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TPG staff are big fans of airline and hotel status. If you also hold status, chances are there are perks that stand out as personal favourites, such as first class upgrades, lounge access and free breakfast.
However, elite status includes more than just receiving these well-known perks. Most major programs also have lesser-known perks that you can access without even knowing it.
According to TPG staff, there are some under-the-radar benefits to take advantage of to make the most of your elite status.
Preferred Seat
All three major US airlines (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines) offer Preferred Seats. Preferred seats generally have the same legroom as standard economy seats, but are located closer to the front of the cabin.
TPG Executive Editor Scott Mayerowitz likes to sit in the preferred section of the main cabin when he travels with Delta. With his Diamond medallion, Scott prioritizes seating for himself and up to eight companions on all Delta flights. This is perfect for family vacations.
Meanwhile, TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith, who has United Premier Silver status, gets the same Preferred Seat benefits for free, but prefers Preferred Seats because of his location. These seats are located at the front of the plane so you can get off the plane faster. Ryan added that this could prove to be very useful when traveling during peak seasons, with tight connections and getting an Uber, Lyft or taxi faster.
RELATED: 7 tips for choosing the perfect airplane seat every time
mutual elite status
Katie Genter, TPG’s Advanced Points and Miles Reporter, enjoys receiving complimentary United Premier Silver elite status as a benefit of Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status.
In addition to Preferred Seats, Premier Silver members (and one companion on the same booking) can take up to 70 pounds of free checked baggage. Additionally, Premier Silver members fly in Group 2, earn a 40% mileage bonus and are eligible for same-day first class upgrades on select flights.
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Katie also participates in a hotel status match. As a World of Hyatt globalist, she enjoys her Gold status with her MGM Rewards. MGM Gold offers resort fee waivers and free self-parking, among other perks, so you can save hundreds of dollars when visiting Las Vegas.
There are also free elite status matches. If you have United MileagePlus Premier Gold status or higher, you are eligible for a status match with Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite. Additionally, Wyndham Rewards members can match their status with Caesars Rewards and vice versa.
RELATED: Hotel Elite Status Matches and Challenge Offers for 2022
Complimentary globalist parking during reward stays
Scott has Hyatt Globalist status, which means he can park his car for free on Hyatt reward stays. Parking can cost him over $50 a night, especially in cities like Chicago and Boston.
RELATED: Las Vegas parking fees are back: here’s how to avoid them
priority support
Ryan likes to use priority lines for check-in at hotels and airports. In his experience, it’s usually shorter, and he’s found that the employees who work in Priority Line are often more experienced and knowledgeable.
I totally agree with Ryan. Priority service is a great way to secure the last seat on your next flight after your flight has been cancelled. After widespread flight cancellations last summer, United Airlines’ Premier 1K line made a world of difference by outwitting long hold times.
RELATED: How TPG Staff Beat Long Hold Times and Get Airline Support Quickly
American Airlines Alaska MVP Award
News Editor Clint Henderson received the royal treatment as an Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 100K when traveling with American Airlines. He regularly receives upgrades on long-haul transcontinental flights, including American Airlines’ premium A321T. He also took advantage of system-wide upgrades to Paris-Charles He flew home from Galle Airport (CDG) on American Airlines business class.
Additionally, Clint enjoys three checked baggage allowances on US flights.
Related: Last Minute Strategies to Earn Elite Status on Alaska Mileage Plans
AAdvantage Elite Benefits on Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways
Members with AAdvantage Platinum status and above are eligible for Alaska benefits and JetBlue Airways benefits.
AAdvantage Platinum members enjoy access to Alaska Premium and Even More Space seats on JetBlue at check-in, plus priority boarding on both airlines, free checked baggage and more.
Also note that AAdvantage Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum and Concierge Key members are eligible for waitlisted first class upgrades on all Alaska flights.
RELATED: What Will American Airlines Elite Status Worth in 2022?
oneworld lounge
Katie, an Executive Platinum member of American Airlines, and Clint, an MVP Gold 100K of Alaska Airlines, both have oneworld Emerald status and fly most oneworld business on international itineraries (excluding flights between the United States). and first class lounge access. and Canada or Mexico). Many of these lounges offer sit-down dining.
Oneworld Emerald includes free access to some of the best first class lounges in business, including the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge at Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo and the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is included. Malaysia Airlines First Class Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
Related: Something for Everyone: Oneworld Los Angeles Lounge at Tom Bradley International Terminal
Free Timeshifter subscription
United Premier 1K members receive a complimentary subscription to Timeshifter, an app that suggests adjustments to sleep patterns to minimize jet lag.
Since 2019 I use Timeshifter for most of my long haul trips and it helps me adjust to the correct time zone.
The app, which typically costs $25 a year, tells you when to go to bed, avoiding bright lights and more. Users can enter their usual sleep patterns and flight numbers for personalized planning.
Related: Tips to avoid jet lag on your next trip
Conclusion
We all love upgrades and free meals, but elite status may give you access to even more perks. It can be difficult to sift through all the fine print for each program, but doing so will help you get the most out of your loyalty program membership and not waste valuable perks.
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