What are the airline customer tiers?

Airlines typically divide their elite members into tiers like silver, gold and platinum, with increasingly difficult requirements to earn the status (but better benefits). Here are some of the most common perks for elite members of some of the biggest U.S. airlines: American, United and Delta.



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Tier 1 airlines board more than 25 million passengers per year. Tier 2 airlines board between 10 and 25 million passengers per year. Tier 3 airlines board between 3 and 10 million passengers per year. Tier 4 airlines board fewer than 3 million passengers per year.

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AAdvantage Platinum ? status gives you priority over AAdvantage Gold ? members for upgrades to the premium cabin where more room, dining options and other comforts come standard.

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Bonus miles and Loyalty Points on flights In particular, Gold members get a 40% bonus, Platinum members get a 60% bonus, Platinum Pro members get an 80% bonus and Executive Platinum members get a 120% bonus. These bonuses let you earn more redeemable miles and Loyalty Points on flights.

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Premier 1K members earn 280 PlusPoints when qualifying for status. You'd also take home 40 for reaching Premier Platinum, and for every additional 3,000 PQPs, you'll enjoy another 20 PlusPoints.

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When traveling on a Star Alliance member-operated flight, eligible Star Alliance Gold members (MileagePlus Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold) may visit designated Star Alliance member lounges.

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Your AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® benefits entitle you to oneworld ® Emerald SM status. When you travel on oneworld ® airlines, you'll receive priority from check-in to boarding and access to First Class, Business Class and frequent flyer lounges anywhere in the world on eligible flights.

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Complimentary drinks and snacks We offer fresh coffee, tea, juice, water and soft drinks, as well as complimentary snacks on board. AAdvantage Executive Platinum® and ConciergeKey® members also get a complimentary alcoholic drink and food menu item during their flight.

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American AAdvantage is ~ 100 million members. United's program should be in the 80-90 million member range, and Delta SkyMiles should be in the 75-80 million member range. There are 50,000 – 60,000 Executive Platinum top tier American AAdvantage members.

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Earn AAdvantage elite status AAdvantage members with Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro or Platinum status can access Admirals Club lounges when flying internationally on the routes and airlines mentioned above.

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Priority boarding Group 1 – AAdvantage Executive Platinum. Group 2 – AAdvantage Platinum Pro® and oneworld® Emerald. Group 3 – AAdvantage Platinum® and oneworld® Sapphire. Group 4 – AAdvantage Gold® and oneworld® Ruby.

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•Tier 1 (>25M Passengers) 35. •Tier 2 (10 to 25M Passengers) 42. •Tier 3 ( 3 to 10M Passengers)

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AAdvantage Platinum®
  • Complimentary upgrades on American and Alaska Airlines*
  • 48-hour upgrade window.
  • 60% status mileage bonus.
  • Complimentary Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats*
  • 2 free checked bags^


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You can get free access to an airline lounge by redeeming miles or opening a credit card with lounge benefits. Airline elite status also comes with lounge benefits. If you're a U.S. military member on active duty, you might qualify for free lounge access with select airlines.

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However, it is not as robust as Star Alliance Gold, and it lacks popular perks like access to member lounges when flying internationally. Its only real benefits are priority waitlisting for reservations and airport standby.

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United's premium economy fare offers seats in a separate cabin, discounted lounge access, free alcohol and more.

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