There are just 21 days left in 2025, and for those who chase elite hotel or airline status, that can be an especially loud ticking clock as the status perks you enjoy in 2026 will soon be set in stone … at least with most programs.
I swore I had retired from doing this, but now that I’m just one round-trip flight short of unlocking United Airlines Platinum status and all its perks (thanks to way too many life expenses), I’ll spend half a day next week flying from Houston to Austin and back to get those last two needed segments. (Pro tip: With United, award flights count toward status!)
If it’s a spending amount you need to reach (rather than flight segments or distance), then you may want to upgrade your fares to first class or similar on upcoming flights to increase that number.
Shop online to rack up status points
In some programs, like American Airlines AAdvantage, you can even make status progress with online shopping orders, making now a great time of year to close the gap. (And American’s status year runs until Feb. 28, so you have more time.)
Lean on the cards that earn status points
With some programs, you can still rack up some points toward status via card spending, if you act ASAP.
For example, with my United Club℠ Card, the Premier qualifying points post within days after I send in a payment. With my World of Hyatt Credit Card, the qualifying nights often post a couple of days after my card statement closes.
Status match your way out of trouble
If you aren’t going to make the status level you want with one program, maybe you can find a status match through another one.
But first, do the math
Before doing anything wild, do some honest math on the value you will get out of the perks next year.
For example, a few nights of a staycation in an affordable suburb are almost certainly worth it to unlock top-tier Hyatt Globalist status with all its extremely valuable perks like breakfasts and suite upgrades, but struggling to get 10 more nights to unlock a mid-tier hotel status is probably not worth it.
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