One of the Elite: Is Airline Status Worth It?

Overcrowded airports, delayed flights and a cramped seat at the back of coach. Such is the lot of the typical business traveler today. To some extent, these things can't be avoided. However, if you are an elite or premier passenger with your airline, your life is almost certainly a little bit easier. And if you're not one of those select few, you may be wondering how to qualify and what it will get you.

Business travelers, many of whom pay the highest prices for their tickets, have always been the airlines' bread and butter. The first frequent flyer program was introduced by American Airlines in an effort to not only reward the lucrative business traveler, but as an incentive to keep their valuable business. United, Delta and TWA soon introduced their own programs. Frequent flyer programs are now commonplace; in fact, most frequent flyers belong to at least 4 different programs.

Build Your Status, One Mile at a Time

Mileage accrual to qualify for elite status can often be so complicated that it's impossible to understand. Qualification can be based on not only the number of miles flown, but the cost of your ticket, as well as the class of service. Most airlines have mileage accrual agreements with their partner airlines, although again, there are often restrictions. The good news is that, if you travel frequently and aspire to becoming an elite passenger with your airline, they will track all of this for you - so you don't have to - and keep you updated as to your status. There is also no cost involved to enjoy elite status with your airline. If you achieve it, there is really no reason not to accept it.

The accrual period is generally a calendar year. Your airline will track your flight activity for you and once you have reached the magic number, you are an elite, premium or executive flyer - or whatever name the program goes by. The different levels of mileage flown reflect the different levels of the program. Taking the American Airlines mileage program as an example; if you fly 25,000 miles in a year, you are Aadvantage Gold; 50,000 miles makes you AAdvantage Platinum and if you fly 100,000 miles in a year, you are at the top - Executive Platinum. United also requires 100,000 miles in a year to reach the highest level; while Continental only requires 75,000.

The Perks

So what will it get you? The benefits and bonuses vary from airline to airline, of course, but you can expect your business travel to be a little bit easier. Many airlines have a dedicated toll-free number intended to be used exclusively by their best customers - not only is the wait time often shorter on these lines, but they tend to be staffed by more senior and knowledgeable agents who arguably are able to offer better customer service. Agents on this desk can often perform such wonders as unblocking a seat, confirming an upgrade or getting you on an overbooked flight. Elite or premium flyers often also benefit from having many of those annoying fees and charges waived - ticketing fees, extra baggage fees and mileage award processing fees.

Elite passengers enjoy a less stressful time at the airport by using a separate check-in counter, priority security screening and priority boarding, for example. If you are an elite customer, you can generally use the first class check-in counter - even if you aren't traveling first class. You are also often entitled to better seating in coach, including blocked seats, bulkhead seats or the coveted exit row.

Getting the Upgrade

But of course, you want to travel in first class - otherwise, why be a premium flyer at all? Your chances of sitting up front are much better if you are a premium flyer who has upgrade stickers, coupons or tokens.

Again, using American's AAdvantage program as an example, American awards upgrades to their elite members, based on the distance flown. These upgrades can then be cashed in for a seat in first or business class - the longer your trip, the more upgrade units it takes. The big difference between levels is that the higher up you are, the sooner you can confirm the upgrade. An Executive passenger with American can upgrade 100 hours in advance; whereas a Platinum passenger has 72 hours and a mere Gold has 24 hours. The ability to upgrade for virtually no cost is perhaps the biggest perk.

So, is it worth being an executive, premium or elite flyer with your airline? In today's troubled economy, anything that makes business travel easier should definitely be welcomed. As to which airline has the best program, that may be a matter of opinion; although, Continental's Elite program is often regarded as the best in the industry.