Elite Airline status without flying IS possible

United Airlines Elite
United Airlines Silver Elite for 2017

I didn’t fly on United Airlines last year, but I received my 2017 Silver Elite MileagePlus materials in the mail today.  It IS possible to earn airline status without flying.

In my case, I earned this status based on my participation in a hotel chain’s customer loyalty program that is partnered with United Airlines at this time.  I’ve spent a lot of time and money with Marriott and they recognize that via their Marriott Rewards program.

There are some credit cards that include airline elite status as a part of their benefits, or the use of that card for a certain amount of spending also allows the holder to earn airline status without flying.

You do have to sign up for the frequent flyer program, and use the associated ID on your reservations in order to take advantage of the program’s benefits.

United Airlines
United Airlines Silver 2017

United Airlines no longer issues a physical card for their frequent flyer program and like other airlines has migrated to a digital image of a card inside of their smartphone app for members to display if required.  I think there is an option to print one out via their website but I won’t be doing that.

This year they still sent a small tag that can be use on a piece of your luggage.  I’ll probably put this on whatever small cabin bag I use on my next trip.  There were no drink or snack coupons in the mailing.

United Airlines Tag
United Airlines Silver Tag

I wrote a blog post about my Medallion Elite Status with Delta Airlines earlier this year, and why I was no longer going to have it in 2017.