With a new year upon us, it’s time to evaluate our elite status. Between a mix of credit cards and travel, I have status across multiple brands and airlines. However, some of them are by default while others I’ll need to earn to requalify, which would be my priority.

Airlines

I currently have Platinum status on American Airlines. The elite qualification year is from March to February, which means I have a few more months to get Platinum Pro. But I have no intent on doing that, so I’m leaving American be.

Between now and March 1, I’m booking flights solely based on convenience and price. The extra legroom, free alcohol, and free baggage perks are nice, but not dealbreakers for my short domestic flights. So over the next few months, I will be taking flights with Delta, Jetblue, and Southwest, but also opting for Amtrak over flying in some cases. Looks like it’ll be a while before I head back to DFW!

With the travel I have planned, I might even be able to get A-List on Southwest. Starting today, Southwest is lowering requirements for A-List and A-List Preferred, a wholly positive change. Pairing this with Costco/Sam’s Club’s 14-20% off Southwest gift cards is a win-win, in my books. But I’m not going out of my way to book Southwest, only if it’s the cheapest/most convenient option.

Hotels

Through the Platinum Card from American Express, I get Gold status at both Hilton and Marriott properties. I don’t stay at nearly enough Hilton’s to go for Diamond. However, I currently have Platinum elite status at Marriott, which normally requires 50 elite nights. Barring work travel, I don’t think I’d be able to requalify in 2024, but we’ll see!

Car Rentals

I am an Executive Elite member at National, which consistently has pretty decent rates in Boston. I also have Presidents Circle elite status with Hertz which I got through two credit cards (the Capital One Venture X and the Platinum Card from American Express). I could status match to Avis and start earning there, but they don’t have a “pick any car” option. Regardless, I’m probably going to just rent from whichever company is cheapest.

Final Thoughts

I have a pretty good idea of where I want to go from here. I want to try my best to preserve the status I don’t automatically get, but I don’t have any intention to get any new or elevated status for any brand. To me, my Platinum status on AA is most important along with Platinum on Marriott (if I manage to do it).