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 .
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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:
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:
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?
Trying to earn elite status, but expecting a child? Can't travel?
American Airlines
What's AA Elite Status worth?
Is it worth it? TPG himself is skeptical. Read about it, here:
Delta Air Lines
What's Delta Elite Status worth?
Looking for a card to obtain elite status?
JetBlue Airways
What's JetBlue Elite Status Worth?
Make the most of your JetBlue Mosaic Status
United Airlines
What's United Elite Status worth?
Looking for a way around the fees?
Southwest Airlines
What's Southwest Elite Status Worth?
Elite Status Essentials - Hotels
Looking for tips to become elite?
The right credit card will make it easier.
Is hotel elite status even 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:
IHG
What's IHG Elite Status worth?
Hyatt
What's World of Hyatt Elite Status worth?
Hilton
What's Hilton Honors Elite Status worth?
Ritz-Carlton
What's Ritz-Carlton Rewards Elite Status worth?
SPG/Marriott
What's SPG Elite Status worth?
What's Marriott Elite Status 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!
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app