5 PERKS YOU SHOULD GET WITH AIRLINE ELITE STATUS -- BUT DON'T

There's been a lot of debate in the airline industry and travel rewards credit card subculture about whether it's still worth trying to get elite status with airlines. Your mileage may vary based on how often you fly and which airlines you prefer, and some frequent flyers might swear by the benefits of their favorite airline's elite status program.

But as someone who's trying to fly more often and who just recently got seriously invested in travel rewards credit cards, I'm a little underwhelmed by the benefits offered by most airline elite status programs. Yes, you get some powerful multipliers to earn more frequent flyer miles. And you get a free checked bag. But many airline elite status programs can be replicated with the right combination of travel rewards credit cards.

If airlines want people to get excited about elite status again, they need to raise their game. Start offering some more inspiring benefits! Here is a slightly fanciful (and hopefully humorous) list of airline elite status perks that I'd like to see.

1. Free automatic gate-checked bag

Many airline elite status programs offer a free checked bag (or multiple checked bags for higher tiers of status). But I don't care. I don't want to go to the baggage claim. I don't want to run the risk of the airline losing my bag. Instead of a free checked bag, I'd rather have a free gate-checked bag.

With a gate-checked bag, you drop off your bag at the gate, the gate agent gives you a sticker with a barcode, and then you pick up your bag as soon as you step off the plane after landing. Simple! Elegant! Makes me feel like a VIP! I'd gate-check my bag every time if the airlines would let me. It's right there when I get off the plane, it never gets lost, and it saves me room in the overhead bin.

2. Free row of economy-class seats on underbooked flights

Sometimes the best flight experiences of my life have been the cheapest -- like when I booked a $570 basic economy roundtrip flight to Europe and ended up having an entire row to myself. I received very few frequent flyer miles and absolutely zero elite status points for this trip, but I didn't care. I felt like I was beating the system!

Have you ever stretched out across an entire row of seats on a nearly empty international flight? Plenty of elbow room while eating your in-flight meal! It's heavenly! Feels better than business class, and at a fraction of the price!

3. Truly good wifi on the plane

Airline elite status should give you a dedicated wifi hotspot or some kind of secret, super-fast bonus wifi network -- at the airport and in the air -- that actually works. On a recent trip, I got so frustrated with the airport wifi and the on-board wifi. Neither worked consistently, even though I was paying extra for the premium version. How much do I have to pay to actually get good wifi on a flight? I'll pay whatever it takes!

4. Be the last one to board the plane

Many airline elite status programs try to make a big deal out of their priority boarding perks, like it's some really special experience to stand in a slightly different line by the gate and be the first person on the plane. I guess it's nice to be on the plane early so you can shove your bag into the overhead bin (unless you get a free automatic gate-checked bag, see No. 1 above).

But other than that, what's the point of priority boarding? I don't want to spend more time sitting on the plane. I don't want an extra 30 minutes of being cramped and hot and having no legroom, while dozens of passengers creep by, almost bumping me in the face with their oversized carryon bags. I want to spend as little time waiting for takeoff as possible.

Elite status should let you be the LAST person on the plane. You should feel like, "this plane is waiting for me, and the moment I get onboard, it's wheels up." That's a true feeling of "elite" status and power. Not being crumpled in a heap, waiting for everyone else, breathing jet fuel exhaust.

5. Free cockpit tours

Cockpits are cool, and elite status should give you permission to visit the flight deck sometime. Like, airlines should offer special behind-the-scenes tours for elite status passengers. Whatever the FAA will allow. I'm not trying to interfere with the flight crew or cause problems in-flight. No pressure, airlines!

Bottom line

Airline elite status can offer some valuable benefits, like free upgrades to business class and powerful multipliers to help you earn frequent flyer miles faster. But some of the other elite status perks feel pretty humdrum. Airlines should spice up their elite status programs with some creativity and fun!

Thankfully, the best travel rewards credit cards can help you get most of the perks of elite airline status without having to sit through dozens of flights. If you want to enhance your travel experience, check out the best airline credit cards. Many airlines and their bank partners offer credit cards that give you special perks like a free checked bag, airport lounge access, and more.

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2024-05-08T14:06:49Z dg43tfdfdgfd