Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways – Episode Summary: "How to Get Elite Travel Perks Without Traveling Every Week or Overpaying"

Release Date: March 5, 2025

Hosts Sally French and Megan Coyle from NerdWallet Travel delve into the intricacies of achieving elite travel status without the need for excessive travel or exorbitant spending. This episode provides listeners with actionable insights, practical strategies, and critical evaluations of elite status benefits across airlines and hotel programs.

1. Introduction

Sally and Megan kick off the episode with a casual conversation about Megan’s upcoming wedding travels and her attainment of elite status on American Airlines. They set the stage for a deep dive into whether elite status is genuinely beneficial for the average traveler or if it's an overrated pursuit.

Notable Quote:

• Sally French [00:25]: “Southwest. I thought I was a Southwest Stan here.”

2. Travel News Highlights

a. Southwest Flights Now on Expedia ([01:17] – [02:17])

• Overview: Southwest Airlines flights have become available for booking on Expedia and its associated platforms like Travelocity, Hotwire, Orbitz, and CheapTickets.
• Significance: This marks a significant change, as previously Southwest flights weren't accessible via online travel agencies (OTAs) or Google Flights, limiting comparison shopping for travelers.
• Insight: Increased accessibility on OTAs allows travelers to make more informed decisions and potentially secure cheaper flights.

Notable Quote:

• Megan Coyle [01:40]: “Remember when Southwest flights didn't even show up in Google flights? Oof.”

b. Hyatt’s Annual Award Category Changes ([02:17] – [04:03])

• Details: Hyatt has adjusted its award categories, making 33 properties cheaper to book with points while 118 properties are now more expensive.
• Benefits: Clearer planning due to fixed point requirements, especially beneficial for specific events like weddings.
• Opportunity: There's still time before March 25th to lock in lower redemption rates, with the possibility of refunds if rates decrease after booking.

Notable Quote:

• Sally French [04:03]: “So maybe we should plan that Tokyo trip and book it now before March 25th.”

c. American Airlines Elite Status Year Starts in March ([04:56] – [05:39])

• Change: American Airlines resets its elite status year starting March 1st, extending the period to earn loyalty points until February 2026.
• Implication: Provides more time for travelers to achieve elite status, aligning with the episode's main theme.

Notable Quote:

• Megan Coyle [05:02]: “So let's just reset the clock over the weekend.”

3. Elite Status Overview

a. Understanding Airline Elite Status ([07:10] – [11:02])

• Common Misconception: Elite status is often perceived as attainable only by frequent travelers or "road warriors."
• Reality Check: Sally shares her lack of airline elite status, challenging the notion that it's unattainable for the average traveler.
• Personal Experience: Megan holds American Airlines Gold status through a combination of flying and strategic credit card spending.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French [09:15]: “I actually recommend many travelers don't try to overexert themselves to get elite status on an airline.”
• Megan Coyle [10:27]: “Having credit cards that grant status, you can get upgrades and perks without crazy spending.”

b. Benefits vs. Requirements ([11:02] – [15:54])

• Airline Perks: Priority check-in, free checked bags, preferred seating, and occasional seat upgrades.
• Limitations: Lower-tier statuses like Gold offer minimal benefits compared to higher tiers, often making elite perks rare and not worth the effort.
• Upgrade Reality: Upgrades are typically reserved for higher-tier members, making them infrequent for those with lower statuses.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French [12:30]: “With just the card, I got to board in group five and also get a free checked bag.”
• Megan Coyle [15:34]: “These are seats, like closer to the front of the main cabin. Even a main cabin extra seat with more leg room.”

4. Hotel Elite Status

a. Different Hotel Programs ([16:20] – [20:57])

• Hilton Honors:

  • Diamond Status: Achieved via the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card, offers free upgrades, food and beverage credits, late checkout, and an annual free night.
  • Gold Status: Accessible through additional credit cards, provides room upgrades, daily food and beverage credits, and late checkout.

• Marriott Bonvoy:

  • Gold Status: Offers room upgrades and late checkout but lacks complimentary breakfast unless reaching Platinum Elite status.

• Hyatt:

  • Discoverist Status: Minimal perks like free water bottles, late checkout, and occasional room upgrades.
  • World of Hyatt Card: Grants free night certificates and automatic higher status levels.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French [16:38]: “I have Hilton diamond status... I got an annual free night reward.”
• Megan Coyle [19:24]: “I love hash browns. Like loaded hash browns are an immediate order for me.”

b. Benefits through Credit Cards ([16:56] – [21:17])

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $550 annual fee, automatic Diamond status, and substantial perks.
• Amex Platinum Card: $695 annual fee, includes lounge access and complimentary hotel elite statuses with Hilton and Marriott.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French [16:56]: “This card, you get an annual free night certificate. It's good every year at any hotel up to a Category 4.”

5. Strategies to Earn Elite Status

a. Using Credit Cards ([21:17] – [22:33])

• Leveraging Co-Branded Cards: Many airlines and hotels offer elite status through credit card spending and benefits.
• Annual Free Nights: Maximizing free night rewards to offset card fees and obtain premium bookings.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan Coyle [21:33]: “I would look for promotions like the Built Rewards program has done a few promotions in the past where you get a 90 day trial period of elite status.”

b. Promotions and Trials ([22:02] – [22:33])

• Trial Periods: Opportunities to experience elite status benefits for a limited time, encouraging continued engagement and spending.
• Double Elite Credits: Special promotions allowing double points or credits during specific periods, enhancing status earning potential.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan Coyle [22:02]: “It’s really cool because then you can like do this challenge and try to keep it for the rest of the year.”

c. Status Matching ([22:33] – [23:45])

• Definition: Utilizing existing elite status with one program to gain similar status with another, often requiring additional qualifications like spending or stays.
• Partnerships: Some airlines and hotels offer mutual benefits, enhancing the value of existing elite statuses.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French [22:33]: “Status matching is another one. If you have one type of elite status, often you can use that to match status with another airline or hotel for a limited period.”

6. Hot Take: Is Elite Status Worth It? ([23:56] – [25:47])

Sally and Megan share their critical perspectives on elite status, arguing that for many travelers, the pursuit can be more trouble than it's worth. They emphasize the importance of evaluating whether the benefits align with individual travel habits and spending capacities.

Key Points:

• Accessibility: Elite status is attainable without excessive travel through strategic credit card use and participation in promotions.
• Value Assessment: If achieving elite status requires disproportionate effort relative to the benefits, it may not be worthwhile.
• Practical Benefits: Free checked bags, preferred seating, and room upgrades can enhance travel experiences without necessitating full elite status.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan Coyle [23:58]: “If it's not easy for you to earn elite status, you probably don't need it.”
• Sally French [24:11]: “If you're not even traveling that much anyway, then you won't even get the benefits of having elite status.”

7. Conclusion

Sally and Megan wrap up the episode by reiterating that elite status isn't a one-size-fits-all benefit. They encourage listeners to assess their travel patterns and make strategic decisions to maximize perks without overextending financially or logistically.

Final Thoughts:

• Balance: Achieving a balance between spending, travel frequency, and desired benefits is crucial.
• Smart Utilization: Leveraging credit cards and promotional offers can provide significant value without the need for relentless traveling.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the decision to pursue elite status should align with individual travel needs and financial situations.

Notable Quote:

• Sally French [25:39]: “Wow. I see you there. Good. Good deal.”

Additional Resources

Listeners are encouraged to visit the NerdWallet website for detailed articles on:

• Best Airline Elite Status Programs for 2025
• Credit Cards that Grant Automatic Elite Status
• Travel Budgeting Tools and Strategies

Contact and Engagement:

• Email: listeners can share their elite status stories or upgrade experiences via email at us@travelerdwallet.com.
• Follow Us: Stay updated by subscribing on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.

Disclaimer: Sally and Megan remind listeners that they are not financial or investment advisors. The information provided is for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply to individual circumstances.

Produced by: Hilary Georgie and Tess Vaglin
Fact-Checking: Claire Soci
Editing: NerdWallet’s editorial team

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