Elite Status
Tiered loyalty levels (Silver/Gold/Platinum, etc.) that grant benefits like upgrades, lounge access, and bonus points.
Full definition
Elite status is granted for meeting annual thresholds (miles flown, dollars spent, segments flown). Benefits scale with tier: complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, free checked bags, better seat selection, lounge access at top tiers, bonus point earning on base activity.
Modern status programs have shifted toward spend-based qualification (AA Loyalty Points, Delta MQDs, United PQP) making status more achievable via credit card spend.
Related terms
Status Match
Matching your elite status from one program to another, usually for a trial period.PQP (United Premier Qualifying Points)
United Airlines' elite status qualification metric, earned through spend + flights.Loyalty Points (AAdvantage)
American Airlines' qualification currency for elite status, earned via spending, partner a...
Matching your elite status from one program to another, usually for a trial period.PQP (United Premier Qualifying Points)
United Airlines' elite status qualification metric, earned through spend + flights.Loyalty Points (AAdvantage)
American Airlines' qualification currency for elite status, earned via spending, partner a...
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