United wants $480,000 in credit card spend for 1K and it caused me to look at the entire landscape. I priced top status on every US airline and hotel chain. Here’s what I found.
Now, I still value status, but I earn it at least in part by spend and not just on my primary carrier but on secondary carriers too. Credit card spend and the associated benefits have become exceedingly important and I am certain I am not alone. This one is for the business owners.
Those who earn elite status by accruing elite qualifying miles via airline credit cards instead of the back of a tired A320 still get complimentary upgrades, access to first or business class lounges even on award tickets, free checked bags, and priority boarding whether you fly the carrier or not. Business owners can still be free agents as many of us have moved to and become an American Airlines Aadvantage Executive Platinum status holder. Maybe that’s good, maybe it’s not, but it’s the world we live in.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
