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Is Elite Status Worth Being Loyal to a Single Airline?

June 05, 2016
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3 min read
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Is Elite Status Worth Being Loyal to a Single Airline?
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TPG reader Josh sent me a message on Facebook to ask about being a frequent flyer:

“I love to travel abroad and always try to fly United, but other airlines seem like better options for a few big trips I'm planning. I also haven't been able to accrue as many United miles as I would like with the new earning system. Is it still worth being loyal to one airline in order to earn elite status now that I no longer travel for work?”

There are good reasons why airline elite status is highly prized among frequent flyers. Perks like upgrades, mileage bonuses and waived fees can save you money and make your travel experience more comfortable, and some people will go to great lengths to earn or maintain status. However, the true value of those benefits depends on your travel patterns, and it's good to have a clear sense of what you'll get out of elite status before you decide how much effort to put into earning it.

I get a lot of value out of the AAdvantage program and Executive Platinum status, but that's partly because of how much I travel, especially out of American's hub in Miami. Elite benefits aren't worth much unless you actually use them. If I were flying only a few times each year, I'd probably forego loyalty and just pick whichever airline was least expensive and most convenient for a given trip — I still do that sometimes anyway.

If you fly often, then deciding whether to remain loyal to one airline is a bit tougher. High-level status can offer some incredibly lucrative benefits, such as the Global Premier Upgrades you get with United Premier 1K. I think you can justify an extra layover or a slightly higher price from time to time if it helps you reach the upper tiers of your frequent flyer program. If it only means the difference between low-level status or none at all, then there's much less reason to go out of your way.

Earning miles has gotten harder for many flyers with the switch to revenue-based programs.

As for earning miles, there's been less incentive to remain loyal on that front since Delta and United introduced revenue-based mileage in 2015 (with American set to follow later this year). Leisure travelers are generally earning fewer miles from flying, and there's more to be gained by maximizing spending and getting in on the top credit card sign-up bonuses than working toward elite status for a higher earning rate. If you're determined to stick with one airline, do it for the elite benefits and not the extra miles.

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Check out these posts for more discussion about choosing (and staying loyal to) airline programs:

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.