Splitting time: What should Prince Harry and Meghan's frequent flyer strategy be?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex surprised the world on Wednesday with their announcement that they intend to step back from their roles as senior royals and become financially independent. In addition, the couple said they plan to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America.
Prince Harry and Meghan made the announcement after spending six weeks in Canada with their son Archie. In a photo caption posted to their Instagram account, the couple said that while they will continue to support Her Majesty the Queen, they intend to focus on the next chapter "including the launch of our new charitable entity".
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Traditionally, the Royal Family uses different means for travel, which includes private, chartered, and commercial aircraft, as well as military aircraft in particular from Commonwealth countries. Given the high profile of the family, private jet travel will likely be included in their travel plans but, having previously caused controversy with the use of private jets, Meghan more recently has been using commercial, scheduled services to fly between the U.K. and the U.S.
Aside from potentially using private jets lent to them by wealthy friends, Harry and Meghan ought to now think about their frequent flyer and travel strategy to maximize their long-distance commute, assuming their are as savvy and keen to maximize their travel as we are.
Choosing an airline and alliance and earn status
There is no shortage of great options to fly between the U.K. and North America — and in particular on the billion-dollar revenue route between London and New York. Between these two cities, airlines try to woo passengers by ensuring their best business-class products fly on said route. Along with flights to the U.S., when flying to Canada, we are also a fan of WestJet, which offers high-scoring products in business, premium economy and economy.
The key for anyone new to the frequent flyer world is to always earn miles and points when flying or staying in a hotel. Ideally, the royal family should pick an airline or alliance and stay loyal in order to earn status and reap the benefits, such as lounge access and priority boarding.
Given they will always be members of the British Royal Family, they might want to either go for British Airways, which recently introduced its new Club Suite business-class product, or Virgin Atlantic, which also upped its game with the Upper Class Suite in 2019.
Assuming the couple flies between the U.K. and North America at least every other month, they can comfortably earn elite status with a number of carriers. So how long would it take to earn status with the major carriers that fly between North America and the U.K.?
British Airways
British Airways offers some beneficial perks for frequent flyers. And, given Harry and Meghan's ties to the country, they might be especially keen on a relationship with the flagship carrier's Executive Club program during their jaunts between continents.
The Executive Club features four levels of elite status: Bronze (300 Tier Points), Silver (600 Tier Points), Gold (1,500 Tier Points) or Gold Guest List (5,000 Tier Points; 3,000 Tier Points to retain). Based on travel between much of the East Cost (Toronto [YYZ], New York [JFK], Boston [BOS], Charlotte [CLT], Miami [MIA] and more) and London (LHR), the couple would need to fly the following in order to earn status:
- Bronze — three one-way business-class flights, or two one-way first-class flights
- Silver — five one-way business-class flights, or three one-way first-class flights
- Gold — 11 one-way business-class flights, or eight one-way first-class flights
- Gold Guest List — 36 one-way business-class flights, or 24 one-way first-class flights
With their goal to become financially independent, Harry and Meghan might choose to fly economy. However, flying economy isn't an effective way to earn status with BA, as flights in premium cabins are massively favored in the Tier Point system. It would take a whopping 75 one-way discounted economy flights to reach BA Gold status.
It's also worth noting that Toronto (YYZ) is one of only a few routes that currently has the airline's new Airbus A350 aircraft, meaning they'll be flying in comfort in the new Club Suite seat. The Club Suite is also on select frequencies to New York (JFK) with the carrier's refurbished 777-200 aircraft.
Related reading: How to fly the British Airways Club Suite
Virgin Atlantic
If the couple chooses to go with the U.K.'s other major long-haul carrier, they could opt for Virgin Atlantic, which flies between London and a number of U.S. destinations. Notably missing from Virgin's route network, however, is Toronto, the city where the couple have been rumored to have been eyeing for residence.
If they do choose to go with Virgin and fly to cities by the likes of New York (JFK and EWR), Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA) or others, they'll be focused on earning one of two levels of elite status in the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Silver (400 Tier Points) or Gold (1,000 Tier Points). Based on travel between Virgin's East Coast cities and London, the couple would need to fly the following in order to earn status:
- Silver — four one-way Upper Class flights (Z class) or two one-way Upper Class flights (J, C, D, I class)
- Gold — 10 one-way Upper Class flights (Z class) or five one-way Upper Class flights (J, C, D, I class)
Virgin flies its Airbus A350 aircraft with the new Upper Class Suite exclusively on its route to New York — at least for the time being. As of 2020, the carrier will fly the aircraft to Johannesburg (JNB), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Lagos (LOS).
American, Delta and United
All three of the major U.S. carriers also offer their own loyalty programs, which could be rewarding options for Harry and Meghan.
American Airlines belongs to the Oneworld alliance — the same as British Airways. With the close partnership between the two carriers, Harry and Meghan could be set up to utilize flying with BA transatlantic and then connecting on American's extensive route network in North America.
Delta Air Lines owns 49% of Virgin Atlantic. Because of that, the two are very connected in terms of reciprocal mileage earning and redemption options — even though Virgin Atlantic isn't a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Similar to the relationship between BA and American, Harry and Meghan would be able to fly across the Atlantic with Virgin (or Delta) and then connect on to Delta's North American route network. Additionally, Delta and Virgin Atlantic partner with WestJet, which could ease connection to and within Canada.
Unlike American and Delta, United doesn't have a strong U.K.-based partner. As a member of the Star Alliance, however, it does partner with Air Canada — a good option when considering Canadian connectivity.
No matter which route the couple decide to take with their frequent flyer strategy, they should go about maximizing benefits from the beginning of their new lives away from the Royal Family. By ensuring they're signed up for frequent flyer programs to earn valuable points and miles, as well as putting the cost of the flights on the best credit cards for earning points and following some of the other tips and tricks as part of our beginner's guide, they'll be set for success. And, they'll eventually earn enough points and miles to make their first redemption for a family holiday.
Bottom line
Moving countries, switching careers and long-distance commuting between two continents can both be incredibly exciting, but also very stressful. So, earning elite status can help to ensure at least flying between the two is as seamless as possible with elite status benefits — even for royals.
We wish Harry, Meghan and Archie all the best in their next chapter and look forward to watching their frequent flyer strategy take shape!
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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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- 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.
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- 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.