Some lucky people will get a surprise when they check their email or log into their airline loyalty account – they’ve been given the perk.
We’ve received reports that both Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members are being awarded elite status or extending their existing memberships – even if they haven’t yet met 2026 eligibility requirements.
Travel writer Karen Schaler shared with me that late last year, she had been considering doing whatever it took to stay eligible for Delta Gold Medal, but in the end, she just gave up a few hundred dollars in her Medal qualification bonus to regain qualifications. But in mid-January, she received an email from Delta telling her she would still be a Gold member after all.
“Karen, you are so close to earning Gold status this year. Because your loyalty means the world to us, we are making it official – Gold status is yours,” the email read.
Now this is a moment of surprise and joy!
Schaller said: “Well, all those worries were for nothing… I’m glad I didn’t try to travel or stay in a hotel… It was a really nice surprise!”
When asked about the initiative, Delta told TPG, “SkyMiles knows that loyalty is personal. Loyalty is built on trust and grows when members feel recognized and valued. That’s why we’re always looking for thoughtful ways to recognize and celebrate our most engaged members.”
This seems to happen to a lucky few, but not everyone. Next month I will be downgraded from Diamond to Silver. I was only a few hundred MQD away from achieving Gold Medal status, but unfortunately I didn’t reach that level.
In fact, a Delta spokesperson told me that genius status is part of Delta’s ongoing efforts to recognize engagement and is handled on a case-by-case basis.
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TPG reader Jill Kaplan Holze said she became a United Premier Platinum member last year but is “nowhere near 2026.” She said her status was extended until 2026, as were her mother’s and two sons’ status!
AJ Smith, TPG’s senior vice president of content and audience growth, also has support from United.
“Welcome back to MileagePlus Premier Silver status. We’re excited to share that we’ve extended your status through 2026 in recognition of your loyalty to MileagePlus,” United AJ’s note reads.
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AJ’s Premier Silver status notification. United Airlines
This is quite a surprise for us from Manchester United.
Meanwhile, American Airlines’ status year isn’t over yet. The event will last until February 28th. It’s unclear whether the airline will give away memberships or offer soft landings to American Airlines AAdvantage members, but it already allows members to use miles or cash to purchase elite status, which is valid until March 31, 2027.
Most of the offers we’ve seen at TPG so far aren’t very attractive, but if you’re reluctant to requalify, take a look and see if it’s worth it for you.
Have we seen some deals?
- Get AAdvantage Platinum membership for $529 or 53,000 miles
- Get AAdvantage Executive Platinum membership for $1,979 or 198,000 miles
- Get AAdvantage Platinum Pro membership for $799 or 80,000 miles
There may be more compelling ways to requalify, and there’s still over a month to re-advance your status.
RELATED: Last-minute strategies for achieving elite status at American Airlines
bottom line
Elite status isn’t as valuable as it once was, there are fewer upgrades available, and you don’t fly as many miles as you once did. Still, status can come with some great perks, and losing the status you’ve grown accustomed to can be truly painful.
Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones to receive a status gift or a soft landing.
No matter what, there’s always next year.
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