Where will I end the year for elite status?

Since we’re past Thanksgiving, things begin to wind-down for the end of the year as Christmas and New Year’s come into sight.

Since most elite programs run on a calendar year basis, the time to re-qualify (or qualify) for elite status is a major topic of discussion on travel forums and blogs.

I’m fairly open about my travel patterns, and by showing you what I will be qualifying for helps you understand me as a blogger, and my basis for my writing. I’m also going to be highlighting any status I’ll be loosing, as I think that is important to discuss as well. There are 3 major categories in travel elite status – airlines, hotels and rental cars – and those will be the ones I’ll be highlighting here.

Airline Elite Status

Gaining/Re-Qualfiying

• American Airlines Executive Platinum status

American Airlines Executive Platinum status requires 100,000 miles of flying a year and comes with a slew of benefits, including complimentary upgrades and 8 confirmed systemwide upgrades. I’ve attained this status through butt-in-seat miles, and without any credit card spend, even though I do have an Citi Executive AAdvantage card.

Loosing

• Delta Airlines Gold Medallion status

I’ll be dropping my Delta Gold status, which I attained last year. This year, I only took a handful of Delta flights as I made the transition to America. I don’t value Delta as much with the gutting of their award program, and their non-valuable elite tiers, so don’t find it worthwhile to keep this status.

Hotel Elite Status

Gaining/Re-Qualifying

• Hyatt Diamond status
• Kimpton Karma Inner Circle status
• Starwood Preferred Guest Gold status
• Club Carlson Gold status
• Hilton Gold status

To be forward here, only 2 of these statuses I truly value (and have truly earned). Hyatt Diamond status was earned through a Hyatt Diamond Challenge, and since I was successful in that challenge, the status will be renewed through next year. Because I enjoy Hyatt’s Park Hyatt and Andaz brands, and received complimentary breakfast as well as confirmed upgrades, I value Hyatt Diamond, and will be renewing this for years to come. For travel within the United States, Kimpton runs a fantastic boutique hotel chain – and their Inner Circle members receive free nights at new properties, suite upgrades and additional perks. It only requires 14 stays to renew, so this is an easy status to earn (and keep). SPG Gold status and Hilton Gold status were earned via simply having the American Express Platinum card, and enrolling in the appropriate programs. Club Carlson Gold status is earned by having the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature card, and will provide me with 2 for 1 reward night stays, which out value the cost of the card.

Rental Car Elite Status

Gaining/Re-Qualifying

• Hertz #1 Club Gold

While the status itself isn’t particularly useful, I do have Hertz #1 Club Gold via holding the American Express Platinum card.

What status will you be gaining or loosing this year?