In Episode 20 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss whether chasing airline elite status is worth it.
They discuss the general benefits of airline elite status, including early boarding, free checked bags, lounge access, priority services, and more. The team examines how many of these benefits can be replicated through credit card perks, highlighting various Canadian credit cards that offer similar privileges.
They also look at benefits that cannot be replaced by credit cards, such as earning more points while flying and alliance-wide benefits. Furthermore, they explore shortcuts to achieving elite status and share their perspectives on the value airline elite status brings when considering personal travel habits.
(01:02) General Benefits of Airline Elite Status
Airline elite status comes with several valuable benefits that can include free checked luggage, free seat selection, complimentary upgrades, the ability to earn additional points, and more.
(03:49) Benefits From Credit Cards vs. Benefits From Airline Elite Status
Many of the key benefits that can be earned from airline elite status are also available if you hold the right credit card(s). With that in mind, depending on your needs, maybe adding a new credit card to your wallet is a better choice than chasing elite status.
- Read More: Earn Airport Lounge Access From Credit Cards
- Read More: Priority Benefits on Air Canada from Premium Credit Cards
- Cards That Offer Free Checked Baggage: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, & Aeroplan Credit Cards
- Save Time At Airport Security: NEXUS Membership
(16:41) Unique Benefits of Airline Elite Status
There are many benefits that are exclusive to airline elite status, including extra checked bag weight allowance, complimentary upgrades to premium economy or business class, better multiplier on earnings with cash fares, priority customer service, and more.
(24:57) Earning Airline Elite Status: Tips & Shortcuts
Earning airline elite status with the majority of loyalty programs in North America is revenue-focused, so you will need to spend money on tickets. However, there are a few shortcuts that can get you on your way to airline elite status faster.
- Earn Aeroplan 25k Status: Aeroplan Everyday Status Qualification & Chase Aeroplan Card
- Learn More: Porter Airlines VIPorter Status Guide & WestJet Rewards Elite Status Guide
(32:31) So, Is Airline Elite Status Worth It?
The Frugal Flyer team is divided, as we believe it depends on your travel patterns, and if you have an employer who is footing the bill for your flights, it gets even better. For a few of us, we tend to book into the cabin or fare class we want to fly, so chasing airline elite status isn’t a great value proposition.
(38:18) Conclusion
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Join us for the next episode, where the Frugal Flyer team recaps all of the recent miles and points news, in addition to answering a few readers’ questions.
Listen to Miles Ahead: Episode 21 – Miles & Points News + Listener Questions.