For years, frequent flyers have prized airline elite status as one of the most valuable perks in the travel world. The promise was simple: fly often enough, or earn enough points, and you could enjoy complimentary upgrades from cramped economy seats to the comfort of first class. For road warriors and business travelers especially, this perk made the grind of constant flights much more tolerable.
But in today’s travel landscape, airline status doesn’t seem to carry the same weight it once did. Travelers loyal to American Airlines, Delta, and United are finding that upgrades are becoming fewer and farther between, even at higher tiers of status. The question many flyers now face: is chasing status really worth the effort anymore?
The Golden Age of Upgrades
Before the pandemic, upgrades were far more common. Many travelers holding mid-tier status — like United Gold or Platinum — reported being upgraded 40 to 60 percent of the time. Even when upgrades didn’t clear, status holders often found themselves near the top of the upgrade list, just a seat or two away from the first-class cabin.
For those who weren’t based at major hubs, where upgrade competition was especially fierce, the odds were even better. Flying out of smaller airports with service from multiple carriers often meant a fair shot at snagging those coveted first-class seats.
What Changed?
Several key shifts have made upgrades harder to come by:
- Credit Card Pathways to Status
In recent years, airlines have made it much easier to earn elite status through credit card spending rather than flying. A small business owner who charges hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to a co-branded airline card can now easily qualify for high status — even if they only fly a few times annually. That puts heavy travelers who buy economy tickets at a disadvantage, since they may find themselves behind low-frequency flyers on the upgrade list. - Pilots in First Class
Contract negotiations have also changed cabin dynamics. Many pilots now travel between assignments in first class, taking seats that once would have been available for upgrades. For frequent flyers, that’s one more obstacle between them and the plush seats up front. - Cheap Paid Upgrades
Perhaps the most significant shift is that airlines have found ways to monetize first-class seats more effectively. Instead of leaving them open for complimentary upgrades, carriers now frequently offer them as inexpensive paid upgrades. Flyers often see upgrade offers for as little as $49 to $79 on shorter flights, which means more people are willing to pay out of pocket. The result: far fewer complimentary upgrades are left for elite members.
Is Status Still Worth It?
While the upgrade benefit may be fading, status still carries some value. Mid-tier levels often include free access to extra-legroom economy seats, priority boarding, and waived fees. For taller travelers or those who value comfort without paying for business class, these perks can make maintaining status worthwhile.
But if complimentary upgrades were the main reason for loyalty, many frequent flyers are reconsidering. With airlines selling first-class seats cheaply, it may make more sense to buy occasional upgrades rather than devote time and money to chasing elite tiers.
The glory days of effortless upgrades may be over. For today’s travelers, airline status is no longer a guaranteed path to first class — and deciding whether it’s worth pursuing requires a careful look at what you really value in your flying experience.
The Rewards Master 