Elite status at airlines, hotels, cruise lines, car rental agencies, and now credit cards all play a factor in how we travel. Here’s how I am faring for 2026 at the midway point.
For me, I have found most systemwide upgrades for American Airlines Executive Platinum status to be the most valuable if you can redeem them. However, I have publicly struggled to redeem them for relative value on the flights, and dates I needed so I discount them heavily. More on that shortly. What I value the most in almost any status is service and upgrades. There’s no question that top or near top elites receive better care, flexibility, and land more upgrades across the board. A complimentary upgrade to first class on a two-hour flight is nice, but it won’t change my life. But being able to change to a flight that gets me home three hours earlier can make all the difference.
Last year I chased the 400,000 Loyalty Points level to see how close I could get to qualifying for Concierge Key status in my home market. Ultimately, I do not believe I finished close and won’t likely attempt again.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
