Friends,

When it comes to traveling well, you do not have to be a road warrior to unlock meaningful benefits (in my experience, at least).

Some of the most practical—and accessible—status tiers offer real value without requiring you to chase top-tier qualification. Here are five of the most useful, especially if you’re strategic about how you earn:

💼 American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum
In my opinion, this is the sweet spot in American’s program. It gets you oneworld Sapphire status, which means business class lounge access on international itineraries, plus Main Cabin Extra at booking, two free checked bags, and priority boarding. It’s great domestically, and then extra-fantastic if you’re flying overseas on oneworld partners.

🏨 Hilton Honors Gold
Available just by holding the Amex Platinum or Hilton Surpass card, Hilton Gold includes free breakfast (or a food and beverage credit in the U.S.), space-available upgrades, and bonus points. It’s the most generous mid-tier hotel status and makes a real difference in day-to-day stays.

🌍 Aegean Airlines Miles+Bonus Gold
This under-the-radar Star Alliance Gold tier offers excellent global perks. Though it presently requires six segments on Aegean or Olympic Air, you can earn Gold with just ~24k flown miles in a year—and then renew it annually with just four Aegean flights and ~12k annually flown miles. It includes Star Alliance Gold priority check-in, security, and boarding; a free checked bag up to 70 lbs; and access to United Clubs and other Star Alliance lounges on all itineraries (even domestic economy on United). You don’t get complimentary Economy Plus seating on United, but for many, it’s the most cost-effective path to great Star Alliance perks.

🚀 Southwest A-List
This one flies under the radar. You won’t get lounges, but you will get priority boarding, same-day standby, and bonus points. For those who fly Southwest often (or are offered a status match), it makes the experience far more seamless—especially for, in my experience, families. You get a free bag too starting later this month, though on principle I’m fairly “off” Southwest right now.

🛂 TSA PreCheck / Global Entry (via Credit Card Credits)
Not a status per se, but many premium and mid-tier credit cards offer statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. If you’re not enrolled yet, this is a game-changer—and worth the trouble of applying.

The bottom line is you don’t need to be a hugely frequent flier to unlock great travel benefits. These five options prove that with the right strategy—and sometimes just the right credit card—you can travel smarter and smoother, every time.

Fly well.

Links

Updated merchandising on Delta fares.

Union leaders are really something (and sometimes, they are wrong).

This is what I mean when I say “United is telling a better story than American”.

I still cannot get enough of the Rhapsody remix United used in this video.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.