Q: What are the different levels of elite status?
A: Most programs have three elite levels or tiers. They are often referred to as silver, gold, and platinum. Qualification levels are typically as follows:
- Silver: 25,000 base miles* during a calendar year
- Gold: 50,000 base miles* during a calendar year
- Platinum: 100,000 base miles* during a calendar year
*Base miles are defined as actual flown miles—not including class-of-service or elite bonuses—on the host airline or its closest airline partners.
The principal rewards of reaching elite status include mileage bonuses and upgrades, which vary according to the elite level attained. Here's a typical breakdown:
- Silver members earn a 25 percent mileage bonus on host and partner airline flights. Plus, they receive some combination of complimentary and performance-based upgrades—e.g., four 500-mile upgrade certificates after every 10,000 miles flown and/or complimentary upgrades on select fares, confirmable 24 hours before departure.
- Gold members receive a 50 percent mileage bonus on host and partner airline flights. Plus, they receive some combination of complimentary and performance-based upgrades—e.g., four 500-mile upgrade certificates after every 10,000 miles flown and/or complimentary upgrades on select fares, confirmable 72 hours before departure.
- Platinum members receive a 100 percent mileage bonus on host and partner airline flights. Plus, they receive some combination of complimentary and performance-based upgrades—e.g., four 500-mile upgrade certificates after every 10,000 miles flown and/or complimentary upgrades on select fares, confirmable 100 hours before departure.
