---
title: "What is Elite status? | Benefit Systems"
description: "Elite status is a tier in a loyalty programme that grants extra benefits for a limited period once a qualification threshold has been met."
source: "aus dem gebauten HTML abgeleitet"
---
# What is Elite status?

Elite status is a tier in a loyalty programme that grants extra benefits for a limited period once a qualification threshold has been met.

Also called: Elite tier, Frequent flyer status.

## How it works #

The benefits are rarely entitlements; most are promises subject to availability, including upgrades, priority handling during disruption and access to waiting areas. Status therefore delivers most when resources are scarce and travel is frequent, and often delivers nothing measurable to the occasional traveller. It expires at the end of a period and has to be earned again.

## Not to be confused with #

Elite status is not the same as a points balance: status is a time-limited tier granting benefits, a balance is a currency to spend.

## In German #

The German term is Elitestatus. [German version of this term](/de/glossar/elitestatus)

## Related terms #

- [Elite qualification](/en/glossary/elite-qualification): Elite qualification is the proof that enough flights, qualifying miles or spending have accumulated within a defined period to reach a status tier.
- [Status match](/en/glossary/status-match): A status match is the transfer of status from another programme: a provider grants a comparable tier in order to win the customer over.
- [Hotel elite status](/en/glossary/hotel-elite-status): Hotel elite status is a tier in a hotel programme that holds out benefits such as room upgrades, breakfast or late checkout.

## Articles that use this term #

- [How many flights do you need for airline elite status?](/en/knowledge/elite-qualification)
- [When airline elite status gets you nothing](/en/knowledge/when-status-gets-you-nothing)
- [What does your status get you on partner airlines?](/en/knowledge/status-on-partners)
- [What is the difference between an award chart and dynamic pricing?](/en/knowledge/dynamic-award-pricing)
- [What do you do first when your flight is cancelled?](/en/knowledge/flight-cancelled-what-to-do)
- [What’s in the fare rules, and why read them?](/en/knowledge/fare-rules)