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Last-minute strategies for securing airline elite status before year's end

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Last-minute strategies for securing airline elite status before year's end
Research
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Marc Ramos Contributor | The Points Guy

As the year 2024 draws to a close, travelers are exploring options to secure elite status with various airline loyalty programs. With many airlines shifting from mileage-based to spending-based qualification systems, last-minute flights are becoming a popular strategy for achieving these goals.

American Airlines AAdvantage members earn elite status by accumulating Loyalty Points over a March 1-February 28 period. "AAdvantage members earn 5 Loyalty Points for every dollar spent on American Airlines airfare (excluding taxes and government fees), except when booking a basic economy ticket." To bridge any shortfall in points, flyers can opt for specific itineraries like Miami to Asheville or Miami to Orlando, earning up to 2,375 Loyalty Points.

Delta SkyMiles program bases Medallion status solely on Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). "SkyMiles members earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on the ticket price for a Delta-marketed flight operated by Delta or a partner airline (excluding basic economy fares)." For instance, flights from JFK to Detroit or LaGuardia to Washington could help travelers accumulate necessary MQDs quickly.

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United MileagePlus awards Premier status based on Premier qualifying points (PQPs) and flights (PQFs). A round trip from San Francisco to Sacramento might be costly but provides an easy way to gain PQPs. United's cobranded credit cards offer additional opportunities for earning PQPs through everyday spending.

Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan calculates elite status using elite qualifying miles (EQMs). "Unlike other loyalty programs that award status based on spending, Mileage Plan awards EQMs based on distance flown and fare class." Flyers can maximize EQM earnings with strategic itineraries such as Seattle to Minneapolis or Seattle to Phoenix.

For those seeking tailored options outside major cities, Google Flights offers tools like the "Explore destinations" feature. This functionality helps identify cost-effective routes while allowing users to filter by airline preferences.

The pursuit of elite status might involve quick trips purely for point accumulation; however, the benefits of achieving higher tiers can enhance travel experiences throughout the following year. Understanding how different programs allocate points and rewards is crucial before embarking on such endeavors.

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