It's time to plan how you'll get elite status next year.
Changes to their loyalty programs are not necessarily pretty. There is a return to pre-pandemic expectations for earning status across the board.
If you're vying for multiple top-tier statuses, it's more important than ever to plot your elite goals.
Here's a look at my requalification plans so you can start thinking about earning status.
I've been very pleased with my experience as an American Airlines flyer. Many of my complimentary upgrades have cleared, and I have been able to get some bumps to long-haul business class on some routes.
I'm happy with the direction that the airline's admirals clubs are going and I've been impressed with American's improved onboard catering.
When you're sitting in economy on an Oasis configuration that doesn't have seatback entertainment, flying with American isn't the most comfortable.
I received a lot of value from my Executive Platinum membership this year and plan to requalify for next year.
200,000 Loyalty Points is required to hit top-tier status. The qualification period is from March 1, 2020 to February 29, 2019.
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I'll start planning out the best ways to earn Loyalty Points in the second quarter of next year. All of my Oneworld flights should help me close the gap to 200,000 Loyalty Points.
I couldn't pass up the chance to participate in a Diamond status match this summer, even though I didn't expect to earn Delta Medallion status.
I received a soft landing when I did not do enough Delta flying to maintain Diamond status. I don't fly the airline but I enjoy my Delta travel experiences. I don't want to accrue SkyMiles because its fares are higher than the competition's.
I'll continue to fly Delta in the new year as it makes sense for my travel plans, but I'm not going to shift any more business to the carrier to requalify for gold. I'm not ready to move most of my flying to the airline because of Delta's increased status thresholds.
The pre-pandemic requirements are being brought back by United. To requalify for premier 1k status next year, I'll need to spend either $18,000 on United flights or $24,000 on the carrier. The head start bonus that United will deposit next year is not included in that calculation.
I've been going to United for a long time, but I've also been enjoying my membership in the American Airlines Executive Platinum. I haven't received many upgrades this year, and I'm sitting on a large balance of PlusPoints that I'm struggling to redeem.
With bloated elite ranks, I'm tempted to give United where it makes the most sense, and then reexamine my plans in the third quarter of next year based on where I'm at.
The increased requirements will be mitigated by the fact that United will award premier qualification for Mileage Plus redemptions next year.
I think it's possible, but it's too early to tell.
It's too early to say, but I'm going to go to JetBlue.
I've been a TrueBlue Mosaic member for a long time. I've always been a fan of the Mint business-class offering for transcontinental flights, and I've always been a fan of JetBlue.
Mosaic status requires either $5,000 or $4,000 in spending on flights. If you spend $50,000 on the business card, you can earn Mosaic status without spending any more money.
The Mosaic requirements have been used by the airline in the past. The details of the changes that will be made to the program have not been disclosed.
I'm going to wait for more information before I make my plans, but I'm tempted to give up on the airline. The Mosaic benefits package is not nearly as valuable as it used to be.
The Points Guy did not collect the information for the business card. The card issuer did not review or provide the card details on this page.
Hyatt has been my preferred hotel chain for a long time, and I'll be staying at the brand's hotels for the rest of the decade.
The World of Hyatt program has good redemption rates, elite recognition and perks. I can easily replenish my Hyatt balance with the help of Chase Ultimate rewards.
The biggest downside of Hyatt is that it doesn't have a large global chain like Marriott or Hilton, but the elite perks and loyalty program compensates for that. I'm willing to go out of my way to stay at Hyatt hotels in order to get 60 elite nights required for Globalist status.
If I need help closing the gap, I'll put spending on my World of Hyatt Credit Card, which will give me five nights for every $5,000 I spend, and two nights for every night I use the card.
Marriott is my second hotel chain. I enjoy some of the brand's most aspirational hotels, and I can almost always find a property no matter where I'm traveling.
Since it offers the most valuable perks of a mid tier level, I've always tried to get Platinum status. Lounge access and complimentary breakfast are included.
I don't think it's worth it to spend an additional 25 nights with Marriott to get perks such as increased earnings on paid stays, United Silver status and a 75-night annual choice benefit.
I've had terrible luck using Suite Night Awards from my Choice Benefits package, so hitting Titanium seems like a waste of time.
Thanks to double dipping on elite nights earned from the personal and business co branded Marriott credit cards, I have been able to hit Platinum status for the past few years.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card received a major refresh this year and now has Platinum status for as long as you hold it. You won't get a pick from the Choice Benefits package if you don't earn 50 nights, but I'll take the included Platinum status and reexamine further down the line.
I'm already thinking about my goals for next year. I'll be watching my progress throughout the year with the increased status requirements at airlines.
I'll think about changing my plans if I'm not keeping track of where I am. I would most likely spend more time flying American and staying with Hyatt.
I'll get some other statuses next year if I hold the correct credit card. This is included.
It's not as valuable as it used to be. Premium seats aren't as common as they used to be.
Competition for perks like extra-legroom coach seats is at an all time high with more people in each tier. I may only have a pick from the middle seats in the extra-legroom section in some cases.
I'm not ready to leave the elite status hamster wheel yet, but I'm starting to think about just purchasing the perks I value most, like a first-class seat or a hotel suite upgrade, and then seeing where I land.
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