Which Top-Tier Elite Program Is Best?

October 2009
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Delta’s announcement that it is going to a four-tier elite program, and its promise to be the “best-in-class elite loyalty program in the industry,” was the impetus for this look at how the major U.S. carriers treat their “best” customers. The primary benefits of top-tier elite status for many members are the elite advance confirmation window and free systemwide upgrades. Program benefits vary a lot, from Continental requiring the lowest amount of miles needed to reach top status, to US Airways’ seven-day upgrade confirmation window.

American: Receives the highest grades for systemwide upgrades: Eight, with no surcharge.

Continental: Receives top grades for allowing its top elites to upgrade instantly on M fares, which can save as much as 50% or more for domestic First Class travel. Also, Continental requires only 75,000 EQMs for top elite status.

Delta/Northwest: The post-merger elite program appears to be an underachiever. Under its existing program, top elites (Platinum) receive six systemwide upgrades and a five-day advance upgrade confirmation window after earning only 75,000 EQMs —50,000 less than needed under the new program. Highlights for the top elites are: Free VIP lounge access and 125% bonus miles.

United: The second best program for systemwide upgrades: Six, plus two more for every 50,000 EQMs flown.

US Airways: Receives the highest grade for companion elite upgrades: Same seven-day advance confirmation window as the Chairman’s member, on any fare, at no extra cost (as long as it’s on the same reservation).

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[["","<strong>American: Executive Platinum<\/strong>","<strong>Continental: Platinum<\/strong>","<strong>Delta\/Northwest (Spring 2010): Diamond<\/strong>","<strong>United: 1K<\/strong>","<strong>US Airways: Chairman\u2019s Preferred<\/strong>"],["<strong>ELITE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS<\/strong>\nElite Qualifying Miles (EQMs)","100,000","75,000","125,000","100,000","100,000"],["Elite Qualifying Points (EQPs)","100,000","n\/a","n\/a","n\/a","n\/a"],["Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs)","100","90","140","100","120"],["<strong>ELITE UPGRADES<\/strong>\nConfirmation Window","100 Hours","Five days","Five days","100 Hours","Seven days"],["Elite Upgrade Fares","Any fare","Any fare (instant upgrade on M fares)","B, M, H, Q, K, L, U, and T class","Any fare","Any fare"],["Elite Upgrade Cost","Complimentary","Complimentary","Complimentary","Earn four 500-mile upgrades per 10,000 miles. Buy four 500-mile E-upgrades for $200","Complimentary"],["Companion Confirmation Window and Restrictions","Complimentary on Y or B fares. Otherwise 500-mile upgrade certificate.","Valid with any fare: At the airport within two hours of departure.","12 hours prior to departure with Y, B, M, H, Q, or K fares.","Complimentary on Y or B fares. Upgrade window same as 1K","Complimentary with any fare. Upgrade window same as Chairmanu0092s"],["<strong>SYSTEMWIDE UPGRADES<\/strong>","Eight - with no surcharge: Any fare except tickets booked in I, O, Q, and military fares","None","A choice of two benefits, such as: six systemwide upgrades from M and B fares.","Six, and two Regionone upgrades: Receive two more for every additional 50,000 EQM or 50 EQS.","Four one-way e-certificates for travel to Europe or Hawaii (two for member, two for companion)"],["<strong>REDEEMABLE BONUS MILES<\/strong>","100%","100%","125%","100%","100%"],["<strong>AIRPORT LOUNGE MEMBERSHIP<\/strong>","Discount","Discount","Free","Discount","Discount"]]