10 Reasons Why Frequent Flyer Status Is More Valuable Than You Think

To be perfectly clear, the perks that come with frequent flyer status are airline dependent. Most airlines have some sort of elite status program, and the benefits can vary dramatically between airlines, and even within an airline's different status tiers.

With that in mind, here's a list of some of the most common benefits airlines offer to their elite status customers, and what they could be worth to you. Again, not all of these are offered by every airline's loyalty program, but you can expect at least some of them if you achieve elite status.

Benefits of achieving elite frequent flyer status

Frequent flyer status could be more worthwhile than you realize.

1. Mileage earning bonus

Elite flyers often earn more frequent flyer miles and more status qualification points than general travelers. They might even get bonuses for credit card spending.

2. Priority boarding

Depending on the airline's policies and your status tier, travelers with elite status generally get to board the aircraft before the general boarding starts. For example, American Airlines boards in nine groups, with members of its four publicly available elite tiers boarding with groups 1-4.

3. Free checked bags

It's common for those with elite status to get free checked bags. Those in higher tiers might even get more than one. And this benefit typically extends to other people traveling on the same reservation.

4. Complimentary upgrades

Based on space, airlines often give their elite status members complimentary upgrades to business and first class on domestic flights.

5. Reciprocal airline status

It's common for partner airlines to give status benefits to an airline's frequent flyers. For example, American Airlines elite status also gives benefits on Alaska Airlines and JetBlue.

6. Rental car or hotel status

Some airlines partner with rental car companies or hotel brands to give their frequent flyers elite status benefits.

7. Free premium seats when booking

While first-class upgrades aren't guaranteed for frequent flyers, many airlines have premium main cabin seats that typically cost a little extra (such as seats in exit rows or towards the front of the plane. With elite status, you may be able to select a premium seat with no upcharge.

8. Complimentary alcoholic beverages and snacks

Some airlines' frequent flyer programs allow those with elite status to order alcoholic beverages or premium snacks in main cabin seating, with no additional charge.

9. Dedicated customer service lines

This is one of my favorite perks of elite status. Frequent flyers often have a separate customer service line to use with dedicated representatives and much shorter wait times.

10. Priority check-in at the airport

Although you can check in at a kiosk in most airports, if you need to check a bag or need the assistance of an airline representative, the priority lines can be much shorter.

Additional rewards

Many airlines have other travel rewards for hitting certain status or spending milestones. These can include perks like lounge access day passes, discounted flights, systemwide upgrade certificates that can even be used on long-haul international flights, the ability to gift elite status to someone else, and more.

What is frequent flyer status worth?

As you can see, the value of frequent flyer status depends on how much you take advantage of the benefits and how you travel. For example, if you tend to travel on less-busy routes, you're likely to get seat upgrades more frequently than someone who regularly flies on routes with lots of business travelers or during peak travel times.

Having said that, even a lower level of elite status can be more valuable than you think. According to travel website The Points Guy, AAdvantage Gold status (American Airlines' lowest tier) is worth $585 per year to the typical traveler, just to name one example. But depending on your personal finance situation and travel habits, elite status could be even more valuable.