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

a plane with people sitting in the seats

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:

Delta Silver Medallion:

American AAdvantage Gold:

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:

United Premier Silver:

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 CardDelta 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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