TPG Readers Share How They Maintain Top-Tier Airline Elite Status, and How You Can Too
Holding airline elite status requires constant effort; you need to make sure you're meeting the various requirements to lock in your desired tier not just once, but year after year (until you get lifetime status, that is). And maintaining the top level of status within a program is especially challenging, with extra-high elite-qualifying mile and dollar requirements to hit.
In the TPG Lounge on Facebook, reader Andy M. asked how those with top-tier status get it done — what sort of annual travel they complete and which strategies they use. The responses offer some great insight into how much flying — and in which cabin — top-tier elites are really doing to maintain their status level. (Some comments have been lightly edited for clarification.)
American AAdvantage Executive Platinum
"I travel about 125,000 miles a year on AA (once a week) Mostly domestic travel. Based in LA and travel internationally about 3 times a year for pleasure all on AA or One World Partner. I always travel revenue (maintain status) and points are used for my family and traveling companion." — Ben K.
"I am AA EXP and travel 100% for leisure. I fly about 5-6 roundtrip domestic flights, 2-3 times a year internationally. I always try to squeeze in a mileage run before or after my vacay. Example: vacay in Oslo/London/Paris now. At the end of Paris, I'll make a quick trip to Jakarta on CX PE that I booked for less than $750. Mileage run is still very much alive if you're flexible and wanting top tier status." — Kayleigh H.
"AA EXP (2017 = 150,000 EQM, $12,300 EQD) - 90% leisure travel here. Usually book very cheap deals to Asia and Europe. Never have a problem hitting EQM but those EQDs need some strategy. Booking long haul cheap tix using Chase/Citi portal tends to get flights credited using the “AA Special Chart” which is distance based for EQD." — Nelson M. (read the rest of the comment here. EQM refers to "Elite Qualifying Miles" and EQD to "Elite Qualifying Dollars".)
Delta Diamond Medallion
"I’m a Delta Diamond. I fly at least 50,000 MQM’s a year all in the premium cabin getting me a 50% MQM bonus, and spend $110,000+ total on Delta Reserve and Platinum cards for another 50,000 MQM’s. This gives me the 125,000+ MQM’s I need a year to stay Diamond. This year I’ll get about 197,000 MQM’s though." — Chris K. (MQM refers to Medallion Qualifying Miles, MQD to Medallion Qualifying Dollars.)
"I’m Platinum with Delta — for work I travel maybe once every two months and it’s simple stuff — SFO to LA ... personally, my husband’s family is in Atlanta, so we do SFO to ATL at least once every two months…..then maybe two international trips a year, where I am booking in business class. I’m a corporate travel agent, so I know how to look for fares that are going to earn me maybe a few extra miles, and comparing cost of economy vs. business / first to get the cabin bonus really helps. Had to do a mileage run to Salt Lake to get me over for next year, but working in the travel business makes it a little easier at times ? and of course, having the Platinum [Delta] Amex helps with getting the MQD waiver each year." — Ryan K.
"Delta Diamond and Southwest A-List Preferred. All US/Canada weekly work travel this year but 6 RTs from Baltimore to Honolulu really put the miles up there." — Melissa C.
United Premier 1K
"I have 1K this year as of 12/30 (just made it!) and I flew about 60% of that for work — a lot of cross-country EWR - PDX or SFO trips, with various trips to the Southwest and Southeast sprinkled in. I am on a plane for work 2-3x a month. For pleasure, I do family visits to RDU and vacations to SYD, AKL, ORD, YYZ, MSY, LAS, AUS, NAS and PLS." — Adrienne A. (PDX = Portland, OR; SFO = San Francisco; SYD = Sydney, Australia; ORD = Chicago O'Hare; YYZ = Toronto; MSY = New Orleans; LAS = Las Vegas; AUS = Austin; NAS = Nassau, Bahamas; PLS = Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.)
"1K United was just achieved again on today’s flight. 1.7 million lifetime miles, mostly work and almost ALL domestic✈️ Fly weekly for work — cover the country." — Kathleen M.
"1K on United and almost Silver (useless) on Delta. I travel internationally for work every month and United and Delta are both options but honestly on a practical level United and their partners cover almost all the weird places I go for work. Delta just can’t compete except in North Africa. I primarily use Delta for fun trips but not enough to really matter. I just pay for first class domestic on Delta. For United I maximize my global upgrades using them on whichever leg is most likely to go through (we book close in so almost never an upgrade available immediately) by using the expert mode on United.com and checking how many tickets are available in each class (seat map doesn’t always reflect tickets sold)." — Lara H. (read the rest of the comment here.)
General Tips for Securing Top-Tier Status
"I make transatlantic roundtrips at least once, sometimes twice a month and lots of trips within Europe or the US. About an equal mix of business and personal trips. I typically try booking cheap deals, either mileage runs or good premium fares with lots of bonus points." — Jannis N.
"Stick with one airline unless you can reach top tier with more than one. Jobs that include flying? Too many to list, but many would be in sales, is that something you want to do and can be successful at?" — Jerrod K.
Bottom Line
Clearly, there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to securing top-tier airline elite status. If you travel for work, you could meet the requirements for the top level of status with little to no effort, while those who mostly travel for pleasure will need to employ a bit more strategy with mileage runs and tricks such as booking American Airlines Special Fares flights to maximize EQD earnings.
While it's a bit late to put these tips to work to earn top-tier status this year — unless you're very close, in which case, mileage-run it up! — keep this advice in mind as we head into 2018.
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.