3 Reasons Why I Don't Care About Elite Status With Airlines

A big point of contention in the frequent flyer world in the past few years is whether or not it's worth chasing elite status with airlines. Every airline offers an elite status program, like a velvet-rope VIP section of its frequent flyer program, where you can get extra perks and benefits like free upgrades and mileage multipliers.

But is elite status really worth it? I don't think so. Maybe I have a "sour grapes" attitude about this because I don't have elite status with any airlines. Even though I'm an aspiring digital nomad, I'm still getting started with travel rewards credit cards. The way I usually travel is to use Google Flights to find the cheapest airfare, even if the connections are unusual or the flight times are unpopular.

If you're a budget traveler like me, or even a regular flyer but not quite a frequent flyer, elite airline status might feel too hard to earn, and not worth chasing.

Here are a few reasons why I believe airline elite status perks are not worth the time, effort, and cost for most people -- and what you could do instead.

1. It's too hard to get elite status

Have you ever sat down and read the rules of how to get elite status on major U.S. airlines? The rules are highly technical, complicated, and legalistic! Each airline has its own special formula for deciding how to qualify for elite status, but in general, you have to fly a certain number of qualifying flights or earn a certain number of status-qualifying points.

Unless you only fly with one airline or spend a lot of money with one airline credit card, it can be extremely expensive, confusing, and time-consuming to rack up enough elite status-qualifying points (or whatever the brand-name terminology is that your airline uses).

For example, on United Airlines, if you spend $24,000 per year ($2,000 per month) on a United℠ Explorer Card, you can earn 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQPs). But that's only 20%-25% of the number of points you need (4,000 PQPs plus a minimum number of qualifying flights, or 5,000 PQPs) to earn the lowest level of elite status!

See what I mean about the confusing legalese? This does not make me want to go out and chase airline elite status. I'm just not sure if airline elite status is worth it. If you fly constantly and someone else is footing the bill for your airline tickets (like your employer), elite status might just happen for you, based on how much you're already flying. Otherwise, airline elite status might not be worth making a lot of extra effort.

2. The elite status perks aren't that great

Have you ever sat down and read the details of what benefits you actually get with airline elite status? Yes, the free upgrades sound tempting and the bonus frequent flyer miles could be good. But beyond that, you mostly just get extra free checked bags, priority boarding, and maybe a few free drinks. (And some airlines don't even give you the free drinks.)

I don't care about getting on the plane sooner; priority boarding to me just feels like 30 more minutes of feeling cramped and having no leg room and breathing jet fuel exhaust. And I travel light -- even for international trips, I try to fit everything into a single carry-on bag. So I don't need two or three free checked bags. These perks are not worth spending thousands of dollars or jumping through extra hoops.

3. There are better ways to get lounge access

Whether it's airport lounge access, free upgrades, or other VIP travel perks, elite airline status doesn't always offer what you really want from your travel experiences. By choosing the right airline credit cards and travel rewards credit cards, you can design your own little "DIY" elite status program.

Want airport lounge access?

You don't need elite status with airlines to get airport lounge access. (In fact, most elite status programs don't offer lounge access; another example of their underwhelming benefits!)

The best travel rewards cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card can each give you access to more than a thousand lounges around the world.

Want free upgrades to business class?

You can use frequent flyer miles or transfer travel rewards points to a partner airline to buy upgrades with miles. This is often a good strategy to unlock extra value from your credit card points.

Want a free checked bag?

Several airline credit cards are now offering this perk. And you don't need to spend thousands of dollars or painstakingly accrue elite status points to get it.

Bottom line

If you're close to earning elite status and doing so feels meaningful and worthwhile to you, then go for it. But my philosophy on elite status is: if it happens, it happens. If you're already flying and spending enough with airline credit cards to nearly qualify for elite status, don't press -- just let the game come to you.

And for the rest of us who aren't traveling frequently enough (or spending big enough) to be in range of elite status, there are other ways to create an a la carte menu of airline perks and benefits. Travel rewards credit cards can give you flexible ways to enhance your airline experiences, without committing to the complex rules and costs of chasing elite status.