8 elite status benefits you’re not using but should

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

TPG staffers are big fans of their airline and hotel statuses. If you hold status, too, chances are there are perks that stand out as personal favorites, such as first-class upgrades, lounge access and free breakfasts.

However, there’s more to elite status than receiving these well-known benefits. Across most major programs, there are also some lesser-known perks that you may have access to without even knowing it.

To help you make the most of your elite status, here are several under-the-radar benefits to take advantage of, according to TPG staffers.

Preferred seats

All three main U.S. carriers — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — offer preferred seating. Preferred seats generally have the same legroom as standard economy seats but are closer to the front of the cabin.

Scott Mayerowitz, TPG’s executive editor, enjoys sitting in the Main Cabin Preferred section when he travels on Delta. As a Diamond Medallion, Scott has preferred seating for himself and up to eight companions on all Delta flights — that’s great for family vacations.

Meanwhile, TPG credit cards writer Ryan Smith – who has the same complimentary preferred seating benefit as Scott thanks to having United Premier Silver status — likes preferred seats for their location. Because you’ll find these seats at the front of the plane, you can get off the plane sooner. This can prove extremely valuable for tight connections or scoring an Uber, Lyft or taxi faster when traveling during peak seasons, Ryan added.

Related: 7 tips for picking the perfect airplane seat every time

Recipriocal elite status

Katie Genter, TPG’s senior points and miles reporter, enjoys receiving complimentary United Premier Silver elite status as a perk of her Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status.

In addition to preferred seating, Premier Silver members (and one companion on the same reservation) can travel on United with a free checked bag weighing up to 70 pounds. Additionally, Premier Silver members board in group two, earn a 40% mileage bonus and are eligible for same-day, first-class upgrades on select flights.

Katie also participates in a hotel status match. As a World of Hyatt Globalist, she enjoys MGM Rewards Gold status. Along with other benefits, MGM Gold gives her waived resort fees and complimentary self-parking, which can save her hundreds of dollars when she visits Las Vegas.

There are other complimentary elite status matches out there, too. If you have United MileagePlus Premier Gold status or higher, you’re eligible for a status match to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite. Plus, Wyndham Rewards members can match their status to Caesars Rewards and vice versa.

Related: Hotel elite status match and challenge offers for 2022

Free parking for Globalists on award stays

With Scott’s Hyatt Globalist status, he can park his car for free on Hyatt award stays. That can save you a considerable amount of money, particularly when staying in cities like Chicago or Boston, where parking charges can be north of $50 per night.

Related: Parking fees in Vegas are back: Here’s how to avoid them

Priority assistance

Ryan likes using the preferred line for check-in at hotels and airports. In his experience, it’s typically shorter, and he finds that the employees working priority lines are often more experienced and knowledgeable.

I fully agree with Ryan. Priority service can go a long way when it comes to snagging the last seat on the next flight after yours has been canceled. With widespread flight cancellations last summer, the United Airlines Premier 1K line made a world of difference in outsmarting long hold times.

Related: Here’s how the TPG staff is beating long hold times and getting airline support quickly

Our managing editor for news, Clint Henderson, has received the royal treatment as an Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 100K when traveling on American Airlines. He’s routinely received upgrades on long-haul transcontinental flights, including American’s premium A321T. He also used his systemwide upgrades to travel back from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in business class on American.

Additionally, Clint has enjoyed a generous three checked baggage allowance on American flights.

Related: Last-minute strategies for Alaska Mileage Plan elite status

Members with AAdvantage Platinum status and higher are eligible for benefits on Alaska, as well as benefits on JetBlue Airways.

AAdvantage Platinum members receive access to Alaska’s premium and JetBlue’s Even More Space seating at check-in, plus priority boarding, free checked bags and more on both airlines.

It’s also worth noting that AAdvantage Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum and Concierge Key members are eligible for waitlisted first-class upgrades on all Alaska flights.

Related: What is American Airlines elite status worth in 2022?

Oneworld lounges

Katie, an Executive Platinum member with American, and Clint, an MVP Gold 100K with Alaska, both have Oneworld Emerald status, which allows them to access most Oneworld business- and first-class lounges on international itineraries (excluding flights that travel between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico). Many of these lounges offer sit-down dining.

Oneworld Emerald includes complimentary access to some of the best first-class lounges in the business, such as the Japan Airlines first-class lounge at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), the Cathay Pacific first-class lounge at London‘s Heathrow Airport (LHR) and the Malaysia Airlines first-class lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).

Related: Something for everyone: The Oneworld Los Angeles Lounge at Tom Bradley International Terminal

United Premier 1K members receive a complimentary subscription to Timeshifter, an app that suggests adjustments to your sleep pattern to minimize jet lag.

I’ve used Timeshifter for most of my long-haul travels since 2019, and it has helped me adjust to the correct time zones.

The app, which normally costs $25 per year, alerts you when you should be going to bed, avoiding bright lights and more. Users can enter their normal sleep patterns and flight numbers for a personalized plan.

Related: Tips on how to avoid jet lag for your next trip

Bottom line

We all love upgrades and free food, but you may have access to even more perks thanks to your elite status. While it can be daunting to sift through all the fine print for each program, doing so can help you get the most out of your loyalty program memberships so you’re not leaving valuable benefits on the table.