Maximizing Elite Status: Comparing Low Level Status
This is an installment in my Maximizing Elite Status series. Articles include; The Basics and Why People Mileage Run, Using ITA Matrix to Find Cheap Flights, How Much is Elite Status Worth?, Comparing Top Tier Status, Comparing Mid-Tier Status, Comparing Low Level Status, How to Get Elite Miles Without Flying, Understanding Elite Status Bump Thresholds, The Lowdown on Soft Landings, How to Cope with Losing Elite Status.
Elite status is a major part of flying these days—both in terms of perks and benefits, as well as mileage bonuses that can up your balances significantly. Even elite flyers at the lower levels stand to gain a lot in terms of waived fees and faster check-in, plus a shot at upgrades. Here’s a look at the benefits conferred upon elite flyers at the lowest level on the top four legacy U.S. airlines. Then read on below to see my thoughts on which one does best in each category.
*Just a note: The benefits I outline below for United Airlines are the new ones from its planned 2012 program changes and do not reflect current MileagePlus/OnePass benefits.
COMPARISON TABLE
| American Airlines Gold | United Airlines Premier Silver | Delta Silver Medallion | US Airways Preferred Silver | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Qualification Miles | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
Qualification Segments | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Mileage Bonus | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
Domestic Upgrade Window on discounted economy | Upgrades are not complimentary- but if you use an upgrade certificate you clear at 24 hours | Day of departure | 24 hours | 48 hours |
Companion Upgrades | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Access to Preferred Seating | Complimentary at time of booking | Complimentary at check-in | Complimentary at booking for Preferred Seats, discounted intl Economy Comfort | Complimentary at time of booking |
Priority Check-in, Security Screening and Boarding | Yes | Yes | Yes, but not priority security with a purchased coach ticket | Yes |
Same Day Standby Flight Change | Free. $50 to confirm change. | $75 | Not possible. $50 to confirm space. | Free |
Baggage Fees | 2 free checked bags of current size and weight limits | 1 free checked bag up to 50 lbs | 1 free checked back up to 70 lbs | 1 free checked bag of current size and weight limits |
Lounge Discount | $50 off annual fee, total of $450 | $25 off annual fee, total $450 | $50 off annual fee, total of $400 | $75 off annual fee, total $375 |
CATEGORY WINNERS
Qualification: This is the threshold, in terms of miles or segments, at which elite status is achieved. You earn one frequent flyer mile per mile flown, plus any class-of-service bonuses for buying full and premium fares. You can also qualify for elite status on segments flown—this is to benefit short-haul frequent flyers who might not always qualify on miles alone, but are on lots of flights.
Winner: Tie. All four airlines have the same requirements of either 25,000 miles or 30 flight segments. The one way I’d concede there’s a winner is the fact that Delta lets you roll over any qualifying miles from one year to the next once you’ve reached an elite status threshold. So, if you flew 35,000 miles on them this year, those first 25,000 would count to make you a Silver Medallion, but then those 10,000 extra that wouldn’t do much for you on the other airlines would count towards your next year’s elite status qualification, and you’d only have to fly 15,000 miles to qualify for Silver status again.
Mileage Bonus: This is a bonus on base (redeemable) miles you get for each flight. The table above shows bonuses based solely on miles flown on a discounted economy ticket—so no class-of-service bonuses you might earn by flying in business or first. So as an example, if you had low-level elite status with any one of these airlines, and flew 5,000 miles, you’d earn 6,250 miles total.
Winner: Again, this is a tie. All four offer their low-level elites a 25% bonus on base miles flown. If I had to choose I'd give it to United since I think their miles are the most valuable of the four.
Domestic Upgrade Window: Elite status will get you at least the possibility of free upgrades on domestic flights within North America (excluding Hawaii) and often Mexico and the Caribbean. When you make a booking with your elite frequent flyer number, the airline will automatically register you for a space-available upgrade…behind all the other upper-tier elites. The upgrade window is the most amount of time in advance that the airline will confirm your upgrade. Your chances as a lower-level elite aren’t always the best, but you might score a seat on an out-of-the-way route.
Winner: US Airways…hey, at least they consider upgrading you a full 48 hours before your flight!
Companion Upgrades: If you’re an airline elite traveling with a companion (only one!) and you’re offered an upgrade on your seat, your companion will automatically be considered for an upgrade as well. Chances are it won’t happen at this level of elite status, but good to know.
Winner: Tie. All four offer a complimentary companion upgrade for a single travel companion on their domestic routes. Let's be honest, as a low level elite getting your own upgrade is hard enough - very few people actually get to upgrade a companion as well.
Access to Preferred Seating: Almost all the domestic airlines these days have split their economy cabins into regular and preferred seating areas. On some, like United, that means more leg room and being closer to the front, while on others, like American or US Airways, it just means you can book aisle or window seats closer to the front of the plane.
Winner: Delta, American and US Airways, that allow their elite flyers to reserve these seats at the time of booking. United probably used to be the best since their Economy Plus seats were not only closer to the front, but were also roomier. However, it looks like this benefit will only be available at check-in to Silver elites. A huge devaluation in that benefit for the program in 2012- I know I'd never want to risk waiting until check-in to get a good seat.
Priority Access and Baggage Fees: In this category, I included priority check-in, security screening and boarding. Elite status confers upon members, even in the lower tiers, access to priority check-in counters (usually the business class ones), security screening lines, and at least getting on the plane before the general public, so you don’t have to worry about there being enough overhead space for your carry on. Not only do these benefits save (well, just a little, really) time, but they also save money on checked bags, so you can bring that extra pair of shoes.
Winner: American and US Airways. United is the only one that will allow just a single checked bag for free for its elite customers while the others allow two. Delta Silver Medallions get priority check-in, but are not classified as SkyPriority, so they don't get preferred security.
Same Day Standby Flight Change: This situation comes up a lot for frequent travelers. Your schedule changes and you need to book an earlier or later flight home on your day of travel. A lot of airlines will let their elites change flights for free or discounted change fees.
Winner: American Airlines and US Airways let their elite flyers change flights on their day of travel for free while United is going to charge its elites $75, and Delta doesn't even allow Silver Medallions to standby on earlier flights - only to pay the $50 confirmed change fee is space is available (just like anyone without elite status).
Lounge Discounts: Especially for seasoned road warriors, the airline lounge can be a place of comfort, shelter and refuge. And at the very least, you can grab a drink and surf the web.
Winner: US Airways. Not only is the discount the most at $75, but the total price is also the lowest at $375. Plus, when you’re a US Airways Club member, you also have access to United and Star Alliance lounges, so why settle for United’s paltry $25 discount and $450 fee?
[card card-name='Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express' card-id='22034414' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.