How to Earn Status with Airlines
Preferred partners, airline status, member benefits.. sound swanky and elite huh?! But how do you earn said status and what member benefits come with the position?! Every airline is slightly different in what they offer. Let’s take a deep dive into how to earn status with airlines.
First off, what is Status?! Essentially you get the VIP treatments from airlines. The higher status you hold, the more miles you earn every time you book a flight with that airline. As well as plenty of perks…
The perks?! Unlimited upgrades to business and first class, free access to airport lounges, free cancellation/change fees, free checked bags, and priority check in/boarding. Airlines have dedicated customer service lines for trip interruption just for status members, meaning you are first in line for help every time and no lines. Oh, and free drinks for when you are finally on board!
There is only one way to earn stays with your preferred airlines. You will need to fly. No credit card spend will get you status. Most airlines give status based on number of miles flown in a year. Total spend with flights $ and/or number of flights taken. This varies per airline or airline alliance. Click here to learn more how airline points!
My Southwest Card’s Breakdown in the Portal
So is it worth it?! Think of it this way… If you can get 8-10 international flight upgrades and free perks totaling over $14,000, and it takes only a couple hundred dollars to fly around, it’s a no brainer. But you gotta plan to use all the perks and upgrades for it to really make sense.
Moral of the story, you can only earn airline status if you are a frequent traveler. If you pair spend on an airline credit card and take 2-3 international trips per year, you can probably earn Silver Status. But the best benefits kick in at Gold Status. I have never flown enough to make status but maybe someday. But work towards it on my Southwest card (click here to read about how to get A-list status). So do you know how to earn status with airlines now?! Comment questions below and I will answer!!
