Airline and Hotel Elite Status & Upgrade Essentials

Looking for a fast-pass to elite status? Want to know the requirements . . . and the perks? Or if all the time and trouble it takes to get elite status is even worth it? Are you looking for upgrade advice on your upcoming flight? If so, you’re in the right place.  See links to posts written by our highly knowledgeable team of points industry veterans, selected specifically to help you learn the ins and outs of airline and hotel elite status .

Elite Status Essentials – Airlines

Interested in learning the basics of elite status? Look no further:

• All Things Elite Status
• When Does Elite Status Reset and How Long Does It Last?
• Is Elite Status Worth Being Loyal to a Single Airline

Tips for become elite quickly:

• Cards That Help You Earn Elite Status Quickly
• Airline Elite Status Match and Challenge Options

Want to book through a credit card portal, but not sure if you’ll get airline miles or elite perks?

• Will I Get Airline Miles & Elite Benefits With Portal Bookings?

Comparing Elite Status – Airlines

Interested in elite status, but not sure which is best? See these posts:

• Comparing High-Tier Elite Status on American, Delta and United
• The Most Valuable Elite Status

Upgrade Essentials – Airlines

• All Things Upgrades
• Can I Upgrade a Ticket Booked with Points?
• How to Upgrade with Miles on AA, Delta, United and Alaska
• How to Upgrade on Flights with International Carriers
• Which is a Better Value for Miles: Flight Awards or Upgrades?

Alaska Airlines

What’s Alaska Elite Status worth?

• Alaska Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Trying to earn elite status, but expecting a child? Can’t travel?

• Extending Your Alaska Mileage Plan Elite Status

American Airlines

What’s AA Elite Status worth?

• AA Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Is it worth it? TPG himself is skeptical. Read about it, here:

• Why I’m Jumping Off the AA Elite Status Hamster Wheel

Delta Air Lines

What’s Delta Elite Status worth?

• Delta Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Looking for a card to obtain elite status?

• Why the Amex Platinum Might be the Best for Delta Flyerss

JetBlue Airways

What’s JetBlue Elite Status Worth?

• JetBlue Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Make the most of your JetBlue Mosaic Status

• Maximizing TrueBlue and JetBlue Mosaic for Free Flights and Perks

United Airlines

What’s United Elite Status worth?

• United Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Looking for a way around the fees?

• Waive United’s Spending Requirement Through Credit Cards

Southwest Airlines

What’s Southwest Elite Status Worth?

• Southwest Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Elite Status Essentials – Hotels

Looking for tips to become elite?

• Shortcuts to Hotel Elite Status: Cards, Spending and More

The right credit card will make it easier.

• The Best Cards for Hotel Elite Status

Is hotel elite status even worth it?

• 6 Reasons Why Hotel Elite Status Isn’t Always Worth It

Comparing Elite Status – Hotels

Interested in the best — and most valuable — hotel elite status?

• Comparing Hotel Elite Status

Upgrade Essentials – Hotels

Increase your chances of getting upgraded with these tips:

• Getting Upgraded: How to Get that Hotel Room Upgrade
• Does Tipping Front Desk Agents Really Work?

IHG

What’s IHG Elite Status worth?

• IHG Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Hyatt

What’s World of Hyatt Elite Status worth?

• World of Hyatt Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Hilton

What’s Hilton Honors Elite Status worth?

• Hilton Honors Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Ritz-Carlton

What’s Ritz-Carlton Rewards Elite Status worth?

• Ritz-Carlton Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

SPG/Marriott

What’s SPG Elite Status worth?

• SPG Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

What’s Marriott Elite Status worth?

• Marriott Elite Status: What’s it Worth?

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out our guides or travel resources page. Still nothing? Shoot us an email and we’ll do our best to get back to you: info@thepointsguy.com. If you’d like to see something added to this FAQ, send us a Facebook message with what you think we’re missing. If your request is popular with other readers we’ll add it!