Elite Qualifying Miles

Hello Joel,

Thank you for replying so quickly to my email. I appreciate the advice. I have one question regarding what you wrote above: What exactly are "elite Qualifying miles"? I assumed that all miles I get are going to qualify me for elite status, but it is just a question of how long it will take me. For instance I got the credit card and I plan to dine in Idine restaurants, etc. When I get elite status, I plan to use it only for upgrades, etc., and not on free tickets, by the way.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Elite qualifying miles are the ONLY miles that count towards elite status.

Basically, only the actual miles flown count towards this status. However, recently airlines have initiated a tier program where depending on the price of your ticket you can earn up to 200% elite qualifying miles (eqm’s) over the actual flight miles.

For example, on a recent trip between OC to ATL I paid $63 above the discounted coach ticket for a confirmed first class seat and earned 7676 (eqm’s) versus 2200 (eqm’s). Purchasing these special fares can be a fast track to elite status. I describe elite qualifying mile in detail in my book, starting on page. 90.

Miles earned on a credit card will not count towards elite status, although as you pointed out, using your credit card to earn miles is a great way to get upgrades.

Example of fares and corresponding elite miles

First/Business (P,F,A,C,D,J,I) 200% of miles flown
Full-fare economy (fare basis-Y,B,M) 150% of miles flown
Discounted Economy (fare basis-H,Q,K,S) 100% of miles flown
Deeply discounted economy (fare basis-L,U,T) 50% of miles flown

Joel