Travelers are encouraged to book their reservations with airlines, hotels and other travel providers. The more you travel with a brand, the higher the level of elite status you can reach, and that often means free hotel breakfast, room and seat upgrades and other perks.

Some travelers don't know what the term "elite status" means. We will explain the basics of elite status and how you can get it, and then we will show you other ways to get elite benefits.

What is elite status?

Members who have progressed beyond the basic membership of a loyalty program are referred to as elite.

You can achieve higher levels of elite status based on how much you spend with a brand and how often you make reservations.

You might get elite status if you have a co branded credit card.

Airline loyalty programs

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

elite status is offered by many airlines for travelers who fly with them frequently

You used to earn elite status by flying a certain amount of miles or taking a certain number of flights with the airline and its partners. Many airlines have changed their frequent flyer programs in the last few years to reward spending on airfare, co branded credit cards, etc.

American Airlines implemented loyalty points as its sole elite status metric. You earn loyalty points when you earn base miles.

You'll earn one Loyalty Point for every dollar you spend on an American co branded credit card. You can make money when you shop through the American shopping portal, rent a car with one of its rental car partners, or use other earning opportunities.

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Free checked bags, priority boarding, and higher mileage-earning rates are among the perks of elite status. Free checked bags and change fee waivers are included in some programs.

Several credit cards make it easier to qualify for elite status. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card will give you up to 20,000 Medallion Qualification Miles for every dollar you spend.

Hotel loyalty programs

Frequent stays are encouraged by hotel chains.

Depending on the program, members can earn elite status in more than one way. Some of the metrics include how many stays you book each year, how many points you earn, how much you spend on a co branded credit card, and so on.

You get more perks when you stay at the hotel chain if you're an elite member. The perks may include bonus points on stays, free breakfast, free wi-fi, lounge access, and the ability to gift status to friends or family.

Automatic Discoverist elite status and stay credits are provided by some hotel credit cards. If you want to earn even higher levels of status, this type of benefit can be a great jump start. Automatic Diamond status, the top tier ofHiltonHonors that normally requires 30 stays or 60 nights in a year, is one of its benefits.

The information for the card has been collected by a third party. The card issuer did not review or provide the card details on this page.

Rental car and cruise line loyalty programs

elite status benefits are offered by other travel companies Depending on how valuable or useful customers find these benefits, they may be compelling enough to cause travelers to book with one brand over another.

Some people can avoid certain fees by being a car rental elite. Car rental elites have a better selection of cars to choose from. Rental car companies don't have their own co branded credit cards, but some premium travel credit cards can be used as a benefit. It's possible to match certain airline statuses to CarRentals programs.

elite status is provided by some cruise line loyalty programs. Free drinks, priority service, complimentary laundry and special events can be found at higher tiers.

Elite status vs. credit card benefits

You can access many airport lounges with a credit card. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

Automatic elite status is offered by many travel credit cards. You don't have to take a lot of flights or stay in a hotel to get to them.

Immediately after you're approved for your card, there are a lot of card elite benefits. In some cases you have to manually use the perks.

Credit card elite or elite-like benefits can be included.

  • Automatic elite status. If you’re an occasional traveler, reaching elite status can be a challenge. Some travel credit cards include automatic elite status (or elite status via spending) so that you can enjoy elite status perks starting with your first reservation.
  • Airport lounge access. Some premium travel credit cards include a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for access to airport lounges around the world. Some provide unlimited use, while others only include a handful of visits. Certain airline cards also extend membership or access to their specific airport lounges.
  • Free checked bags. Many airline credit cards allow cardholders to check a bag for free on the cobranded carrier — but pay special attention to the terms regarding the number of bags, travel companions and whether or not you need to pay for your ticket with the card.
  • Priority boarding. Likewise, many airline credit cards include priority boarding among their perks.

How to get premium hotel benefits without elite status

Even if you don't have elite status with a hotel, you can still get the same benefits if you book through these sites.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

When booking through the issuer's Fine Hotels + Resorts portal, Platinum Card holders can receive exclusive perks. Early check-in, late checkout, complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast for two, and an experience credit worth at least $100 are some of the perks of the elite level. A complimentary night is included in some reservations. There is a $200 annual credit for Platinum cards.

The Hotel Collection

The Hotel Collection is available for both Amex Platinum and American Express Gold Card members. You will receive a complimentary upgrade when you book a room. A free night, complimentary breakfast or both can be found at some hotels.

Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services

Mastercard has a hotel booking portal that gives elite benefits. If you book through Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services, you will receive a complimentary daily breakfast, a special amenity and a room upgrade. Early check-in and late checkouts are available to guests.

Visa Luxury Hotel Collection

Visa has a hotel booking program for credit card holders. The Visa Luxury Hotel Collection includes over 900 luxury hotels. Premium benefits are free when you make a booking through this service. Free wi-fi, continental breakfast, a $25 food or beverage credit, and late checkout are some of the benefits.

Bottom line

It is possible to improve your travel experience if you have elite status with your travel program.

Free travel can be unlocked with points or miles earned by elite status. Members of the elite group get perks such as priority services at the airport. Some credit cards can help you get to elite status more quickly if you use them for more than one purpose.