Travel Hacks
Five Backdoor Hacks to Win Elite Status at Hotels and Airlines
Although traditional requirements have become more stringent, with just a little savvy and some strategic spending, top-tier travel status is still within reach.
Source: Air France
First-class and suite upgrades. Club-lounge entry. Access to priority services. The perks of elite status are harder and harder to come by as airlines and hotels continue to evolve their loyalty programs.
Many airlines have instituted both flight and spending requirements that can annually top 125,000 miles and $15,000 in airfare purchases. Likewise, several major hotel loyalty programs have implemented more stringent stay requirements to reach the highest strata of status, thinning the ranks of elites even further.