You may have just finished earning elite status during the 2025 qualification year. Alternatively, if you're pursuing status with a program that doesn't use a calendar year as its qualification period, such as American Airlines AAdvantage, you may still have months to earn your desired elite status.
As the year comes to a close, it's a good time to consider which elite statuses you plan to requalify for in 2026 and which you'll let lapse. Reflecting on this now will provide direction as you plan trips for the coming year.
Your elite status plans may look very different from mine, as I travel full-time as a digital nomad. But to help you think through how to manage your elite statuses, here's a look at what statuses I plan to earn in 2026.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on The Points Guy Articles.
