Is It Worth It To Work Towards Low-Tier Status?

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Airline status can add comfort and convenience to travel, but the rewards of entry-level status often fall short of expectations. If you’re considering United Premier Silver, Delta Silver Medallion, or American AAdvantage Gold, here’s a look at what each offers and whether it’s worth going the extra mile to qualify.

Entry-Level Status: What to Expect on United, Delta, and American

United Premier Silver:

• Benefits include priority boarding, one free checked bag, access to preferred seats at booking and Economy Plus at check-in, and occasional same-day upgrades.
• Thanks to a Bilt promotion in 2022, we had Premier Silver status for a few months.

Delta Silver Medallion:

• Offers Zone 5 boarding, a free checked bag, preferred seating when booking, and limited upgrades to Comfort+ or first class. However, upgrades are rare due to competition with higher-tier members, especially on busy routes.

American AAdvantage Gold:

• Includes priority boarding, a free checked bag, access to Main Cabin Extra seating at check-in, and unlimited complimentary domestic upgrades. However, like Delta, upgrades for Gold members are uncommon, as they’re typically far down the priority list.

Is Entry-Level Status Worth It?

For infrequent travelers, entry-level status often doesn’t justify the effort. Since we never fly enough to earn status, I went to Reddit to see what frequent flyers have to say when asked if it’s worth it to earn base-level status:

Delta Silver Medallion and American AAdvantage Gold:

• Reddit users generally agree that the chances of upgrading at these levels are minimal, making the perks less valuable than anticipated. Many recommend skipping the extra effort unless you’re naturally close to qualifying, as Silver Medallion or AAdvantage Gold status may not deliver a strong return on the time and cost.

United Premier Silver:

• Premier Silver’s primary benefits—like the free checked bag weighing up to 70 lbs, preferred seating, and additional mileage award access—are well-reviewed. But for most Reddit users, the status only becomes worthwhile if you’re already close to qualifying.

What If You’re Not Close to Qualifying?

If you’re far from meeting the requirements, the consensus among Redditors is that it’s not worth the expense and extra flights to reach entry-level status. Co-branded airline credit cards, such as the United Explorer Card, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express, or American Airlines AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard®, provide comparable perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag for a lower cost. This option can offer you similar benefits without the additional flights and expenses.

Final Thoughts

For most travelers, entry-level status on major U.S. airlines doesn’t provide enough benefits to justify an active push to qualify. If you’re close, it can add some convenience, but if you’re not, a co-branded credit card can often meet your needs for a lower investment. Ultimately, the decision comes down to how frequently you travel and whether the entry-level perks match your travel goals.

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