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Airline elite status might not be as valuable as it used to be. It’s still great to have for free checked bags, seats, boarding, and the occasional upgrade, but if you want status with a carrier you’re going to have to earn it. I’ve been getting some interesting ads on Instagram. I thought I’d share what a scam these truly are and what can happen if you spend some cash on status here.
These ads offer status and in some cases high-level status like United Premier 1K® for as little as $499. Some of the claimed benefits are laughable as well. The text for the ad above says that it includes:
- First Class upgrades (possible as complimentary upgrades and it does not specify if this status comes with PlusPoints)
- United Club Access (only when traveling internationally, but this is not called out)
- Pre-boarding (true)
- VIP call line (true)
- Three free checked bags (this is not true as Premier 1K® gets two)
This offer is akin to the eBay listings for free upgrades. Don’t do it. United and other airlines have dedicated teams that track these down and you will get your account shutdown, could receive a bill, and in really egregious circumstances could face legal action. Like most things in life, there is no great shortcut or way to get status other than through earning it, getting an approved status match, holding certain credit cards, or being added as part of a corporate contract.
Anthony’s Take: If you see these ads, report them as spam. Don’t ever try to buy status or upgrades. You’ve been warned. The airlines will find out and you won’t be happy.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
