Airlines Status Perks to Know About in 2021

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, all major airlines worldwide have aimed to improve status and perks for mileage members across the board. In an effort to encourage travel as the pandemic begins to subside, status members of these airlines can expect favorable changes to airline programs.

American Airlines

In late 2020, American was the first of the largest three U.S. airlines to announce its reduced elite-qualifying thresholds for 2021. In addition, the major carrier extended the amount of time allowable to qualify for status. From October 2020 through December 2021, all activity by members during this time will count toward earning AAdvantage status in 2021. 

The perks do not stop there. Executive Platinum and Top-tier Platinum members are able to choose from a new collection of Milestone Rewards. Among the new choices is Admirals Club day passes, bonus AAdvantage miles, free headphones, and more. 

United Airlines

MileagePlus members caught wind of some big changes to how elite members qualify for United’s program. The airline extended the current status levels for one year through January 2022, as well as offering reduced requirements for those aiming to hit a new tier, despite their reduced travel activity in 2020.

The requirements have dropped about 25% for the 2021 qualification year. Additional perks include more upgrades and more PlusPoints, making it easier for 1K members to earn additional incremental PlusPoints. Also, for those with a co-branded United Explorer credit card, the number of Premier Qualifying Points members could earn was doubled, and was quadrupled with the United Club Infinite Card. 

Delta Airlines

Members of Delta’s elite Medallion status can enjoy a one-year extension through January 2022. For Diamond and Platinum Medallion members, they will be able to select 2021 Choice Benefits beginning February 2021. Current Delta 360 members will enjoy their exclusive membership in the annual, invite-only program for an additional year through January 2022. 

Medallion members can expect their miles to roll over into 2021, and all unused, active, and/or previously expired Upgrade Certificates between March 2019 and December 2020 will be extended or reissued to be used through December 2021.

Southwest

Rapid Rewards Members are getting a boost with an extension of their benefits through December 31, 2021. Southwest is also making it easier this year to earn tier status and Companion Pass by adding 15,000 Tier Qualifying points, 25,000 Companion Pass qualifying points, 10 qualifying one-way flight segments towards tier status, and 25 qualifying one-way flights towards Companion Pass.

Jet Blue

In December 2020, Jet Blue announced updates to its TrueBlue program in support of its loyal customers. Mosaics members received free unlimited companion passes through May 2021 and other enhanced benefits, such as complimentary Even More Space seats at the airport (pending availability). 

Reduced qualification thresholds remain throughout 2021, which the airlines reduced by half across the board. Also, Mosaic members continue to enjoy checking in their 1st and 2nd bag free of charge, complimentary alcoholic beverages on board, and early boarding.

Lufthansa

In February 2021, Lufthansa Miles & More announced a campaign to run through the end of 2021 that will credit double miles for all flights as well as double HON Circle miles for all of its tiered members. Those members can now also earn up to 30,000 status miles when using their Miles & More credit card. 

British Airways

BA has extended to those members whose Tier Point collection date falls between July 1 and December 31st, 2021, will have their status protected for another 12 months. It does not matter how many Tier Points they earn. The move follows those members who have already received a one-year extension in June of 2020 – this means that no BA Executive Club member will lose their status in 2021. 

In addition to this Tier extension, the airline announced a six-month extension to all Executive Club vouchers, which is due to expire before December 31, 2021. They are also adding another six-months validity to all new Companion Voucher or Travel Together tickets earned between June 2020 to the end of December 2021. Finally, British Airways continues to reduce the number of Tier Points needed to reach Tier by 25% for those whose Tier Point collection year ends before July 2022.

Air France

AF is extending the promise they made to their status members in 2020 through 2021. The Flying Blue status is renewing its promise by maintaining current levels so that members can enjoy perks when they are ready to travel again. Additionally, Air France is extending their previous surplus XP support measures to give travelers the head start they deserve. And for those Air France – KLM Gold status members, their status has been extended for 12 months through March 2022. 

Air Canada

In March of 2021, AC announced it is providing additional flexibility for all its Aeroplan Elite Status members. First of which is that members will automatically keep their Elite Status through the end of 2022, regardless of activity. The validity of Priority Reward vouchers issued in 2020 has been extended for one full year until the end of October 2022. 

For Aeroplan members who earn any type of Elite Status through their 2021 flight activity, all Status Qualifying Miles, segments, and dollars earned this year will be honored in 2022, which jumpstarts their status qualification well into the future. Lastly, AC is putting a temporary pause on the expiration of Aeroplan points until January 31, 2022, and there is no fee to change or cancel Flight Rewards.

If you fly any of these airlines and are not a member, now is the time to join!