elite passengers).

What should I do to qualify for next year's status (or higher status)?

As you continue to fly (and spend) throughout the year, there is an opportunity for travelers to retrain and upgrade their existing status. Most airlines calculate their elite status criteria during the calendar year. If you reach the minimum threshold, you will automatically become an elite member for the remainder of the year in which you qualified, as well as for the entire following year.

If you're already flying with one airline but are considering switching, look into the status program of another. There are offers that allow travelers to test the difference between elite programs, usually without having to spend a year accumulating miles and qualifying dollars.

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With the elite status of any airline, it's worth asking yourself what perks you're most interested in. Many status perks, such as extra legroom seats or a free checked-in suitcase, can be taken advantage of by having a credit card already in your pocket. So, think about what you really want from your flight and how best to get it - whether it's maintaining your status year after year or getting a credit card for luxury travel.

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