Full glossary
loyalty
Elite Status
Frequent Flyer or Hotel Elite Status
Definition
Higher tiers of airline or hotel loyalty programs earned through annual spending or stays. Provides perks like upgrades, lounge access, bonus miles, and waived fees.
Why it matters
Hotel elite is generally easier to obtain than airline elite (status credit cards exist for hotels, not airlines). World of Hyatt Globalist is the most-aspirational chain hotel status; Delta Diamond is the most-aspirational US airline status.
Related terms in loyalty
Status Match
When one loyalty program grants you equivalent status based on your status with a competing program. Often time-limited and requires a 'challenge' (spend or stays) to keep.
Tier Credits
Status credits earned through flights, separate from frequent-flyer miles (which are for redemptions). Determine annual elite-status qualification.
Expiring Points
Most airline and hotel programs expire points after 18-24 months of inactivity. A single qualifying transaction (purchase, transfer, redemption) extends the clock.