5 reasons I pursued elite status with a foreign airline
Over the years, I've held elite status with a number of airlines, including American, Alaska and United, just to name a few. Although there's the overarching question of whether elite status is even worth it anymore, there's one program, in particular, that's provided me far greater value than the rest — Japan Airlines Mileage Bank.
Despite being based in the U.S. and having only flown with the Japanese carrier a handful of times, I currently hold top-tier Diamond status in the program and am able to get tremendous use of it. The main reason is that Japan Airlines is a member of the Oneworld alliance, and I get reciprocal loyalty benefits when flying on partners like American and Alaska.
The idea of foreign elite status has become more prevalent with new status match opportunities from ANA, Royal Air Maroc and ITA Airways. So today, I'll share why I'm loyal to a foreign airline loyalty program — and why you might want to be too.
Status is easier to earn
First things first: Elite status is often easier to earn with a foreign airline when compared to many U.S. carriers.
Unlike most U.S. airline loyalty programs, foreign airlines generally don't have spending requirements to qualify for elite status. This is great for those who book cheap tickets, as you'll usually earn elite-qualifying credit based on the distance and class of service flown rather than your fare.
Related: What are airline alliances, and who’s in them?
Some foreign programs even have lower thresholds for qualifying for status than U.S. ones too.
For instance, Asiana Club Diamond status (which translates to Star Alliance Gold) requires a modest 40,000 elite-qualifying miles, and you have 24 months to accrue them. Just note that some programs require you to fly a certain number of segments on their own metal to qualify. Aegean Airlines allows you to earn Gold status (also Star Alliance Gold) with just 24,000 Tier Miles within 12 months, but you must fly a minimum of four flights on Aegean — otherwise, the requirement is 48,000 Tier Miles.
Foreign airlines also tend to be more generous with their status match offers. As the name suggests, status matches are where an airline matches your status from a competitor to the equivalent level in their own program. The U.S. airlines generally have a challenge component to their status matches, while foreign airlines often match your status outright.
We've recently seen several lucrative status matches in each major alliance, including ANA for Star Alliance status, Royal Air Maroc for Oneworld status and ITA Airways for SkyTeam status. Several TPG staffers are newfound Star Alliance Gold elites thanks to a status match offer from Air Canada last fall.
Related: Current airline elite status match and challenge options you should know about
Lounge access on domestic trips
One of my favorite perks of mid and upper-level elite status is airport lounge access. The only problem? If you earned your status with a U.S. airline, you generally don't have access to this benefit on domestic trips. Luckily, this restriction doesn't extend to Oneworld and Star Alliance elites who earned their status with a foreign airline.
If you have elite status with a foreign Oneworld or Star Alliance carrier, you can enjoy lounge benefits whenever you fly with an alliance member, including on domestic U.S. itineraries.
As a Oneworld Emerald member through Japan Airlines, I have access to swanky lounges like American's Flagship Lounges and the Qantas International First Lounge at LAX — normally reserved for long-haul customers — even on short domestic hops. These are fancy lounges that even the most premium credit cards normally don't grant you access to.
Unfortunately, SkyTeam always requires its elites to travel internationally to access lounges, regardless of the airline you earned status with.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Priority treatment on the ground
The U.S. airlines treat partner elites basically the same as their own on the ground. This means that you'll still get access to the usual priority ground services like priority check-in, boarding and baggage delivery. You'll also get your usual checked baggage allowance, even if you're flying domestically.
As a Oneworld Emerald member of a foreign program, I get access to American's exclusive Flagship First check-in areas whenever flying with the carrier. This perk is normally only available to passengers flying Flagship First or invite-only ConciergeKey members. Even top-tier American AAdvantage Executive Platinum elites can only use these areas when flying on qualifying long-haul routes.
Occasional upgrades
The biggest downside to having elite status with a foreign carrier is that you generally don't get upgrades on partner flights. At least that's the policy on paper.
I've found that partner elites are at the top of the list for operational upgrades (generally when a flight is oversold and the airline "needs" to bump someone to a premium cabin). As a Japan Airlines elite, I've gotten a number of surprise upgrades on American Airlines flights, including on popular routes like New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Miami International Airport (MIA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Although premium cabin upgrades aren't a published benefit, preferred and extra-legroom economy seating on partner flights generally is. My Oneworld Emerald status gets me free Main Cabin Extra seating on American Airlines flights at the time of booking, while partner SkyTeam elites may be eligible for upgrades to Delta Comfort+ close to departure. Eligible Star Alliance elites get access to preferred seats on United, but not Economy Plus.
Related: How to ensure an upgrade on your next flight
The redeemable miles are more valuable
Although you may be able to work around this, you are generally expected to credit your flights to the foreign program to reap your status benefits. That means that I'm earning JAL Mileage Bank award miles when flying American, as opposed to AAdvantage miles. While some might think this is a drawback, I actually see this as an advantage.
This varies by program, but I find many foreign mileage currencies more valuable than those of the U.S. airlines. This is because many foreign programs still publish award charts with fixed redemption rates and still have some really good sweet spots.
For instance, if you're crediting flights to ANA Mileage Club instead of United MileagePlus, you'll be able to book round-trip business class awards to Europe for just 88,000 miles round-trip — significantly less than the 73,000+ miles United usually charges one-way when you book with a partner airline.
Related: Airline miles that are hardest to earn — and why you want them anyway
Bottom line
Most travelers will instinctively choose to be loyal to frequent flyer programs from their home countries. However, depending on your travel habits and preferences, it might make more sense to chase elite status with a foreign partner airline — even if you rarely fly with them.
Remember that because you'll also be crediting your redeemable miles to that program, make sure it has useful redemptions. Although ANA has low redemption rates, it's not ideal for those who like to book one-way awards as all tickets must be booked round-trip.
So if you're OK with fewer upgrades and the redemptions make sense, it could be worthwhile to earn status with a partner instead.
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| 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. |
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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
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
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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.