Race for Elite Standing: The Latest Adjustments by Top Points Squad in Year 2024's Final Quarter
Elite Status Challenges and Maintaining Status in the Travel Industry
In the world of travel loyalty programmes, elite status can offer a multitude of benefits, from free upgrades to exclusive access to lounges. As we approach the end of 2024, many travellers are focusing on maintaining or upgrading their elite status through fast-track challenges.
James Larounis, Senior Content Contributor, has successfully maintained his World of Hyatt Globalist status and Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status. He achieves the Marriott status by using credit cards to earn elite night credits.
Ryan Smith, on the other hand, is finishing the year with 78 elite nights in Marriott Bonvoy, which will help him progress toward Lifetime Platinum Elite in two years. He has also requalified for World of Hyatt Globalist status early this year and will finish the year with 80 nights.
However, not everyone is as fortunate. Stella Shon will lose her JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic 3 elite level and 100K Frontier status at the end of 2024. To maintain her American Airlines Platinum status, she recently applied for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card.
Fast-track challenges provide a time-limited opportunity to earn or upgrade elite status by completing reduced qualification requirements within a short timeframe. For example, Chris Hassan registered for a Hyatt Trial Tier offer that grants Globalist status until 2026 if he stays 20 nights within 90 days of registering.
Chris Hassan, Social Media and Brand Manager, currently holds Hilton Diamond status due to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. He appreciates Platinum Pro status because it provides 3 free checked bags and access to Flagship and OneWorld Emerald lounges. However, he plans to lose Hyatt Globalist status and American Airlines Platinum status due to a relatively slow year in travel.
Christine Krzyszton, Senior Finance Contributor, has lifetime Delta Diamond status. She is using the AAdvantage Hotels platform for non-chain hotel stays to earn Loyalty Points toward status. She is also working on using Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs) for Delta flights. To extend American Airlines Platinum Pro status for another 90 days, Chris Hassan needs to earn 42,000 Loyalty Points.
Ryan Smith chose 10,000 bonus points at both 70 and 80-night Milestone Rewards instead of $300 FIND credits. He has also achieved American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum status this year by flying directly with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
It's worth noting that reciprocal status match challenges between airline and hotel programs are common. For instance, Chris Hassan was able to match to American Airlines Platinum Pro status through a 90-day Instant Status Pass due to his Hyatt Globalist status.
Lastly, Ryan Smith, Stella Shon, and Christine Krzyszton all maintain Hilton Honors Diamond status due to their respective Hilton credit cards. Stella Shon remains a Hyatt Discoverist with 13 elite night credits, despite losing her Globalist status on February 28, 2025.
In summary, fast-track elite status challenges in 2024 provide a time-limited opportunity to earn or upgrade elite status by completing reduced qualification requirements within a short timeframe, often leveraging reciprocal agreements between airlines and hotels for cross-program recognition of status.
- Christine Krzyszton, a Senior Finance Contributor, holds lifetime Delta Diamond status and is utilizing the AAdvantage Hotels platform to earn Loyalty Points towards maintaining American Airlines Platinum Pro status.
- In the realm of fashion, Chris Hassan, the Social Media and Brand Manager, currently maintains Hilton Diamond status due to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, appreciating the benefits like 3 free checked bags and access to Flagship and OneWorld Emerald lounges.
- James Larounis, Senior Content Contributor, has succeeded in maintaining his World of Hyatt Globalist status and Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status through various means, including credit card usage.
- Ryan Smith, a travel enthusiast, is making strategic decisions in the world of news and business, choosing 10,000 bonus points over $300 FIND credits at 70 and 80-night milestones, while also achieving American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum status through regular flights on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
