FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Is Top Tier Elite Status More Valuable with Airlines or Hotels?
Old Jun 4, 2009, 1:21 pm
  #1  
Explore
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,766
Is Top Tier Elite Status More Valuable with Airlines or Hotels?

For the intermittent traveler, it seems like airline top tier status is more valuable. In North American programs, you can earn it on virtually any fare, and it provides real benefits in free upgrades (incl. intercontinental travel on UA and AA at least), boarding priority, and IRROPS protection. With hotel programs, the qualifying room rate may be 2 or 3 times as costly as Priceline, and the added benefit of top tier status (say club floor, snacks, bathrobe, a few extra program points) often isn't worth it vs. enjoying food and drink on your dime and a Priceline room rate. Plus, your average mid-tier hotel doesn't even have a club floor.

Hotels probably win on redeemable points, with substantial award availability and free promo nights without taxes and fuel surcharges. Air awards score mainly for last-minute travel and premium class awards outside North America, but otherwise tend to be marginal.

It may depend on whether tier status or redeemable points are more important to you. If tier status, then airlines; if points towards expensive downtown or resort properties, then hotels.

What do others think?

Last edited by Explore; Jun 4, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Explore is offline