With it now being 2025, I thought it would be fun to share my airline elite status strategy for the coming year, following my recent post about my hotel elite status strategy. While I for the most part value airline elite status less than in the past, there is one program that I’m newly excited about. Still, I’d consider myself to largely be a “free agent,” since elite status isn’t my primary consideration when booking flights.
In this post:
What my 2025 airline travel will look like
As we enter 2025, I’m expecting that this will be a pretty busy travel year for me, with an increase in the number of miles flown compared to last year. What am I expecting from my flying patterns for this year?
- In terms of miles flown, my single biggest kind of travel will be “pure” review trips, intended to review new airline products, mostly while redeeming miles
- For most of my other travel (including with Ford and Miles), my priority is flying as comfortably and directly as possible, while also getting the best value
- Admittedly I live in Miami, and American has a massive hub here, which means that American is my most frequently flown airline
I don’t care much about airline elite status anymore
16-year-old me would be so disappointed to hear this, but I generally don’t think it’s worth going out of your way to attain airline elite status anymore. I tend to think there’s huge value in seeking out elite status with hotels, given how useful the perks are, and also given that status can in many cases be easy to earn. I can’t say the same about airlines, though.
Airline elite status has become so much less valuable over the years:
- Airlines have made elite status much more costly to earn; the days of earning 100,000 elite miles with American for $3,000, while receiving eight systemwide upgrades, are over (and that’s fair enough)
- Since airlines mostly award miles based on how much you spend rather than how far you fly, there’s less value in earning miles through flying, not to mention award costs have gone up
- Elite benefits have been hugely watered down, and getting upgrades has become much harder than it used to be; as someone who often flies American due to where I live, complimentary upgrades are so much harder than they used to be, and American will sell anyone an upgrade for cash in the days leading up to a flight, often at a reasonable cost
Let me be clear, though — I still think there’s huge value in leveraging airline loyalty programs, I just don’t think it’s worth going out of your way to strive for elite status. Here’s my strategy, in a nutshell:
- I try to rack up transferable points currencies, and then redeem then for aspirational travel, as that gives me the most flexibility and value
- I value first class domestically (it allows me to be productive), so I’m happy to book whatever airline has the cheapest first class fare (if the premium is reasonable), try to find a route where my status will get me a complimentary upgrade, or try to confirm an upgrade in advance using miles or other instruments
There’s another element to this. While some people enjoy flying the same airline as much as possible so that they have a sense of familiarity, I enjoy flying as many different airline products as possible. I enjoy seeing how different airlines compare over time, so by default I’d always rather fly an airline I travel with less often, all else being equal. That obviously makes it hard to pursue status with one program.
My 2025 airline elite status strategy
Just because I don’t value airline elite status in the same way that I used to, doesn’t mean that I don’t have any elite status. For the coming year, I expect to have elite status with two different airline programs, though I’m not even sure I’ll requalify for one of them.
American AAdvantage Executive Platinum or Platinum Pro status
I’ve had AAdvantage Executive Platinum status for nearly 15 years now, though this might be the first year where I don’t requalify. American made major changes to its loyalty program in 2022, with the introduction of Loyalty Points. It’s now possible to earn status exclusively through credit card spending, if you’d like to. I have mixed feelings about the program for myself, though I think it’s kind of brilliant.
Status is no longer based on the calendar year, but rather runs from the beginning of March until the end of February of the following year.
So, where do I stand, given that the membership year ends in late February 2025? I’m currently at just over 60,000 Loyalty Points. For context, Executive Platinum status requires 200,000 Loyalty Points, while Platinum Pro status requires 125,000 Loyalty Points.
As you can see, I’m a long way from requalifying. Personally I’m nowadays rather indifferent as to whether I earn Executive Platinum or Platinum Pro status. I like how Platinum Pro also offers oneworld Emerald status, which is probably what I value most about this status. That’s because this offers access to the amazing oneworld Emerald lounges, like the Qantas First Lounge Sydney and Cathay Pacific First Lounge Hong Kong.
The biggest incremental benefit of Executive Platinum over Platinum Pro is a higher upgrade priority, but I’m not sure that’s worth going out of my way hugely for. I find that either my upgrades typically don’t clear (as an Executive Platinum with a low Loyalty Points total), or I just outright find a way to confirm first class.
Another reason I don’t feel particularly committed to maintaining Executive Platinum status is because the Loyalty Point Rewards program now has different thresholds than the standard elite tiers. So even if I made it to 200,000 Loyalty Points, I’d only get my next set of Loyalty Point Rewards perks at 250,000 Loyalty Points.
Soon I have to decide what to do here. For what it’s worth, I have the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (review), and that can earn one 20,000 Loyalty Points per year without spending. You earn a 10,000 Loyalty Points bonus after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year, and another 10,000 Loyalty Points bonus after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.
Honestly, what I’m leaning toward at this point is just not requalifying, but then focusing heavily on credit credit card spending as of the next membership year, as of March 2025. That way I’d get status for nearly two years, though there would be a lapse in my oneworld Emerald status.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue Platinum status
It has been some time since I’ve been excited about going for elite status with a new (to me) loyalty program. This past year, I got really interested in the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program, and earned Platinum status.
Fortunately this status is relatively easy to earn and maintain, especially with the ability to earn XPs through sustainable aviation fuel and charitable donations. In addition to unlocking SkyTeam Elite Plus status, this also offers access to Air France first class awards, which is pretty awesome.
As long as we don’t see any major changes at the program, I plan to requalify for this status. Besides, it’s a good place to credit my revenue SkyTeam flights to, as Flying Blue doesn’t have any minimum requirement of flying with Air France-KLM. I also like how Flying Blue offers rollover XPs, which makes it easier to qualify for status over a couple of years.
Bottom line
While I obviously love airline loyalty programs, nowadays I value the ability to redeem miles, rather than the benefits of elite status as such. I like being a mostly “free agent,” and being able to fly the airline that works best for a particular trip. Thanks to the value of credit cards, I can redeem my rewards across all kinds of airlines. At this point I only have status with two airlines.
I have status with American AAdvantage, and that’s due to living in Miami. However, I’m a long ways off from requalifying. If I don’t earn Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum by the end of February, I might just try to earn it quickly starting in March 2025, so the status is valid for nearly two years.
I then have Air France-KLM Flying Blue Platinum status. This a status program that’s still quite new to me, and so far I’m happy with it!
What’s your airline loyalty strategy for 2025? Does it differ from past years?
The only problem with “downgrading” AA status is that it becomes incrementally more difficult to earn (as you earn more LPs with the higher status with flying activities)
I’m loosing EP this year and going down to Platinum Pro but as I just made it past the threshold, if I fly the exact same amount next year I’ll loose Platinum Pro as I’ll be getting fewer LPs…
I keep maintaining my Star Alliance Gold status through the Aegean Airlines. Yes, I have to fly through Atens once a year and do 4 flights with A3 but it's worth it - 12,000 miles per year required to re-qualify (with 4 A3 flights).
Most of the benefits of airline status can be had by carrying the airline's credit card and simply buying up to first class. When an airline would rather sell a non-status holder a first class upgrade for $50 than give it away to a top tier loyalty member, what's the value of status exactly? I have been a free agent for ~10 years - the value was marginal then, and is even more marginal now.
@Ben – Another thing to consider: don’t you have lifetime status with a few airlines? For example, if you’re a 1MM on United then having *G makes a huge difference in liberating you to be a free agent. You should at least share which programs you have lifetime status with.
why not go for Alaska MVP Gold 75k status for OW Emerald?
The AS redemptions on AS aren't always great, but they nearly always have better deals on AA flights with miles than AA
Agreed on the strategy - i am using it myself
Hopefully with >10MM miles on AA i will grandfather into lifetime ExPlat on 1 March
i have also just made Flying Blue Plat (insane 1st class) and i am going to use them on my domestic Delta flights since the Delta program is getting worse by the minute and a majority of their international flights out of NY are on ancient 767's that are awful
let's see how it works out...
@Ben
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but the March to end of Feb is interesting for qualifying and I would think this was done on purpose... now for those who are trying to mileage/spend run, they'll have a bunch of folks filling seats when traffic is at it's lowest in late Jan and Feb. AA will essentially fill those otherwise empty seats with people trying to cram in flights for status. #yieldmanagement
Ben,
Remind us which hotel elite status you find valuable - just look at FT on any given day to see how frustrated people are with constantly getting BONVOY'ed (not sure what the similar term is for Hyatt and Hilton)
After Delta broke SkyMiles amd lounge access I'm a free agent. From 9 years of Platinum or Diamond status, even maintained through Covid due to work travel, I'm Delta Silver now (will I even maintain that this year?) and couldn't be happier.
Ben - Any future articles about the best foreign OW airline to achieve Saphire status? I'm MIA based, currently EXP & BA Gold for Flagship/Admirals club access. I have > 8 million miles, (I have lifetime Platinum status) and should attain lifetime EXP status in March.
I have been top tier with AA (below CK) every year since 1991, when at that time there was only one elite tier and it was named Gold. Then I became Platinum when that tier was introduced, and finally Executive Platinum when that one was added.
That's 33 years of consecutive too-tier status!
At the beginning of 2024, one year too late, I stopped caring about it. It was psychologically hard at the...
I have been top tier with AA (below CK) every year since 1991, when at that time there was only one elite tier and it was named Gold. Then I became Platinum when that tier was introduced, and finally Executive Platinum when that one was added.
That's 33 years of consecutive too-tier status!
At the beginning of 2024, one year too late, I stopped caring about it. It was psychologically hard at the beginning to go down to Platinum Pro, but guess what? Best decision I ever made, I only wish I had done it a year sooner. In 2025 I was going to drop to Platinum, and I absolutely didn't care one bit (the airlines I fly now, the routings, and the prices more than make up for the loss of access to oneworld first lounges and the non-redermable SWUs, which are valid only on a very badly run airline), but my million miler status will bump me up to EXP. And I really don't care.
My message to you: go for it!! The 16 year old in you will get over it, and you will be glad that you made this decision. Although you, like me, will probably regret having waited too long.
Free agent is the way to go. Stopped chasing airline status since the pandemic and I’ll never go back to that hamster wheel.
There is still a little value to status, depending on your travel patterns, with EU airlines for the lounge access. But that’s pretty easy to attain and generally doesn’t require one to go out of their way.
I think you overlook some of the benefits of elite status. First, on many airlines outside the US, it's still obtained based on miles flown, not spend. Then, that status gets you lounge access, even when flying domestic in the US, at least with Star Alliance.
Some airlines have started charging to reserve seats at the time of booking, even in paid business class, but often exempt those with status from an airline within their...
I think you overlook some of the benefits of elite status. First, on many airlines outside the US, it's still obtained based on miles flown, not spend. Then, that status gets you lounge access, even when flying domestic in the US, at least with Star Alliance.
Some airlines have started charging to reserve seats at the time of booking, even in paid business class, but often exempt those with status from an airline within their alliance. Then at some airports, they have a separate security line for those with status. To me, these things are worth it in terms of time saved and reduced hassle. I fly mostly paid business and domestic first class, but keeping it all on one alliance so I can maintain status isn't too hard.
I would be quite surprised if, out of the 50-60 airlines that belong to the three major alliances, there's more than 15 carriers who hand out miles and/or elite status on the basis of spend. Sure, that's more than previously, but the generalisation isn't helpful (and didn't LH actually move away from the spend-for-status approach?).
A statement like 'I'm not really interested in obtaining status with my local airline as they've made it too...
I would be quite surprised if, out of the 50-60 airlines that belong to the three major alliances, there's more than 15 carriers who hand out miles and/or elite status on the basis of spend. Sure, that's more than previously, but the generalisation isn't helpful (and didn't LH actually move away from the spend-for-status approach?).
A statement like 'I'm not really interested in obtaining status with my local airline as they've made it too expensive' isn't quite the same as 'status on any airline isn't worth anything much'. Try doing a 6-hour connection at CDG or WAW with lounge access limited to a 2h priority pass facility, and let us know how you get on.
I don't recall LH (M&M) ever having a spend-for-status approach. When was this and what form did it take?
I'm not a member of M&M, but I think that status used to be determined on miles earned which, for tickets issued by LH and its closest friends at least, were directly linked to ticket prices.
The recent introduction of a tier point system obviously decouples status from revenue, aligning with the Flying Blue logic in terms of incentivising connecting passengers.
I’m in a similar boat. I’ll hit Million Miler status with DL this year, and I don’t think in the future I’ll have the spend to get past gold anyway (we know what their thresholds will be).
Further, the differential in DL’s fares just don’t make sense anymore, and with lounge access being restricted I’ve ditched the Amex Reserve.
So I’m soon to be free agent (ish)
I fly out of DTW, and TK coming...
I’m in a similar boat. I’ll hit Million Miler status with DL this year, and I don’t think in the future I’ll have the spend to get past gold anyway (we know what their thresholds will be).
Further, the differential in DL’s fares just don’t make sense anymore, and with lounge access being restricted I’ve ditched the Amex Reserve.
So I’m soon to be free agent (ish)
I fly out of DTW, and TK coming to town is a game changer. For the prices they charge I’m happy to connect through IST, so just matched to them. What’s especially nice is *A Gold will get me lounge access on domestic UA flights. This gives me more options on every front.
With how influential your blog has been for travelers, you should be offered Concierge Key tbh.
Airlines count on fortress hubs like DFW, CLT, ATL. If you fly out of a non hub airport or one of the few airport(s) that have significant direct flights then being a "first class free agent" might work. But connections in summer and winter? No thanks. Flying is stressful enough even flying in a premium cabin, worrying about missing a connection is stress not needed. And really are the US3 all that different?
Frankly, the main value of airline status is the wait-free hotline. As a none status pax you easily spend 3+ hours on the phone even in case of IRROPs …
Increasingly less important as more rebooking functions become available through self-service.
This is where booking through a real, live travel agent comes in handy - our agent has a 24/7 contact number to call for help in the event that ops go south. Also the benefits of hotel agent programs such as Virtuoso, Hyatt Privé, etc, about which Ben writes frequently, make it a no-brainer to have a professional do the bookings for us. We've long since stopped trawling around airline and hotel booking websites, because...
This is where booking through a real, live travel agent comes in handy - our agent has a 24/7 contact number to call for help in the event that ops go south. Also the benefits of hotel agent programs such as Virtuoso, Hyatt Privé, etc, about which Ben writes frequently, make it a no-brainer to have a professional do the bookings for us. We've long since stopped trawling around airline and hotel booking websites, because we can simply email our agent to tell him what we need, and he makes it happen without any drama.
@Pete: In theory, I agree. My employer has a corporate travel agent with a 24/7 contact number. But oftentimes, the agent is only authorized to rebook on the same airline and needs to "ask" the airline agent service desk to deviate. However, the agent service desks in my country are stricly weekdays 9-5, which does not help in case of disruptions.
@Arps: Online rebooking options are even more restricted than the ones travel agents get.
Personally, I love the message I get from American that says that "All of out Customer Service representatives are currently busy. The current wait time is four hours and thirty-six minutes. Rather than wait on hold..."
Agreed- it is the only reason why I still go for United 1K. They even give me help when a traveler at my company (small business of 9 people) has an IRROPs and need help rebooking anyway that is possible (aka need more options/flexibility). They are consistently nice, incredibly experienced, and well trained and even during the worst airline meltdowns I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes (yes even the multi airline computer...
Agreed- it is the only reason why I still go for United 1K. They even give me help when a traveler at my company (small business of 9 people) has an IRROPs and need help rebooking anyway that is possible (aka need more options/flexibility). They are consistently nice, incredibly experienced, and well trained and even during the worst airline meltdowns I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes (yes even the multi airline computer crash of ridiculousness). It may be a struggle next year though given the much higher spend requirement.
For both airlines and hotels the new loyalty word is convenience. I will book the airline and hotel that is most convenient for my travel needs. I rarely eat breakfast but when I do I am fortunate I can afford it. I usually book the type of room I need so an upgrade makes no difference. Same goes for airlines. I am flying less but with quality so when I fly I usually pay for...
For both airlines and hotels the new loyalty word is convenience. I will book the airline and hotel that is most convenient for my travel needs. I rarely eat breakfast but when I do I am fortunate I can afford it. I usually book the type of room I need so an upgrade makes no difference. Same goes for airlines. I am flying less but with quality so when I fly I usually pay for a better seat. I gave up loyalty a while ago as neither airlines or hotels deserve my loyalty.
Although Flying Blue is easy to maintain, I still wouldn’t define yourself as a free agent. Not being critical, just saying you’ll make a few irrational decisions to maintain that status. For the record I’m making several irrational decisions regarding AA and Korean Air.
Really surprised you did not at least go for the 125K Plat Pro level. How many months will it take you to get the 125K starting March? Less than 3 months?
I’ve always loved skyteam so I plan to requalify for AF Platinum again. This year I also hope to qualify for AA Platinum Pro to get that emerald status!
I feel similarly about United 1K. Their new $28,000 spending requirement is getting a little bit unpalatable for the relative benefit, which these days seems to be just a higher position on the upgrade waitlist that you never clear anyway. I'm starting for the first time to buy upgrades with cash or outright pay for business, given how the chances are looking. It will probably end up being cheaper than trying to go for this brass ring anyway.
Am also done with UA as MileagePlus has tanked this past year and elite status is just too $ for my taste. I'll buy premium cabin or upgrade with $/miles and not worry about elite status, have credit cards that will give me a checked bag and some form of priority boarding on all alliances if I choose to fly coach!
@Ben- Do you plan to spend beginning March 2025 to Paltinum pro status or beyond? Thanks
@ Sam -- If I go that route, I'd probably start spending around March 2025, when the new program year starts, so that I'd get the most value from it.
Why not United status?
;)
If you live in Miami, UA is irrelevant.
When you have the bankroll (shilling credit cards pays well!) to always purchase first class seats then status means almost nothing.
@ Scott -- The truth is that nowadays updates are very hard to come by, and paid first class upgrades are often reasonably priced. I absolutely don't pay for first class at all costs, but rather only when it meets my value threshold. I don't think my valuation of it is unreasonable.
Ben can you remind us what your threshold is? I seem to remember you saying $50/hr, which I find reasonable, but these days is becoming harder to come by.
For domestic F that is.
I assume/ hope there’s some BA status article coming as well - curious what the status match and latest changes are also doing for your 2025 strategy, thanks!
@ vandhk -- I ended up not maintaining BA Gold status beyond the six month trial after the status match. Now that the changes have been announced, I'm especially happy with that decision!
Ben, given that you have been Executive Platinum for nearly 15 years, do you have million miler (or 2 million miler) status with AA? It seems like you should at least be close. I am wondering if that is influencing your decision.
As a mostly Delta flyer, crossing the 1 MM threshold a couple years ago definitely changed my perspective. Now that I have Gold status for life (pending any program changes), I would...
Ben, given that you have been Executive Platinum for nearly 15 years, do you have million miler (or 2 million miler) status with AA? It seems like you should at least be close. I am wondering if that is influencing your decision.
As a mostly Delta flyer, crossing the 1 MM threshold a couple years ago definitely changed my perspective. Now that I have Gold status for life (pending any program changes), I would have to earn 15k MQDs just to get any incremental benefit (and presumably more in future years). While I organically earn some MQDs given that I mostly fly Delta, I doubt I will ever reach for status once my rollover MQM days are over.
@ NK3 -- I have about 1.5 million miles toward million miler, so I have AAdvantage Gold status for life. Honestly, it doesn't influence my behavior much, even with the newest improvements. The requirements for lifetime status with American are just so, so high.
I think that's a fair strategy, Ben. My view on status is that if it's something that just happens secondary to normal travel habits/spending, fantastic. But going out of the way to do mileage runs and reallocating credit card spending just doesn't seem justified.
That being said, If I had family and/or a second home in France maybe I'd feel differently... ;)
I gave up go for a airline status. In Germany we have a very limited number on credit cards (AX and LH CC) so it’s hardly to manage any status with that. In America everybody gets a lot of miles for even applying. So when I plan a trip a go for the most convenient direct or indirect connection with the best product (living in Berlin so I have to connect anyway). I even will...
I gave up go for a airline status. In Germany we have a very limited number on credit cards (AX and LH CC) so it’s hardly to manage any status with that. In America everybody gets a lot of miles for even applying. So when I plan a trip a go for the most convenient direct or indirect connection with the best product (living in Berlin so I have to connect anyway). I even will pay some more extra for product and travel time and I am not loyal to any airline anymore which is taking a lot of pressure for booking crazy connections to keep the status. As i am always going in business class for leisure I book where I have the travel benefits like lounge etc. Incl.
I'm also out of MIA but there is no way in hell I'm dealing with both MIA and ATL 8 months out of the year (save for the direct routes of both out of MIA). It's just more stress of traveling I don't need worrying about a missed connection-and being shoved into a middle seat on a reroute.
Cash upgrades on AA are pretty generous if you wait and monitor them often. Yes service isn't...
I'm also out of MIA but there is no way in hell I'm dealing with both MIA and ATL 8 months out of the year (save for the direct routes of both out of MIA). It's just more stress of traveling I don't need worrying about a missed connection-and being shoved into a middle seat on a reroute.
Cash upgrades on AA are pretty generous if you wait and monitor them often. Yes service isn't always the best.
Being EXP while diluted still has some benefits. The EXP desk can be a savior as long as you know your rerouting and seating in advance. Your at least ahead of the pack during irregular operations.
AA LPs can still be obtained relatively cheaply through a combination of the AA shopping portal, SimplyMiles and AA Hotels (lots of opportunity there but would not get credit for hotel stay with hotel program, still you can often get 5-10k LPs and miles for a one night hotel stay). Plus you are on the cusp of the 60k and 100k 20/30% LP bonuses with the AA portals. Agree platinum pro is the sweet spot,...
AA LPs can still be obtained relatively cheaply through a combination of the AA shopping portal, SimplyMiles and AA Hotels (lots of opportunity there but would not get credit for hotel stay with hotel program, still you can often get 5-10k LPs and miles for a one night hotel stay). Plus you are on the cusp of the 60k and 100k 20/30% LP bonuses with the AA portals. Agree platinum pro is the sweet spot, although even Platinum is great to get MCE seats for the three of you at time of booking and you all fly American from MIA a bunch. You have two months - go for it!
I lost all elite status because of the pandemic. That was blessing in disguise. I feel much better now.
Having the lowest level elite, like silver, or a credit card with similar benefits is helpful so that one is not the last on the plane. Other than that, elite is just evidence of being conned and cheated.