Going for Gold: The race for Gold Status with Frequent Flyer and Hotel Programs, and how to get on that podium

Every four years, the world eagerly tunes into the Olympics to watch the best athletes on the planet compete for gold and glory. For competitors, it takes years of hard work and sacrifice to get there, and the battle is invariably immense. It’s no wonder: the spoils of victory can be life changing.

And while these athletes are striving for victory in Paris, there’s another fiercely contested race playing out back home here in Australia – the annual quest for SME business travellers to achieve or maintain gold status with airlines and hotels.

Like athletes, SMEs know all about hard work and sacrifice. So, it’s understandable that a perk like gold status with an airline or hotel would be appealing, especially as this often means a more comfortable journey and considerable time savings.

Of course, there are higher status levels than Gold on offer (Platinum), but Gold is probably most practicable level for SME business travellers, in terms of the balance between achievability and perks offered.

So, how can a business traveller reach for that coveted gold? Here we look at the main ways to achieve this goal, and the benefits that come with it. So, travellers, on your marks, get set, let’s go. 

There are numerous benefits of gold status that make the game worthwhile.  

For frequent flyers, these include:

• Permanent lounge access
• Additional baggage allowance
• Priority check-in
• Priority boarding
• Flight upgrades
• Better seating options
• Earn more points

For hotels, benefits can include:

• Room upgrades
• Flexible check out and check in
• Bonus points
• Free breakfast
• Premium amenities access
• Priority reservation and waitlists

Airlines and hotels typically use a tiered status system that spans from entry level to the top level. To move up levels, you need to earn status credits. Status credits are different to points (you can’t redeem them) and they are basically a measure of your loyalty. 

With airlines and hotels, the primary way to earn status credits is by flying or staying with them. For the airlines, each eligible flight you take earns you status credits, whether it’s with the principal airline, or with their partner airlines. How many status credits you earn per flight is calculated by a combination of factors:

• Airline – more credits are earnt flying with the primary airline
• Distance – the further you travel, the more status credits you get
• Fare – more expensive tickets (eg business) earn more status credits.

Status Runs – if you’ve never heard of a status run, time to lace up the running boots. A status run is simply a trip you take for the purpose of earning status credits, often when you’re nearing your review date. Yes, that might sound extravagant, but if gold status is important you, it’s something you just might have to do. Why not try and tie it in with a business meeting, a business development opportunity, or even some time away for a little bit of bleisure? In general, domestic business class gives you better status credit returns per dollar spent, so you may as well travel in style. 

Earning gold status with airlines and hotels can require dedication and strategic planning, much like Olympic athletes training for their moment in the spotlight. But by understanding how to earn status credits through flights, promotions and partners, you can accelerate your journey towards gold.

Good luck in your quest reaching the top of the podium - we can practically hear the national anthem playing behind you right now.