Sounds to me like you might be referring to AA and it is with programme in mind that I will answer.

You always get at least 1 AAdvantage mile for each mile you fly regardless of class - more for Business or First (yes, I know there are a few exceptions on partner airlines but this is true for AA-metal flights).

Award points are based on class of service flown - 0.5 for discount economy; 1 for economy; 1.25 for business; and 1.5 for first

This means that if you fly mostly paid business or first, you can qualify for status with flying less miles than the full 25k (Gold) or 50K (Platinum).

For example, I fly mostly international business class. Thus far this year I've flown ~24k miles but have ~29k points qualifying me for Gold and on my way to Platinum

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I wish I were 1,000 miles away