Happy New Year: The Chase for Status Begins Anew

by Anthony Losanno
Zero

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January first starts the new year. It’s a blank page with the hopes, dreams, and memories to be made. It’s also when all of the hotel, airline, rental car, and all other loyalty programs reset the counters for elite status.

I’ve written a few posts in the past month about how my status with various programs would shake out for 2023. You can check them out here (United, Delta, Marriott, and Hyatt).

United Status

United Airlines | MileagePlus

I’ve been a Global Services® member for many years. I flew United less last year and spent more time flying Delta (mostly based on service and catering) as well as many Star Alliance and SkyTeam airlines. We’ll see if I make the cut and retain GS® or move to Premier 1K® (which I qualified for and then some). I plan on shifting more flying to Delta in 2023 unless United really impresses me (I’m looking at you horrible Polaris® catering). Even if I never step on a United plane in 2023, I have lifetime Premier Gold® due to my million-miler status.

2023 Status: Premier 1K® or Global Services®

2024 Qualification Goal: Premier 1K®

Delta 2023

Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles®

I made the decision late in 2022 that I was going to do a mileage run to maintain my Platinum Medallion® status. I went to all nine hubs in less than 48 hours and thoroughly enjoyed the Sky Clubs® and what a smooth operation Delta runs. Staff is friendly. A pre-departure beverage was offered on every flight (a huge departure from the tray of orange juice, water, and sparkling wine that United flight attendants offer about 30% of the time). I plan to continue flying Delta and will push for Diamond Medallion®.

2023 Status: Platinum Medallion®

2024 Qualification Goal: Diamond Medallion®

Marriott 2023

Marriott | Bonvoy

I was an Ambassador with Marriott pretty much since the status was introduced pre-merger with Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). I used to find great value in the program and having an individual agent was a nice perk. This was taken away during the pandemic and the service has been sub-par since then. I find myself in a lot of Marriott’s portfolio, but I generally book the room/suite I want. I get some good upgrades, but other than that the benefits are nearly identical to Titanium. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card will give me 25 Elite Night Credits for holding the card. That is 1/3 of the way to Titanium Elite. I’m not sure I’ll put in the effort for Ambassador unless I start hearing great stories about what the return of individual Ambassador agents is delivering.

2023 Status: Titanium Elite

2024 Qualification Goal: Titanium Elite

Hyatt 2023

Hyatt | World of Hyatt

I’ve been Globalist since Hyatt switched its loyalty program to World of Hyatt. Generally, I have positive experiences at Hyatt properties. They don’t seem to play the same games as Marriott when it comes to consistently delivering benefits and the portfolio continues to grow through new openings, acquisitions, and partnerships. I love Hyatt’s breakfast benefit and the fact that I can apply suite upgrades at booking. The World of Hyatt Credit Card provides five tier qualifying night credits and the ability to earn two more for every $5,000 in qualifying spend on the card. I’ll requalify for Globalist and continue to enjoy the status.

2023 Status: Globalist

2024 Qualification Goal: Globalist

Anthony’s Take: New year, same race for status. I have plans for the airlines and hotels I use the most. Some status levels may change, but I’m excited about 2023 and all that it has in store. Happy New Year!

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2 comments

Nico Z January 3, 2023 - 1:41 am

I would not be surprised if Ambassador status is extended for people who could have, but chose not to qualify for 2023. It costs Marriott next to nothing. They should be as aware as anyone how bad service and recognition in their franchise network has become.

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Frankfurt Airport Lufthansa
Anthony Losanno January 3, 2023 - 4:02 am

I thought that might be a possibility. I guess we’ll see.

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