Is elite status worth it anymore?
It’s a question we’ve been diving deep into at The Points Guy this month (and something we’ve been debating for years now). Not only has it been harder to get upgrades and more expensive to earn status, but redemptions have gotten more expensive and watered-down benefits have made pursuing status less appealing for many of us at The Points Guy.
But not me. Despite my complaints, I’m still a fan of top-tier status and can’t quit the hamster wheel, though I’m not trying for quite so many these days.
I’ve already requalified for World of Hyatt Globalist status this year, and I’ll be able to requalify for top-tier American Airlines AAdvantage status. But I will also hold lower-tier status with United MileagePlus, Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards program and Delta SkyMiles.
In 2027, I’ll continue to hold Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, as well as Hilton Honors Diamond status and Air Canada Aeroplan 25K status, just for carrying credit cards.
I even have top-tier status with Starbucks Rewards.
Here’s the full breakdown of my elite-status plans for 2027, the credit cards I use to fast-track them, plus some tips to help you achieve your own status goals before the end of the year.
American Airlines AAdvantage: Executive Platinum
I’ve held top-tier American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum status on and off for years now. I’m already getting closer to requalifying for 2027, and since the qualification year runs through Feb. 28, I have a few more months to work toward my goal.
So far, I’ve earned 148,538 Loyalty Points — the metric that AAdvantage members must accrue to earn elite status — toward the 200,000 Loyalty Points required to qualify for the Executive Platinum tier. Once I hit that threshold, I’ll requalify for perks like a 120% mileage bonus, Group 1 boarding, complimentary food and drinks when traveling in the main cabin and more.
Thanks to the airline’s Loyalty Point Rewards milestones, I can also hit a few more reward tiers along the way to Executive Platinum status. For example, once I hit 175,000 Loyalty Points, I can choose from a menu of valuable benefits, including two systemwide upgrade certificates.
I’m likely to choose systemwide upgrades again, but the 25,000 bonus miles and the trip credits are probably the best alternate options.
I’ve already used two systemwide upgrades from coach to business class on AA’s transcontinental flight from San Francisco to New York and back. I also just confirmed two more upgrades for upcoming international trips, including a flight to Paris from New York and another from London back to New York.
Holding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (see rates and fees) makes it easier to rack up Loyalty Points. This card helps me reach my status goal by netting me up to 40,000 additional Loyalty Points per elite status qualification year (10,000 bonus Loyalty Points after reaching 50,000, 90,000, 165,000 and 240,000 Loyalty Points).
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards: Gold (at least)
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards is now the only major U.S. airline loyalty program that lets you earn elite status from actual flight miles. That means you don’t have to spend an outrageous amount of money to earn top-tier status (though you can choose to earn status. Alaska Atmos Rewards members can now also earn points on award redemptions, which has driven my status earnings this year
I’ve spent my Atmos Rewards points on award tickets flying Cathay Pacific within Asia and a flight from Seattle to Hong Kong in business class, a Hawaiian Airlines first-class flight from Honolulu to New York and an American Airlines flight from New York to Prague.
So far, I’ve earned the 40,000 status points required for Gold status this year through a combination of reward flights and spending on my Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card. In addition to earning 1 status point for every $2 spent, with no spending cap, I also earn 10,000 status points each year on my account anniversary and 3 points per $1 on all foreign transactions with this card. This makes it worth the $395 annual fee, to me.
(Cardholders with the $95 annual fee Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card earn 1 status point per $3 spent, also with no spending cap.)
While Alaska’s partnership with American Airlines means I can fly Alaska flights with my top-tier American Airlines AAdvantage status, I’m considering pursuing an even higher Alaska status in 2027. One of the main reasons is that Alaska upgrades its top-tier Titanium members (and a companion) to business class on international flights on the day of departure. Those with status are also now eligible for complimentary upgrades on Hawaiian Airlines flights. I’ve gotten upgraded on Hawaiian a few times with my status.
I’m also putting a ton of spending on my Summit card now, since Atmos Rewards has a partnership with Bilt that gets you 3 Atmos Rewards points for every dollar of rent you put on the card.
All that spending could help get me a good chunk of the way toward top-tier Titanium status, which requires 135,000 status points. I need to make a decision soon about my 2027 focus, but I haven’t been able to cut the cord with American Airlines and fully commit to Alaska… at least not yet.
Delta SkyMiles: Silver Medallion (down from Gold)
CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Over the past few years, my status with Delta has been on a steep decline. I enjoyed several years as a Delta Diamond, but it’s just become too expensive (28,000 Medallion Qualification Dollars, to be exact) to earn top-tier status.
I only qualified for entry-level Silver last year, which requires 5,000 MQDs. A friend threw me a bone and gifted me second-tier Gold status, which typically requires 10,000 MQDs, but I’m not on track to re-earn it for 2027.
So far, my total spending this year is just 7,338 MQDs. This includes 5,000 MQDs just for holding the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.
The $650 annual fee (see rates and fees) for the Delta Reserve is steep, but it’s often worth it for those chasing status. It’s just not enough of a boost to get me even to Gold status.
The Reserve card does give 1 MQD for every $10 you spend on the card. Technically, you could spend your way to status, but there’s no way I can put that much spending on my Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. While I still like the card for all its perks, I’m no longer putting much spending on it.
While I am likely to drop down to Silver for 2027, I’ll still fly Delta occasionally.
I’ve made great use of SkyMiles over the years. Last year, I lucked out with an award from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and then to Brisbane Airport (BNE) in Delta One. There was a brief moment when the flight was available for just 73,000 SkyMiles one-way. I jumped at the opportunity to fly in Delta One on the more-than-14-hour flight to Australia.
Despite being what I’d consider the least valuable airline currency, SkyMiles remain appealing, and I’ll keep my Reserve and Platinum cards for the long term. I’ve gotten a lot of use out of the statement credits that come with holding the cards.
Air Canada Aeroplan: Aeroplan 25K
I added another airline elite status to my collection in 2026: Air Canada Aeroplan 25K status, which I received simply for signing up for the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and carrying the card. This would typically require earning 25,000 Status Qualifying Credits through the airline.
Unfortunately, I haven’t had many opportunities to actually fly with Air Canada, and I’ve even let some of my valuable eUpgrade credits expire unused.
Still, I’ve become increasingly interested in the Air Canada Aeroplan program, especially because of its extensive network of airline partners and the ability to book some excellent business-class award flights through them.
One of my favorite redemptions using my welcome bonus on that card was booking a business-class flight on Emirates from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires for just 56,000 Aeroplan points. It’s a fascinating fifth-freedom route, and I was especially excited about the opportunity to finally experience Emirates.
I was also able to book Swiss Airlines business class from Cairo to Zurich and then on to New York for just 85,000 Aeroplan points.
Looking ahead, I’m particularly intrigued by Aeroplan’s generous stopover rules. The program allows travelers to add a stopover of more than 24 hours on eligible international one-way award itineraries for just 5,000 additional points. That’s an incredible opportunity to visit two destinations on a single award ticket.
Even though I haven’t gotten much use out of my Air Canada elite status, Aeroplan remains one of the most interesting airline loyalty programs in my points-and-miles arsenal. I’m hoping to put more of those points — and perhaps some of those elite benefits — to work in the year ahead.
United Airlines MileagePlus: Premier Silver
Another new status for me is United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Silver. I actually did a status challenge with United late last year, and enjoyed a few months of top-tier United Premier 1K status, but I wasn’t able to complete the challenge to unlock it for a full year.
Still, I’ve really enjoyed flying United more. It’s easier to get to their hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from my New York City apartment, and I ended up flying and earning enough this year to earn the entry-level United Silver status, which requires at least 6,000 Premier qualifying points or 15 Premier Qualifying Flights and 5,000 PQPs. (In 2027, United is ditching PQFs, making status eligible only through PQPs.)
Silver status allows me to get priority boarding, extra-legroom seats at check-in 24 hours before flying and standby for earlier flights.
During the brief window I had 1K status, I really enjoyed boarding ahead of Group 1.
More importantly, during my challenge I signed up for the United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees), which got me a good stash of United miles that I’ve used effectively.
I was able to spend just 85,000 United miles for a one-way business-class flight from Tokyo to Chicago and then on to Newark this year, and I’ve just booked another business-class flight from Sydney, Australia, back to New York for 85,000 United miles.
I’ve earned a total of 8,640 PQPs toward status this year, but I’m unlikely to earn the more than 3,000 more I’d need for Premier Gold before the end of the year. I think Silver status is just fine for me for now.
World of Hyatt: Globalist
I’ve loved having top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist status again this year. I’ve been able to use suite upgrades at several stand-out properties this year, including the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Hawaii, the Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and the Hyatt Regency Cairo West in Egypt.
Globalist benefits include guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, free breakfast and better upgrade odds.
This year, I’ve earned top-tier status organically with stays all over the world. I especially loved finally getting to check out the newly renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo and to stay at the Park Hyatts in Shanghai and Beijing.
While earning Globalist status requires 60 nights at Hyatt hotels per year, I’ve already stayed 79 nights this year. I may try to hit 90 nights in 2026, so I can earn another Milestone Rewards choice.
I also plan on keeping both my World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) and my World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees) to help me get more elite nights toward status each year.
I’ve also been putting Hyatt stays on my World of Hyatt Credit Card to earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts. You also earn two elite nights for every $5,000 you put on the personal card.
To me, World of Hyatt is the most valuable hotel loyalty program because I often get upgraded and never have to fight for late checkout. Hyatt points also stretch very far, especially compared with Hilton and Marriott. I already have trips on the books next year for Alila Villas Uluwatu in Indonesia, Park Hyatt Milan and Hyatt Paris Madeleine.
Hilton Honors: Diamond forever
Hilton Honors elite status is one of the easiest achievements to reach. Although I stayed at a Hilton hotel only a few times this year, I maintained Diamond status. How did I manage that? It’s a perk of holding Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
The card comes with Hilton Diamond status for as long as you hold it. Despite a $550 annual card fee (see rates and fees), the card is still worth keeping.
There are other valuable inclusions, such as up to $400 to spend at Hilton resorts every year (up to $200 in statement credits from January to June and another up to $200 in statement credits from July to December), up to $200 in statement credits for eligible flight purchases (up to $50 per quarter) and a free night when you open the account and reach your annual card anniversary.
Last year, I used my free night at the chic Conrad Tokyo on a room that would have been more than $1,100. This year, I used it at the Hilton Tokyo in a room that went for more than $650 a night.
Conrad Tokyo. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
I used one of my $200 stay statement credits last year at the Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa in Morocco, and the other at Resorts World Las Vegas. In past years, I’ve also used it at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort and Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Hawaii.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Oahu, Hawaii. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
I also use the airline fee credits regularly. When using the Aspire card to pay, you get up to $50 in statement credits for eligible airline purchases each quarter.
Thanks to this card, I’ve had Hilton Diamond status since 2020.
While I have had some nice stays at Hilton properties — including the stunning Conrad Bora Bora Nui — over the years, I’ve rarely been upgraded despite my Diamond status. Still, the statement credits alone justify keeping the Aspire card and my Diamond status for 2027, even if I don’t have as much luck getting upgrades with Hilton as I do with Hyatt.
Marriott Bonvoy: Platinum Elite
I will earn Platinum Elite status with Marriott again this year just for holding a credit card.
In the past, I’ve been content with the Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status I receive courtesy of the American Express Platinum Card®; it gives status in several hotel programs, including Marriott Bonvoy (enrollment required).
Then in 2022, American Express surprised everyone by announcing that holders of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card would get Platinum Elite status for as long as they hold the card. I jumped at the chance to apply for it. As a result, I’ve held Platinum Elite status since then.
I’ve spent more than two dozen nights at Marriott properties this year and having Platinum Elite status certainly enhanced my trips with benefits like guaranteed late checkout, lounge access and complimentary breakfast. I even got an upgrade at the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong.
The Hotel President Wilson in Geneva. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
I used the annual free night that comes with the Brilliant card two years in a row at the lakefront Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland. Last year, I used it for London’s Bankside Hotel.
So far, I’ve booked 46 Marriott nights this year. I won’t try to get the higher Titanium status — which requires 75 nights — though the idea of opening the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is intriguing. Each year you hold the card, you receive 15 elite night credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
At least for now, though, I’ll keep the personal Brilliant card open and enjoy Platinum Elite status without worrying about how many nights I need to stay.
IHG One Rewards: Platinum Elite
Like my other hotel statuses, I have Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards by virtue of holding its hotel-branded card.
Last year, I stayed at several memorable IHG properties, including the Kimpton Fitzroy in London, the InterContinental Porto in Portugal, the Kimpton Overland Hotel in Atlanta and the InterContinental Ljubljana in Slovenia. This year, I’ve checked into the Hotel InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand and WM Hotel in Sai Kung (a Vignette property) near Hong Kong.
Despite staying only seven nights at IHG hotels in 2026, I will maintain IHG Platinum Elite status simply by holding the IHG One Rewards Select Credit Card (no longer open to new applicants). In addition to elite status, my favorite perk of this card is its free night award worth up to 40,000 points, which I’ve used at the Kimpton Armory Hotel in Bozeman, Montana, and the aforementioned InterContinental in Portugal.
The information for the IHG One Rewards Select card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The new version of the card is the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (see rates and fees), which also provides Platinum Elite status. It also comes with a fourth night free on award stays and the ability to add points to your 60,000-point anniversary free night certificate (these perks aren’t available on the Select card). The annual fee is $350.
I’ll keep my IHG card for status (and a free night) again next year. I’m also sitting on a nice stash of points, so odds are I’ll enjoy some great redemptions in the not-too-distant future — though I don’t have any IHG stays planned so far in 2027.
Starbucks Rewards Reserve
The last status I’ll mention is with Starbucks, since I’m a regular at the cafe near my apartment.
That regularity earned me top-tier Reserve status in the Starbucks Rewards program, which was overhauled earlier this year.
Reserve status earns 0.7 Stars more per dollar spent than entry-level Green status (for a total of 1.7 Stars per dollar) and requires earning an eye-watering 2,500 Stars over a rolling 12-month period to reach. That’s 2,000 more Stars than necessary for the next-lowest tier, Gold.
It may not be the most rewarding program in the world — especially if you have a lower status tier — but the savings I get through the program add up and have me just as hooked on it as I am on my preferred hotel and airline programs.
Bottom line
I’ve thought about going fully free agent and stopping my pursuit of status. But the truth is, I have fun on the hamster wheel, and the perks really make the game worth playing.
I’ll have top-tier status with American, Hyatt and Hilton again next year. I’m excited to use more of my perks in 2027, and I will report back on my 2028 plans next year.
If you’re considering going for status, you should really do the math to see if the extra costs are worth the benefits you get. It’s harder to earn status these days, and the benefits keep getting whittled down. Don’t do it unless you know you will use the perks and that you can do it without spending a small fortune.
It can be more cost-effective to get a credit card that automatically gives you some status perks, like free checked bags and priority boarding.
At least think about it. I’m not sure I’m the best at following my own advice.
For rates and fees of the Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors Aspire, click here.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Source: thepointsguy.com
