Achieving Elite Status Is Easy…Right Now
Spring season usually signals the end of many airline frequent flyer promotions and bonus offers as the carriers prepare for a busy summer season of flying. This year is markedly different and is shaping up to be a banner year for achieving elite status in any major program.
American Airlines started the elite-qualifying mile bonus frenzy with an exciting promotion that changed the status quo this year. Upon registration, AAdvantage members receive double elite qualifying miles on any flight flown from March 18 through June 15 on American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights.
In fear of losing elite flyers (the industry’s most profitable customers), United and Continental quickly matched AA’s offer. United’s program runs from March 19 to June 15 and is offered only on United and United Express flights. Members must register online to earn double qualifying miles during the period. Continental’s program runs from March to June 15, registration is required, and EQMs are only valid for elite qualification and cannot be redeemed for award travel.
Delta stalled for a few days and came out with a promotion that at first glance, seemed to outflank their competitors with a TRIPLE mile offer towards elite qualification. After reading the small print, however, it is clear that the triple offer is only eligible with first class flights, while the mid-priced coach flights earn double miles. Deeply discounted fares (the ones many of us purchase for leisure travel) don’t even earn a bonus. Boo, Delta!
US Airways launched an equally complicated promo that provides just as little value to the typical traveler. The promotion runs from April 8 to June 30 and the “bonus” doesn’t even kick in until after the fifth round trip flight is completed. At that point, a Dividend Miles member will earn 5,000 bonus miles (1,000 per trip), and continue to earn on average 1,250 miles per trip until they reach 10 round-trip trips and 25,000 bonus miles.
The airlines say these bonus programs are a defensive mechanism to prevent their customers from switching to a low-cost carrier during a bad economy. However, the low-cost guys aren’t just snoozing at the wheel (or shall we say the control stick). Southwest just launched their own bonus program, which runs between April 2 and June 15. Rapid Rewards members can earn A-List elite status by flying five round-trips on Southwest, when normally it will take 16 trips in a 12-month period.
If you don’t already enjoy elite status and think flying sucks, then take advantage of some of these offers. Having elite status with a major airline greatly reduces many of the pains associated with travel. Perks include free upgrades, reduced or waived fees (including baggage, changing flights, etc.), quick security lines, priority check-in and boarding, and access to airport lounges.
