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​L I V E   S I M P L E R    .    H A P P I E R    .    H E A L T H I E R    .    W E A L T H I E R

Shortcuts to Elite Statuses

9/6/2017

2 Comments

 
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For a not-so-frequent traveler like me, elite status is not something easily attainable. Besides, I usually opt for the most cost-efficient option for leisure travels, so that doesn’t help much with accumulating the number of nights, stays, or miles required for elite statuses. 

​However, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to help out on a special project last year, which required me to travel for 2 months. Together with some other work travels, I traveled just enough (53 nights) last year to reach Platinum for SPG.

​​​​
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My 2016/2017 'pathway' to elite statuses.
Thanks to the Marriott-SPG merger, I was able to obtain status match to Diamond status for both Hilton and Hyatt with my SPG Platinum status. And by linking my SPG and Marriott accounts, I was awarded Platinum Elite status for Marriott as well. With just one hotel elite status, I was able to obtain elite statuses for 3 other major hotel chains, United, and Hertz. =)

Besides, I believe I received the first year free offer ($450 annual fee waived) for the MileagePlus Club Credit Card due to my Premier Silver status for United, which also came with a free United Club membership and Hertz Presidents' Circle status.


While it's nice to have the perks that come with elite statuses, it doesn’t mean anything unless I get to enjoy them. Besides, I’m absolutely aware that these privileges are temporary and I certainly do not feel more entitled or privileged than others. I'm just a lucky ‘economy’ traveler this year. I'll most likely lose most of these statuses next year anyway. =P

Knowing that these elite statuses are just temporary, I try to optimize while I have them, and before everything gets devalued. Here are some of the perks I've received over the last few months:
​
SPG - Platinum
  • Complimentary upgrade to Ocean One-Bedroom Suite, complimentary breakfast, and late check-out at Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.
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​HiltonHonors – Diamond
  • Complimentary upgrade to Loft Suite, complimentary breakfast, and late check-out at DoubleTree Cape Town
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​Hyatt Gold Passport – Diamond (now called Globalist)
  • Complimentary upgrade to Ocean Front Master King Room, early check-in and late check-out at Hyatt Ziva Cancun (All-Inclusive)
  • Redeemed Diamond Suite Upgrade​ for One Bedroom Sunset Suite at Hyatt Regency Dallas 
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​​Marriott Rewards – Platinum Elite
  • Complimentary upgrade to Corner King Room, complimentary breakfast, evening reception, and beverages at Courtyard Tokyo Station.
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​United MileagePlus – Premier Silver
  • First year free offer for United MileagePlus Club Card that comes with United Club membership, which we used at various United Club and Star Alliances lounges.

​Hertz Gold Plus Rewards – President’s Circle
  • Complimentary car upgrade from VW Polo to Toyota RAV4 at Hertz Cape Town.
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I love frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs for the free flights and award stays. Elite statuses are just bonuses and I don't do mileage runs or mattress runs just to keep them. If I get them, great. If not, I'm equally happy just being able to travel and see more of the world!

Related posts:

Lounge Hopping for Free with United Club Card
​Around-the-World in 20 days
2 Comments
Jennifer Groppenbacher
9/7/2017 07:46:06 pm

What a great organizer! Even if one has the status, thoughts and effort are very much of how one could take advantage of this status and made your trip such memorable and with much comfort! 👍👍👍👍

Reply
Khai link
9/7/2017 09:31:18 pm

Thanks Jennifer! Certainly worth the effort to make the best out of what we presently have. Traveling economy makes us appreciate these benefits even more! =)

Reply



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