Is airline elite status still worth it?

United Airlines and Southwest Airlines overhauled their loyalty programs, and status is becoming more about spending than flying. Here's what we think about elite status.

The report evaluates how recent changes to major U.S. carriers have shifted elite benefits toward higher spending thresholds rather than flight activity. It notes that both United and Southwest adjusted criteria that determine status within their loyalty programs.

It describes a broader industry trend where earning and maintaining elite tiers increasingly depend on how much customers spend on tickets and ancillary purchases. No specific flight data, dates, or flight details are provided in the material.

The piece discusses implications for travelers who chase elite status, focusing on the perceived value and trade-offs of investing in higher-tier memberships. It does not include personal anecdotes, quotes, or outcomes of particular travel experiences.