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In the years following the pandemic, travelers have returned to the skies in droves. These increases have led airlines to scale back their loyalty programs, making it harder to earn status. This may make it more challenging for fliers to access status benefits like upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access.
But opening an airline credit card may be one way to help put those popular perks back within reach.
Like any other business, the laws of supply and demand impact airlines. For the past few years, airlines have extended elite status and offered discounts throughout the pandemic. As travel restrictions relaxed, people began to travel again. This led to a surge in travel during 2022 and even more so in 2023, leading to crowded airport lounges, priority boarding lanes, and first-class seats.
In response, airlines looked for ways to manage crowds and maintain the exclusivity of their loyalty programs.
“When too many passengers have status, then the status is no longer that special,” says Scott Lieberman, founder of TouchdownMoney. “The airlines want to ensure their most lucrative customers are rewarded with perks such as upgrades, lounge access, and early boarding.”
In an interview in September, Delta CEO Ed Bastian pointed out that there are almost twice as many Diamond Medallion status holders as before the pandemic. When that many travelers hold top status, the experience the airline can provide erodes.
To bring more exclusivity back into the loyalty program experience, major airlines like United, American, and Delta announced changes to their frequent flier rewards and elite status programs.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the significant changes.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines recently shook up its SkyMiles program, introducing significant changes that will make earning elite status and accessing Sky Clubs more challenging.
Starting in 2024, passengers will earn status solely based on the money they spend rather than the miles they fly. Delta also drastically raised the spending requirements to reach each status level.
The airline also plans to restrict the number of annual Sky Club visits that co-branded credit card holders could make. After an initial backlash, Delta walked back some of the changes, but it’s still an increase from years past.
United Airlines
United Airlines announced changes to its MileagePlus program in late 2022, increasing the threshold needed to achieve elite status. This means travelers must spend more and fly more to earn status such as Premier Silver and Gold.
But United also made it easier to earn status with their co-branded credit cards, including the United Quest℠ Card, United Club℠ Business Card, and United Club℠ Infinite Card.
American Airlines
American Airlines rolled out changes to its AAdvantage program, changing how you earn and redeem miles — and how you can earn status. Starting in early 2023, it became harder to earn Gold elite status, though the higher tiers didn’t change.
On top of this, airlines are also making using points for free flights harder.
“The free flight that used to cost 30,000 miles might now cost 50,000,” says Ted Rossman, senior analyst at Bankrate. “The airlines are playing around with the value of the mileage-based currency.”
Most major airlines are also now tying the number of miles required for a free flight to the actual cost of the ticket.
While 25,000 miles may have once earned you a free ticket anywhere within North America, that 25,000 miles may now earn you a flight that costs $250 or less, Rossman says.
While rewards programs are becoming more complicated, airlines are making it easier for consumers to earn flight rewards and miles through co-branded credit cards. If you’re loyal to an airline and travel frequently, it may be time to get a new card.
If you don’t fly often enough to earn rewards under the new frequent flier program guidelines, don’t worry. It’s also possible to achieve status using an airline credit card. Some airlines have made it possible to earn rewards even faster via a credit card than flying.
“At the end of the day, status has become about how much you spend with [Delta] and on its co-branded credit cards and not about how much you fly with the airline — how status was primarily earned previously,” says Nick Serati, co-founder of Thrifty Traveler.
Here are four of the best airline credit card options for earning rewards and status.
In 2024, cardmembers can earn up to 10,000 Premier Qualifying Points from qualifying purchases every calendar year, which can be applied to Premier status qualification. That’s the maximum points you can earn on United’s credit cards. Cardholders earn 500 PQPs for every $10,000 spent.
The Infinite card also offers a generous welcome offer, free checked bags, discounts, and fee credits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
You can earn 4X miles on United Airlines purchases, 2X miles on travel, dining, and eligible delivery services, and 1X miles on all other purchases.
This card comes with a United Club membership, which includes access to United Airlines and Star Alliance airport lounges. This membership is valued at about $650 per year. The annual fee for the Infinite card is $525.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
If you’re after elite status with Delta, the American Express co-branded cards can help you get there quicker. The SkyMiles Platinum card offers a solid welcome bonus, elevated miles on Delta purchases, and many other travel perks.
The airline will waive its Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) requirements toward Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion elite status after you spend $25,000 on purchases within a calendar year.
You can earn 3X miles on Delta flights and direct hotel bookings, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, and 1X miles on all other purchases.
This Platinum card has an annual fee of $250. See rates and fees.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
With the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, you can earn 4X miles in total spending up to $150,000, then 5X miles after. You’ll also earn 10X miles on rental cars and eligible hotels booked through aa.com.
This card comes with an Admirals Club membership (valued at $850), Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits, free checked bags, priority boarding, discounts, and more.
Cardholders also receive a 10,000 Loyalty Points bonus after reaching 50,000 points yearly. You’ll get another 10,000-point bonus if you reach 90,000 points in the same year. This card comes with a $595 annual fee.
If you’re considering an airline card, consider which airlines you fly with and which destinations you fly to.
“The best airline credit card is the airline you fly the most,” Rossman says. “Especially if you’re in a hub city like Atlanta, where Delta is the dominant carrier, or Charlotte, where American rules the roost. You’ll probably get the most bang for the buck by choosing that airline’s card.”
With frequent flier status becoming harder to obtain, a co-branded airline credit card can still offer a fast track to those coveted benefits. If you’re considering an airline credit card, be sure to review all of the options. Consider which airline you fly most, where you live, and how much you’re willing to spend on a credit card in exchange for status.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company
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