Originally Posted by
Shareholder
So let me get this correct. I am still an elite in January and February and get all my other elite benefits based on my tier status, but not this one? Elite benefits are supposed to run through to the end of February, why does the elite mileage bonus not run through the same period? And given many of us can't even make our selections until mid-January, why would the current benefit not be in place?
There are several top tier benefits that are linked to the calendar year, not the "top tier year."
- Threshold bonuses - certificates etc. are based on how many miles you've earned starting January 1 of every year.
- Tier bonues - if you qualify for your status any time up to the end of February you will get your tier bonus retroactive to the start of the year. This allows for people who's miles post late, etc. If you qualify after February, you get the tier bonus effective when you are invited to select Elite benefits as it is assumed that you are "Early" elite for the next year.
- Bonuses for flight pass activities.
- Several of the partner bonuses (i.e. Hilton, Park 'N Fly, etc.) base their bonuses on a calendar year criteria.
I don't know why this is the case. All I know is that it has been this way for years and has been posted about numerous times as this question has come up before. It is really only ever viewed as a problem when people drop from one status level to another, but is viewed as a bonus when people move up to a new status level.