How a 15-minute phone call landed me a Hyatt status challenge
World of Hyatt has a reputation for being relatively conservative when it comes to status matches and challenges. However, just a few weeks ago, Hyatt launched a round of fast-track offers for American Airlines elites. Now, it appears that Hyatt is offering an even more generous status challenge and anyone can participate.
Here's everything you need to know about Hyatt's elite status shortcuts.
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Status match for American Airlines elites
Let's begin by discussing the offers available to American Airlines AAdvantage elites. Right now, American Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members can fast-track to Hyatt Explorist or Globalist status.
If you register by Sept. 30, you’ll immediately begin enjoying mid-tier Explorist status for 90 days following registration. You can extend this status (or bump yourself to top-tier Globalist) through February 2023 by completing a set number of elite-qualifying nights at Hyatt properties in 90 days immediately following registration.
Related: Hyatt and American launch new fast-track offers for elite status
Based on reports from TPG staffers and readers, it appears that these are the requirements to keep Explorist status or earn Globalist status during the 90-day window:
- Keep Explorist status by staying 10 nights.
- Upgrade to Globalist status by staying 20 nights.
Qualifying nights are any that would normally count toward Hyatt elite status, including paid and award bookings.
It's worth noting that Hyatt has already halved elite status requirements for 2021 due to the pandemic. These represent a comparatively small reduction (33% lower than the updated thresholds). Nevertheless, if you are already set to stay at Hyatt properties in the near future, this is a great opportunity to secure a fast-tracked elite status.
Existing AA elites can log in and register at this link.
Related: What is World of Hyatt elite status worth in 2021?
New status challenge offer
As first spotted by Strayersong on FlyerTalk and confirmed by TPG, there's a new fast-track opportunity to Discoverist, Explorist or Globalist status. Interestingly, this offer seems to be open to anyone, as opposed to just American Airlines elite members and is a bit more generous.
To participate in this challenge, you must register by Nov. 30. You'll then have until February 28th to meet the following requirements — regardless of when you sign up:
- Stay 4 nights to earn Discoverist.
- Stay 10 nights for an upgrade to Explorist.
- Stay 20 nights for an upgrade to Globalist.
As is usually the case for status challenges, only stays completed after registering count.
Interestingly, there aren't any details about this offer on Hyatt's website, but we were able to confirm the details with a Hyatt supervisor over the phone on July 26. While this fast-track seems to offer status for fewer nights, the American Airlines elite status fast-track offers Explorist status right off the bat.
It was also noted by the agent that it is only a targeted offer. She also mentioned that you likely need elite status with other hotel chains to be eligible.
Related: Fast elite status, sweet spots: Why I’m sticking with Hyatt in 2021
How to sign up
As mentioned, we could not find any information about this status challenge online. We ended up having to call Hyatt at 800-544-9288.
After a quick chat with a representative, we were moved up to a supervisor who was able to confirm our registration and details after a quick hold. Altogether, I was able to confirm the details and register within 15 minutes.
Unfortunately, Hyatt has confirmed in an email to TPG that the five elite-qualifying nights awarded to new cardholders of the World of Hyatt Credit Card will not count toward these thresholds.
Bottom line
If you have 15 minutes and some Hyatt stays already on the schedule, this is a perfect opportunity to fast-track yourself to elite status. Hyatt rarely offers these status challenges, and earning top-tier Hyatt Globalist (worth $4,990 based on TPG valuations) with only 15 nights is an awesome offer. With perks like free breakfast and suite upgrades, a fast-track to elite status at Hyatt is certainly worth a quick phone call.
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees