If you thought racking up hundreds of thousands of airline miles would afford you perks like more leg room or airport lounge access – you haven’t seen anything yet.
In addition to the typical airline status levels you see advertised and promoted – there’s a whole underground world of elite airline loyalty status levels – and the perks are insane.
From gate-to-gate transfers in a Porsche to complementary flight updates – check out what it’s like for only the “exclusive” elite to travel on a commercial flight.
Delta 360
To qualify for Delta 360 – you need to be “on the list.”
Even those who want to spend their way into this elite loyalty tier cannot – because Delta won’t release their criteria in selecting who they’ll allow to experience a truly luxurious flying experience.
In fact, Delta publicly claims only a “very small percentage” of their Diamond Medallion members will get the invite.
So what’s so great about Delta 360?
Well to start – the exclusivity of it.
Since only a select few get the invite – there are definitely bragging rights among frequent flyers.
But in addition – earning Delta 360 status has some serious perks.
If you are ever in a jam (such as a canceled flight) – you have direct access to a reservation agent with a near-zero hold time.
From flight upgrades to a complimentary Delta Sky Club exclusive membership (with the ability to bring 2 guests for free) – you won’t have to wait around in a crowded airport on a hard, dirty chair (like the rest of us) between flights.
And if you have to transfer gates between flights – instead of taking the train or crowded escalator (again, just like the rest of us) – you’ll be whisked away in style in a Porsche.
Upgraded Points reported:
“Typically what happens is a Delta representative drives the Porsche vehicle to your incoming gate, and as you exit the plane, an agent is standing by with a sign with your name on it, indicating that you should follow them. They’ll personally escort you down the stairs onto the tarmac and help you stow your bags in the vehicle.
They’ll then drive to your connecting gate, allowing you to bypass all of the chaos in the terminal, and dramatically improve the chance you’ll make your connection. Once at the new gate, the representative will help get your bags out of the car and escort you onto the jet bridge where you’ll directly board your flight.”
Not a guarantee for all Delta 360 members – but the odds are definitely in your favor.
While most of us will NEVER be invited to such an elite program – those who travel for work and spend a lot with Delta could be put on the invite list.
United Global Services
Like Delta, United also doesn’t reveal what you need to do in order to earn the invite-only elite Global Services.
Well not exactly.
There is one way to earn the tier – you need to earn FOUR MILLION lifetime miles through their United Million Miler program – which is basically flying roughly 100k miles per year for 40 years, reports One Mile At A Time.
Yeah good luck with that, ha!
But for those who do get the invite to enter Global Status – they can enjoy perks like complimentary upgrades, highest priority for sold out flights, and special check-in services.
And yes – they will even transfer you to your gate via a Mercedes-Benz so you can skip walking through the crowds like the rest of us have to.
Other airlines have their lists of hidden status levels too – so if you strive to earn the “right” to get invited to join one of these elite statuses – your best bet is to travel with the same airline and spend a lot of money.
And who knows – maybe when you’re 80 you’ll finally make the cut!
Have you ever heard of these secret airline status levels?
What would be your favorite perk about earning of these invite-only elite status levels?
You can post your response and stay current on the latest Proud American Traveler stories on Facebook!
And if you think your friends or family would be interested in receiving our newsletter directly to their inbox, please forward this email and encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter here.