End-of-Year Strategies for Earning Top-Tier Hotel Elite Status End-of-Year Strategies for Earning Top-Tier Hotel Elite Status

End-of-Year Strategies for Earning Top-Tier Hotel Elite Status

There's not much time left in the year, but there is still time to plan for and achieve top-tier hotel elite status with several programs. You can earn elite status now through these strategies and shortcuts and carry it through 2026 — or even part of 2027, depending on the program.

World of Hyatt Elite Status Shortcuts: Corporate Fast Track, Leveraging AA Status, and More

If you want to earn World of Hyatt elite status this year, you could stay the minimum number of nights or rack up the necessary base points to earn it, but you don't necessarily have to. In fact, it's possible to qualify for Hyatt elite status without stepping foot on a Hyatt property. Here are four ways to earn Hyatt elite status this year without booking and completing stays.

Buy Flying Blue Miles With a 45% Discount (or 80% Bonus) — Book Business Class to Europe for $1,007

Flying Blue just launched a 45% discount (or 80% bonus) on purchased miles through November 5, 2025 — bringing the price down to just 1.68¢ each. That’s enough to book a one-way business class flight to Europe for around $1,007 in purchased miles. If you’re planning premium travel, we break down whether this promo is worth it and the redemptions to target.

Alaska Airlines Companion Fare Just Got More Restrictive — Here’s How It Works Now

The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is available to both personal and business Alaska credit cardholders after meeting minimum spend requirements. The fare code allows you to book a one-time coach ticket for a companion for just $99 plus taxes and fees on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights within North America. Here's how it works.

Marriott Bonvoy Promotions: Global Promotion for Up to 12,075 Points, Plus Up to 50k Points per Stay, and More

Marriott continues to offer plenty of regional and brand-specific promotions for members to earn bonus points with eligible stays. The final global promotion for 2025 allows Bonvoy members to earn 2,025 points up to three times by January 10, 2026. Other promotions offer up to 50,000 bonus points per stay or 5,000 bonus points per night. Here's how to register to participate in these offers.

SWISS Welcomes First Airbus A350: Here’s Your First Look Inside the Airline’s Brand-New Flagship Plane

SWISS just took delivery of its first-in-fleet Airbus A350. And AwardWallet had the unique opportunity to tour the airplane in Zurich, Switzerland ahead of its maiden flight. Like SWISS did for us, we’ll introduce you to Lausanne (the aircraft’s name), take you on a head-to-tail walkthrough of the new jet, and explain what you can expect from SWISS in the years ahead.