As the year draws to a close, you might find yourself contemplating whether to requalify for airline or hotel elite status. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of upgrades and lounge access. I made decisions for years that didn’t make sense at the time in the hopes of future perks. I chose flights with connections over non-stops because I wanted the miles to credit toward status, or I stayed in a less convenient location because that’s where my preferred hotel chain happened to be.
However, it’s crucial to weigh the costs of maintaining such status against the actual benefits. These costs, both in money and time, can quickly add up, making the “free” benefits less appealing. Maybe it’s time to reconsider whether that hotel or airline status is really worth it.
The myth of the free hotel breakfast
The idea of a free hotel breakfast can be appealing, but it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be. For one, most limited service hotels offer free breakfast to everyone, so status doesn’t get you much at all. And for other chains (looking at you, Hilton) the food & beverage credit that comes with status may not cover the cost of the hotel’s breakfast buffet. Or maybe you’re traveling as a family and the perk doesn’t cover all members.
Even when you are getting a “free” breakfast thanks to your status, it’s important to consider how much you spent that you didn’t have to in order to keep that status active. Think about the extra nights you booked or the more expensive rates you paid just to accumulate points. These costs can add up quickly, and when you do the math, that complimentary breakfast might not seem so free after all.
For instance: I just returned from Marseille, France. My last visit I stayed at the Intercontinental on points and enjoyed their massive buffet breakfast thanks to my status. This visit I was tempted to do the same, but the cost (in points value) was around $250/night.
Instead, I rented a lovely VRBO just blocks away for $80/night and stocked up at the local boulangerie and market on fresh baguettes, jam, pastries, fruit, cheese and coffee for around $4/day. I certainly didn’t feel cheated out of a “free” breakfast.
The bottom line is when status makes decisions for you, you’re no longer in charge of your own travel experience.
Be your own elite
Instead of chasing elite status, consider adopting a “Be Your Own Elite” mentality (hat tip to Sam at Milenomics). This means making choices based on your preferences and needs rather than being tied to a loyalty program.
Many travel credit cards offer perks similar to elite status without the strings attached. From free checked bags to priority boarding, you can enjoy these benefits without the pressure of maintaining status. Plus, you can choose the card that best fits your travel style.
For example, I have the Delta Platinum credit card. I knew this card would get me free bags, but an unexpected bonus has been access to the upgrade list. I have very limited expectations with this benefit; however, on my last three Delta flights, I’ve been given a Delta Comfort seat—equivalent to what I would expect with Silver status on Delta. For me, it makes more sense to pay the annual fee for the credit card than to pursue Silver status.
Breaking the chains
By not being tied to a specific airline or hotel chain, you gain the freedom to choose the best deals and destinations. This flexibility allows you to explore new places and find accommodations that suit your family’s needs and budget. After all, isn’t travel about discovering the world on your terms?
There are some chains, notably Hyatt, that deny you wide swaths of the planet if you try to maintain status within their ecosystem. There are so many places now on my faves list, including the Languedoc region of France and Oaxaca, Mexico, that I wouldn’t have considered if having a chain hotel option were one of my criteria.
Focus on what matters
For me, the answer as to why I travel is to create memorable experiences, not chase status symbols. By focusing on what truly matters—whether that’s exploring new destinations, enjoying local cuisine or spending quality time with loved ones—you’ll likely find your travel experiences more fulfilling and less stressful.
Some perks may be worth it to you: I still value airport lounge access so I keep at least one premium card open. No judgement if you really get your value out of Globalist and you’re booked at a Category 1 Hyatt for the rest of the year to get your 55 nights in.
But as you plan your travels for the upcoming year carefully consider whether pursuing elite status aligns with your why. You might instead discover you’ve got an advanced case of GCS. And the only cure for Gilded Cage Syndrome is breaking out of the cage.
