Good news AAdvantage elites: flying Alaska just got a lot more rewarding. As Alaska Airlines joined the Oneworld alliance this week, a small—but impactful—change was made to how AAdvantage elite members earn miles when flying on Alaska. Depending on the flight and your elite status, you might earn thousands of extra miles each flight thanks to this change.

For non-business travelers, airline elite status presents a conundrum. It’s desirable to improve your travel, but airlines only tend to bestow it to those that fly (and suffer) a ton without it. But what if you could shortcut your way to elite status without paying your dues first? In this post, we’ll show you how.

The long-running no-catch Best Western status match is still on! You can status match to Best Western from many other hotel programs and keep your new stratus through January 31, 2022. Here’s how to request this free status match.

Alaska Mileage Plan is offering a special, limited-time status match program. Through April 15, 2021, members can match eligible Delta, Southwest, or United elite status to reciprocal Alaska status through 2021. That’s made all the more exciting by the fact that Mileage Plan elite status will also include Oneworld elite status starting March 31!

IHG’s latest fast track to Gold Elite and Platinum Elite status promotion is live. Register anytime between now and August 31. Then, you will have 90 days to complete the stay requirements. You’ll need just 2 nights for Gold Elite status and 5 nights for Platinum Elite status.

Elite Qualifying Dollars is a critical requirement for earning American Airlines elite status. But, years after it was introduced, it’s still a confusing metric for many. In this post, we show you how to figure out how many Elite Qualifying Dollars you’ll earn from a flight – whether it’s on American Airlines or a partner.

Great news Best Western Rewards members: Best Western has made it easier than ever to move up in status by halving their elite status requirements for 2021. Earn Diamond Select Status after only 25 nights (or 20 stays). While Best Western elite status isn’t great on its own, you can use it as a way to get elite status with other hotel programs though a status match.

Thinking about jumping on Spirit Airlines’ new status match/challenge opportunity? Before you register, check out this post to learn what benefits you would receive. But, you’ll want to consider the total cost first, because maintaining status may be costlier than it first appears.

In mid-January, Marriott announced a string of major updates for the Bonvoy program in 2021. Among the changes are a 50% headstart towards Bonvoy status for 2020 elites, a lowered spending threshold for earning Bonvoy Ambassador, and lowered Off Peak and PointSaver Off Peak redemption rates. And now is your last chance to take advantage of the Off Peak award discount.

Have you ever wondered how people get those free upgrades to first-class? Do you travel often and want to learn how to maximize your time in the sky? We’ve got you covered here. In this complete guide to AAdvantage elite status, we’re taking you through everything you need to know to upgrade your travel with American Airlines.