4 Little-Known Perks of Frequent Flyer Status You're Missing Out On

Some perks of achieving elite status as a frequent flyer are widely known. For example, you've probably seen the priority check-in lines at the airport, and you've likely noticed an "upgrade list" at the gate as empty first or business class seats are allocated to elite status members.

However, there's more to frequent flyer status than shorter check-in lines and occasional first-class upgrades (believe me, the latter doesn't happen as often as you may think).

Each airline with a loyalty program offers a different assortment of travel benefits as well as a different number of elite tiers. Some even offer dedicated travel credit cards that come with additional perks. So, your favorite airline's program might not offer all of these. However, these are some of the most common perks of achieving frequent flyer status that you might not be aware of yet.

1. Free checked bags

For frequent flyers, free checked bags can be one of the most valuable benefits of all. Most airlines allow their elite status members to check one or more bags for free, and best of all, this benefit typically extends to other travelers on the same reservation.

As a personal example, I have status in the American Airlines AAdvantage program, which typically charges $30 per checked bag. If I fly five round trips solo each year and two with my family of four, this translates to savings of $780, assuming one bag per traveler on every flight. Plus, elite members get priority baggage handling, so yours will be among the first off the plane.

2. Free premium seats

As mentioned, first-class upgrades do happen sometimes, but not as often as you might think -- especially if you're in one of the lower tiers of an airline's elite status program.

However, airlines typically have seats in desirable locations, such as toward the front of the airplane or in exit rows, and some have premium main cabin seating, such as Delta's Comfort Plus, where the seats have extra legroom and complimentary alcoholic beverages. Elite members often can select these seats for no additional charge, either at the time of booking or in a specific window before traveling.

3. Systemwide upgrades

These are generally reserved for higher-tier elite status members, but they are one of the most valuable perks offered by frequent flyer programs. In simple terms, a systemwide upgrade allows you to upgrade to the next class of service (such as from economy to business class) on a one-way trip, regardless of how long it is. As you might imagine, if you use one to upgrade on a flight to say, Australia, this can be a massive value.

Now, you can't necessarily redeem these on every flight -- they are still subject to space availability. But they get higher priority over other upgrade types and can be worth thousands of dollars on a single flight.

4. Car rental perks

Many airlines partner with rental car companies to offer perks to their frequent flyers. For example, if you achieve elite status on United Airlines, you can earn significantly more miles on car rentals with Avis and Budget than you otherwise would. Delta elite flyers get elite status in Hertz's Gold Plus Rewards program, which can give you free upgrades, a second driver with no charge, and more.

The list could go on (and on and on)

Airline loyalty programs often have long lists of benefits for their elite customers, and that's especially true for members who achieve the highest status levels. For example, some airlines offer complimentary alcoholic beverages to certain status members, some have reciprocal status benefits with partner airlines, and some give airport lounge access to certain elite members (or at least a discounted membership).

If you're on the fence about whether elite status could be worth pursuing, I'd suggest checking the website of your favorite airline's loyalty program. You might be surprised at what you learn – and how gaining frequent flyer status could positively impact your personal finances.