How many top tiers have you qualified for?
Nov 7, 2001 | 10:13 am
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,190
How many top tiers have you qualified for?
Came across a topic last night on the Starwood forum which has now veered off in a slightly different direction from where it started, in part due to my own curiosity. It had peaked that curiosity with respec to how much travel some of us actually do in the course of a year, and by comparison how little others of us do.
The person starting the topic on Starwood holds three top tier, and four mid-tier elite status levels in airline programs. To me, that's an awful lot of travelling for anyone. Most of us have provided our "credentials" in the box under our usernames. Some of appear to opt for quantity [of programs] over quality, others quality over quantity. In most cases, we have a primary and secondary program for both airlines and hotels.
I don't intend this to become a "my account is larger than yours" thread, but it would be interesting to see what the word "Frequent" really means in this community.
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Being Canadian-based , AC is my primary carrier and Aeroplan my primary FF program. I hold SuperElite [top tier] status in it, and thus also STAR Gold. I hold earned Platinum status in AAdvantage, giving me a foothold in oneworld at the Sapphire level. Like many, my travel habits can change, and so over the years I have also held mid-level tiers in UA's, NW's and Delta's programs, as well as the one operated by the now-defunct Canadian Airlines. Given the emergence of alliances, I have stopped using my UA account completely. And when Canadian Airline's Cdn+ program folded into Aeroplan, I re-instated my AAdvantage account. [Estimate: 180K+ qualifying miles in all programs thus far this year.]
Similarly, with hotels, I have achieved Platinum status with Starwood, and maintain Gold with Hilton, in part through top-tier tie-ins, but with enough stays to keep some elite status. [My issues with HHonors relate to problems using their website...] I also keep my Six Continents Club active, staying at ICs a few times each year, but by no means able to hit an elite tier. And of course, the nothingness of Priority Club Gold covers off HI budget accommodations when required by clients, and gives me a place to put earnings from my IC stays. [Estimate: Just over 60 room nights in total thus far this year.]
I consider myself to be a moderate FFer, though likely fall into the Top 5%, maybe slightly higher.
The person starting the topic on Starwood holds three top tier, and four mid-tier elite status levels in airline programs. To me, that's an awful lot of travelling for anyone. Most of us have provided our "credentials" in the box under our usernames. Some of appear to opt for quantity [of programs] over quality, others quality over quantity. In most cases, we have a primary and secondary program for both airlines and hotels.
I don't intend this to become a "my account is larger than yours" thread, but it would be interesting to see what the word "Frequent" really means in this community.
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Being Canadian-based , AC is my primary carrier and Aeroplan my primary FF program. I hold SuperElite [top tier] status in it, and thus also STAR Gold. I hold earned Platinum status in AAdvantage, giving me a foothold in oneworld at the Sapphire level. Like many, my travel habits can change, and so over the years I have also held mid-level tiers in UA's, NW's and Delta's programs, as well as the one operated by the now-defunct Canadian Airlines. Given the emergence of alliances, I have stopped using my UA account completely. And when Canadian Airline's Cdn+ program folded into Aeroplan, I re-instated my AAdvantage account. [Estimate: 180K+ qualifying miles in all programs thus far this year.]
Similarly, with hotels, I have achieved Platinum status with Starwood, and maintain Gold with Hilton, in part through top-tier tie-ins, but with enough stays to keep some elite status. [My issues with HHonors relate to problems using their website...] I also keep my Six Continents Club active, staying at ICs a few times each year, but by no means able to hit an elite tier. And of course, the nothingness of Priority Club Gold covers off HI budget accommodations when required by clients, and gives me a place to put earnings from my IC stays. [Estimate: Just over 60 room nights in total thus far this year.]
I consider myself to be a moderate FFer, though likely fall into the Top 5%, maybe slightly higher.
Nov 7, 2001 | 10:28 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
Okay, I'll bite.
Unlike many, my flight pattern is pretty consistent, meaning that I focus 95% of my mileage accrual on one airline. This year, I'll earn UA 1K with about 160K flight miles. I've probably got another 20-30K of flight miles on other carriers this year, on strange airlines like Alitalia (credited to Continental), Swiss/Crossair (credited to Qualiflyer), KLM (credited to FlyingDutchman), and BA/AA (credited to AA). Must not forget my flights on Jersey European and ScotAirways (credited to no one).
Similarly, my hotel stays are concentrated with Starwood, where I'll do close to 130 nights this year. Hilton & Hyatt each got about ten nights, Marriott got five, a few others got a couple of days each.
In summary, that's around 200K flight miles and 150-160 nights a year on the road. Like you, I'd probably put myself in the middle of the people here -- enough that I'm a road warrior, but not as bad as quite a few of the really dedicated* on this board.
* This word could also mean "crazy"
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Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide
[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 11-07-2001).]
Unlike many, my flight pattern is pretty consistent, meaning that I focus 95% of my mileage accrual on one airline. This year, I'll earn UA 1K with about 160K flight miles. I've probably got another 20-30K of flight miles on other carriers this year, on strange airlines like Alitalia (credited to Continental), Swiss/Crossair (credited to Qualiflyer), KLM (credited to FlyingDutchman), and BA/AA (credited to AA). Must not forget my flights on Jersey European and ScotAirways (credited to no one).
Similarly, my hotel stays are concentrated with Starwood, where I'll do close to 130 nights this year. Hilton & Hyatt each got about ten nights, Marriott got five, a few others got a couple of days each.
In summary, that's around 200K flight miles and 150-160 nights a year on the road. Like you, I'd probably put myself in the middle of the people here -- enough that I'm a road warrior, but not as bad as quite a few of the really dedicated* on this board.
* This word could also mean "crazy"
------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide
[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 11-07-2001).]
Nov 7, 2001 | 10:46 am
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Reno, NV (RNO)
Programs: AA LT Platinum, AS, UA Premier Silver, DL, HHonors Gold, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt, IHG Platinum
Posts: 4,723
Through comping, challenges, and special offers, plus earning, it is possible to achieve mid or top tier status in multiple programs. A year or two ago I was UA 1K, AA PLT, US Silver, and CO Silver at the same time. Both the UA and US statuses were earned, AA was from a challenge, and CO was a complimentary downgrade from Gold the previous year.
This year I am UA 1K (qualifying under the special "25K miles in first quarter to renew" offer), AA PLT (earned), and US Gold (special offer to fly certain number of segments in a given period of time).
For next year, I have qualified for UA Premier Exec and US Silver, both under regular requirements. I will retain AA PLT because of the extension they have offered.
Contrary to prevailing thought, I believe comping status is usually a good deal for the airlines as well as the traveller. I was comped to UA Premier Exec more than 2 years ago and followed up with over 100K earned flight miles to make 1K. Add another 70K this year. With AA I did a challenge to get Gold and then Platinum and then followed up with about 60K earned flight miles for PLT. In both cases, this is revenue that likely would have gone to a competitor. The airlines are not out very much if a comped flyer doesn't fly.
I am hoping UA extends status this year for all Premiers so I can retain 1K. At this point, running for the extra 28K miles I need for 1K is really not possible, and since there are rumors that the biggest benefit (SWUs) of 1K may be changed for next year, not a wise choice in my view. Some people have blasted AA for extending status, but they now have me seriously thinking about giving more/all of my business next year to them. When I compare UA Premier Exec and AA PLT, AA wins on a number of points from my experience:
1. AA is less expensive
2. Upgrading is easier as AA PLT than as UA Premier Exec
3. My AA miles go towards lifetime AA PLT (I am already lifetime AA Gold)
The recent schedule cutbacks also suggest that I will be making more connections with UA flying out of IAD than I would have in the past. Decisions, decisions!
This year I am UA 1K (qualifying under the special "25K miles in first quarter to renew" offer), AA PLT (earned), and US Gold (special offer to fly certain number of segments in a given period of time).
For next year, I have qualified for UA Premier Exec and US Silver, both under regular requirements. I will retain AA PLT because of the extension they have offered.
Contrary to prevailing thought, I believe comping status is usually a good deal for the airlines as well as the traveller. I was comped to UA Premier Exec more than 2 years ago and followed up with over 100K earned flight miles to make 1K. Add another 70K this year. With AA I did a challenge to get Gold and then Platinum and then followed up with about 60K earned flight miles for PLT. In both cases, this is revenue that likely would have gone to a competitor. The airlines are not out very much if a comped flyer doesn't fly.
I am hoping UA extends status this year for all Premiers so I can retain 1K. At this point, running for the extra 28K miles I need for 1K is really not possible, and since there are rumors that the biggest benefit (SWUs) of 1K may be changed for next year, not a wise choice in my view. Some people have blasted AA for extending status, but they now have me seriously thinking about giving more/all of my business next year to them. When I compare UA Premier Exec and AA PLT, AA wins on a number of points from my experience:
1. AA is less expensive
2. Upgrading is easier as AA PLT than as UA Premier Exec
3. My AA miles go towards lifetime AA PLT (I am already lifetime AA Gold)
The recent schedule cutbacks also suggest that I will be making more connections with UA flying out of IAD than I would have in the past. Decisions, decisions!
Nov 7, 2001 | 11:47 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: SFO
Programs: TK E+, AF Plat & QR Plat (all the hard way), AA 3MM (worthless), smattering of others
Posts: 437
Like MileKing, I have status with multiple carriers through a variety of means. I've earned CO Plat for the last few years, am AA Plat this year and next because of the Plat challenge (I plan to ditch CO for AA), and through many strokes of luck have managed to stay UA PremEx for the last three years despite only flying 5-10k per year (which helps give credence to the folks' on the UA board's contention that UA gives away status at the drop of a hat).
However, because I uaually have no choice of hotels when I travel, I am lowest tier with many hotel programs, including Marriott, Starwood, Hilton and Hyatt.
However, because I uaually have no choice of hotels when I travel, I am lowest tier with many hotel programs, including Marriott, Starwood, Hilton and Hyatt.
Nov 7, 2001 | 12:07 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2001
Programs: UA 1k, AA Plt, MR Lifetime Plat & Amb
Posts: 1,829
This year I made some status advances,
AA Gold Challenge, then AA Plt Challenge, but will make EXP
UA PremEx but will likely be downgraded (will have only 35 segs)
AS - I'll be asking for a comp now that AA droped the West
Hilton Diamond - Earned and will keep
SPG Plt - Comped Gold made Plt
I have lots of little stays here and there with other programs but no status with them. For me, the benefits of the status make my decision on air carrier / hotel very easy.
AA Gold Challenge, then AA Plt Challenge, but will make EXP
UA PremEx but will likely be downgraded (will have only 35 segs)
AS - I'll be asking for a comp now that AA droped the West
Hilton Diamond - Earned and will keep
SPG Plt - Comped Gold made Plt
I have lots of little stays here and there with other programs but no status with them. For me, the benefits of the status make my decision on air carrier / hotel very easy.
Nov 7, 2001 | 1:26 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Currently as of today (11/7) I have the following Elite levels:
Airlines:
CO: Plat
DL: Gold
Hotels:
Marriott: Plat
Hilton: Diamond
SPG: Plat
Hyatt Plat
I did some research on old T&E reports and calculated the number of nights that I have traveled on business. Since 1995 up through my last trip last week, I am averaging 222 nights per year in hotels. The avg will go up each year as I spend more and more nights on the road each year with 1995 netting me 125 nights and a continuous upward slope to 2000 netting 275 nights on the road and this year to date is at 250 with 30 more scheduled thru year end.
Airline wise, My 2002 forecast is to make plat on CO but it will be a serious reach to make DL gold again. I doubt that will happen. We have cut back on air travel for 2002. Looks like my car will rack up some miles in local travel.
Airlines:
CO: Plat
DL: Gold
Hotels:
Marriott: Plat
Hilton: Diamond
SPG: Plat
Hyatt Plat
I did some research on old T&E reports and calculated the number of nights that I have traveled on business. Since 1995 up through my last trip last week, I am averaging 222 nights per year in hotels. The avg will go up each year as I spend more and more nights on the road each year with 1995 netting me 125 nights and a continuous upward slope to 2000 netting 275 nights on the road and this year to date is at 250 with 30 more scheduled thru year end.
Airline wise, My 2002 forecast is to make plat on CO but it will be a serious reach to make DL gold again. I doubt that will happen. We have cut back on air travel for 2002. Looks like my car will rack up some miles in local travel.
Nov 7, 2001 | 2:45 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: West Seattle, WA
Posts: 10,469
I am at and will finish 2001 with earning the following:
United- 1K
USAirways- Gold Preferred
Starwood- Platinum
Hilton- Diamond
Marriott- Silver
[This message has been edited by chexfan (edited 11-07-2001).]
United- 1K
USAirways- Gold Preferred
Starwood- Platinum
Hilton- Diamond
Marriott- Silver
[This message has been edited by chexfan (edited 11-07-2001).]
Nov 7, 2001 | 3:34 pm
#9
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Gold / Hyatt Explorist / Hertz PC
Posts: 36,206
Lufthansa: Senator
Singapore Air: PPS Club
United: 100K
Mexicana: Gold (was just comped)
Starwood: Platinum
Hyatt: Diamond
Hilton: Gold
Kempinski: Private Concierge Club
Hertz: #1 Gold
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Gaucho100K
Singapore Air: PPS Club
United: 100K
Mexicana: Gold (was just comped)
Starwood: Platinum
Hyatt: Diamond
Hilton: Gold
Kempinski: Private Concierge Club
Hertz: #1 Gold
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Gaucho100K
Nov 7, 2001 | 4:22 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,859
DL = Platinum, earned over and over again for several years, have already requalified. Requalified in July. Will end the year at about 130k. There were a couple of AF flights thrown in, however was primarily all DL travel. Of course this is Skyteam Elite Plus.
BA = Gold, earned over and over again. Requalified in May. Will end year with about 2800 tier points. A couple of of Iberia, AA and Cathay flights thrown in. Top Tier, OneWorld Emerald. Probably equals about 80,000-100,000 miles.
BD = Gold, earned last year, was silver and comped Gold the year before. Not done by calendar year so although I am at silver and a half, I will hit Gold by the cut off time in March. A couple of UA, LH and SQ flights thrown in. Star Gold, Top tier. Probably equals about 40-60,000 miles.
Hilton = Gold, originally comped and subsequently earned. Will probably end the year with 40 - 50 nights.
Generally I hate chain hotels so although I put a bit into Starwood and one or two others, I tend to stay in a lot of nicer places that are not members of programs.
BA = Gold, earned over and over again. Requalified in May. Will end year with about 2800 tier points. A couple of of Iberia, AA and Cathay flights thrown in. Top Tier, OneWorld Emerald. Probably equals about 80,000-100,000 miles.
BD = Gold, earned last year, was silver and comped Gold the year before. Not done by calendar year so although I am at silver and a half, I will hit Gold by the cut off time in March. A couple of UA, LH and SQ flights thrown in. Star Gold, Top tier. Probably equals about 40-60,000 miles.
Hilton = Gold, originally comped and subsequently earned. Will probably end the year with 40 - 50 nights.
Generally I hate chain hotels so although I put a bit into Starwood and one or two others, I tend to stay in a lot of nicer places that are not members of programs.
Nov 7, 2001 | 8:38 pm
#12
In Memoriam
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Southern California
Programs: Hertz 5 star, Priceline Hotel bidder. AA PLT, 1MM.
Posts: 2,910
I am US Gold and UA Prem Ex (comped). I should get US Chairman's next month. I will be going on two LAX-SIN trips (plus a couple transcons) early next year on UA so at least Prem Ex will be kept through 2004. May go for UA 1K. (hopefully they will not mess with the systemwides!).
Nov 7, 2001 | 9:20 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Cary, NC, USA - AA Plt 3mm/DL Dia 2mm, Hil/Dia Life, Bonvoy/Titanium Life, Spire
Posts: 3,261
I've been fortunate to be able to extend my string of two top tier, one mid tier for the 4th straight year.
US Chairman's Preferred (top tier) 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02 (reduced comp)
DL Platinum (top tier) 99, 00, 01, 02(same level comp)
AA Platinum (mid-tier) 97, 98, 99, 00, 01 (comp), 02(same level comp)
CO Silver 99 (comp)
United Premier Exec 00 (comp)
Hilton Diamond 98, 99, 00, 01, 02
Holiday Inn Platinum 99, 01 (Gold in 00, 02)
Believe it or not, there was a vaguely familiar woman claiming to be my wife last time I stopped by my house!!!
US Chairman's Preferred (top tier) 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02 (reduced comp)
DL Platinum (top tier) 99, 00, 01, 02(same level comp)
AA Platinum (mid-tier) 97, 98, 99, 00, 01 (comp), 02(same level comp)
CO Silver 99 (comp)
United Premier Exec 00 (comp)
Hilton Diamond 98, 99, 00, 01, 02
Holiday Inn Platinum 99, 01 (Gold in 00, 02)
Believe it or not, there was a vaguely familiar woman claiming to be my wife last time I stopped by my house!!!
Nov 8, 2001 | 3:52 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Posts: 42
I have never worked out how many actual miles I fly pa, but I do at least 100K with SAA and 50K with UA. But I also requalify for *Gold on SK and LH and maintain Silver on BA. Others such as KLM and Qualiflier seldom drew my attention. Thinking about it now it seems I fly about 270-300K per year.
At present:
SAA - Platinum
SK - Gold
LH - Senator
UA - Prem Ex
BA - Silver
and I will maintain these all for 2002 as I have requalified for most already.
In 2002 I'll need to decide if I want to get UA Prem Ex again or go over to LH completely to get the additional upgrades and hope that they do introduce a higher tier than Senator. More decisions !
If only SAA (South African) would join the *A !!
At present:
SAA - Platinum
SK - Gold
LH - Senator
UA - Prem Ex
BA - Silver
and I will maintain these all for 2002 as I have requalified for most already.
In 2002 I'll need to decide if I want to get UA Prem Ex again or go over to LH completely to get the additional upgrades and hope that they do introduce a higher tier than Senator. More decisions !
If only SAA (South African) would join the *A !!