8 elite status benefits you're not using but should
TPG staffers are big fans of their airline and hotel statuses. If you hold status, too, chances are there are perks that stand out as personal favorites, such as first-class upgrades, lounge access and free breakfasts.
However, there's more to elite status than receiving these well-known benefits. Across most major programs, there are also some lesser-known perks that you may have access to without even knowing it.
To help you make the most of your elite status, here are several under-the-radar benefits to take advantage of, according to TPG staffers.
Preferred seats
All three main U.S. carriers — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — offer preferred seating. Preferred seats generally have the same legroom as standard economy seats but are closer to the front of the cabin.
Scott Mayerowitz, TPG's executive editor, has access to the Main Cabin Preferred section when he travels on Delta. As a Diamond Medallion, Scott has preferred seating for himself and up to eight companions on all Delta flights — that's great for family vacations.
Meanwhile, TPG credit cards writer Ryan Smith – who can access complimentary preferred seating thanks to having United Premier Silver status — likes preferred seats for their location. Because you'll find these seats at the front of the plane, you can get off the plane sooner. This can prove extremely valuable for tight connections or scoring an Uber, Lyft or taxi faster when traveling during peak seasons, Ryan added.
Related: 7 tips for picking the perfect airplane seat every time
Recipriocal elite status
Katie Genter, TPG's senior points and miles reporter, enjoys receiving complimentary United Premier Silver elite status as a perk of her Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status.
In addition to preferred seating, Premier Silver members (and one companion on the same reservation) can travel on United with a free checked bag weighing up to 70 pounds. Additionally, Premier Silver members board in group two, earn a 40% mileage bonus and are eligible for same-day, first-class upgrades on select flights.
Katie also participates in a hotel status match. As a World of Hyatt Globalist, she enjoys MGM Rewards Gold status. Along with other benefits, MGM Gold gives her waived resort fees and complimentary self-parking, which can save her hundreds of dollars when she visits Las Vegas.
There are other complimentary elite status matches out there, too. If you have United MileagePlus Premier Gold status or higher, you're eligible for a status match to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite. Plus, Wyndham Rewards members can match their status to Caesars Rewards and vice versa.
Related: Hotel elite status match and challenge offers for 2022
Free parking for Globalists on award stays
With Scott's Hyatt Globalist status, he can park his car for free on Hyatt award stays. That can save you a considerable amount of money, particularly when staying in cities like Chicago or Boston, where parking charges can be north of $50 per night.
Related: Parking fees in Vegas are back: Here's how to avoid them
Priority assistance
Ryan likes using the preferred line for check-in at hotels and airports. In his experience, it's typically shorter, and he finds that the employees working priority lines are often more experienced and knowledgeable.
I fully agree with Ryan. Priority service can go a long way when it comes to snagging the last seat on the next flight after yours has been canceled. With widespread flight cancellations last summer, the United Airlines Premier 1K line made a world of difference in outsmarting long hold times.
Related: Here's how the TPG staff is beating long hold times and getting airline support quickly
Alaska MVP benefits on American Airlines
Our managing editor for news, Clint Henderson, has received the royal treatment as an Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 100K when traveling on American Airlines. He's routinely received upgrades on long-haul transcontinental flights, including American's premium A321T. He also used his systemwide upgrades to travel back from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in business class on American.
Additionally, Clint has enjoyed a generous three checked baggage allowance on American flights.
Related: Last-minute strategies for Alaska Mileage Plan elite status
AAdvantage elite benefits on Alaska and JetBlue
Members with AAdvantage Platinum status and higher are eligible for benefits on Alaska, as well as benefits on JetBlue Airways.
AAdvantage Platinum members receive access to Alaska's premium and JetBlue's Even More Space seating at check-in, plus priority boarding, free checked bags and more on both airlines.
It's also worth noting that AAdvantage Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum and Concierge Key members are eligible for waitlisted first-class upgrades on all Alaska flights.
Related: What is American Airlines elite status worth in 2022?
Oneworld lounges
Katie, an Executive Platinum member with American, and Clint, an MVP Gold 100K with Alaska, both have Oneworld Emerald status, which allows them to access most Oneworld business- and first-class lounges on international itineraries (excluding flights that travel between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico). Many of these lounges offer sit-down dining.
Oneworld Emerald includes complimentary access to some of the best first-class lounges in the business, such as the Japan Airlines first-class lounge at Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT), the Cathay Pacific first-class lounge at London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) and the Malaysia Airlines first-class lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
Related: Something for everyone: The Oneworld Los Angeles Lounge at Tom Bradley International Terminal
A complimentary Timeshifter subscription
United Premier 1K members receive a complimentary subscription to Timeshifter, an app that suggests adjustments to your sleep pattern to minimize jet lag.
I've used Timeshifter for most of my long-haul travels since 2019, and it has helped me adjust to the correct time zones.
The app, which normally costs $25 per year, alerts you when you should be going to bed, avoiding bright lights and more. Users can enter their normal sleep patterns and flight numbers for a personalized plan.
Related: Tips on how to avoid jet lag for your next trip
Bottom line
We all love upgrades and free food, but you may have access to even more perks thanks to your elite status. While it can be daunting to sift through all the fine print for each program, doing so can help you get the most out of your loyalty program memberships so you're not leaving valuable benefits on the table.
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.