lifetime travel pass delta

Delta’S 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass: Everything You Need To Know

Have you heard about Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass for 2023? This enticing new ticket option allows travelers to take an unlimited number of flights to any Delta destination worldwide, opening the doors to unlimited adventure.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass costs $6,895 per month and lets you take unlimited Delta flights anywhere worldwide, with some restrictions and blackout dates .

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide full details on what Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass entails, including cost, route options, blackout dates, and more. We’ll help you determine if an unlimited travel pass makes sense for your needs and budget for next year.

Consider this your all-encompassing resource on Delta’s 2023 unlimited pass.

What Is Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass for 2023?

Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass for 2023 is a unique offering from Delta Airlines that allows passengers to enjoy unlimited flights within a specified period of time. This pass provides travelers with the flexibility to fly as often as they want, to any destination within Delta’s network, without having to worry about the cost of individual tickets.

How Does the Unlimited Flight Pass Work?

The Unlimited Flight Pass works on a subscription model, where customers pay a fixed fee upfront for unlimited flights during the specified period. Passengers can choose from various options, such as monthly or annual passes, depending on their travel needs.

Once the pass is purchased, passengers can book flights through Delta’s website or mobile app, just like they would with a regular ticket. The pass covers the cost of the flight itself, but additional fees such as taxes, baggage fees, and seat selection may still apply.

Benefits of the Unlimited Flight Pass

The Unlimited Flight Pass offers several benefits for frequent travelers. Here are some key advantages:

Cost savings: The pass allows travelers to save money compared to purchasing individual tickets for each flight.
Flexibility: Pass holders have the freedom to book flights without worrying about the cost, making it easier to plan multiple trips or spontaneous getaways.
Convenience: With unlimited flights, passengers can easily change their travel plans or explore new destinations without any additional expense.
Premium experience: Pass holders may also enjoy other perks such as priority boarding, access to airport lounges, and other exclusive privileges depending on the pass type.

Things to Consider

While the Unlimited Flight Pass offers great benefits, there are a few things to consider before purchasing:

Availability: The pass may have limited availability and may only be offered to a certain number of customers.
Blackout dates and restrictions: Some passes may have blackout dates or certain restrictions, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions before purchasing.
Travel patterns: It’s essential to evaluate your travel patterns and determine if the pass aligns with your travel needs. If you don’t plan to fly frequently, the pass may not be worth the investment.

For more information about Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass for 2023, you can visit their official website here .

How Much Does Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Pass Cost?

Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass offers travelers the opportunity to fly as much as they want within a specified time period. It’s a great option for frequent flyers or those who have a busy travel schedule. But how much does this pass actually cost? Let’s dive into the details.

Price Options

Delta offers different price options for their Unlimited Flight Pass, allowing travelers to choose the one that best suits their needs. The prices may vary depending on factors such as the duration of the pass and the type of flights included (domestic or international).

Flexible Pricing

Delta understands that every traveler has unique travel requirements. That’s why they offer flexible pricing options for their Unlimited Flight Pass. Whether you’re a business traveler who frequently flies between major cities or a leisure traveler who enjoys exploring different destinations, Delta has a pricing plan that fits your needs.

The cost of Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass is determined based on factors such as the number of flights you plan to take, the duration of your pass, and the type of flights (domestic or international).

It’s important to note that prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check Delta’s official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Value for Money

While the cost of Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass may seem higher than a regular flight ticket, it offers exceptional value for money for frequent travelers. With this pass, you have the freedom to fly as much as you want without having to worry about the cost of individual tickets.

It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to travel for those who are always on the go.

Additionally, the Unlimited Flight Pass allows you to take advantage of Delta’s extensive network and enjoy the perks of being a frequent flyer. You can earn miles, enjoy priority boarding, and access exclusive lounges, enhancing your overall travel experience.

For travelers who often find themselves booking multiple flights throughout the year, Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass can be a game-changer. It provides flexibility, convenience, and the opportunity to save on travel expenses in the long run.

Remember, the cost of Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass may vary depending on your individual travel needs. To get the most accurate pricing information, it’s recommended to visit Delta’s official website or contact their customer service directly.

When Does the Unlimited Pass Go on Sale and Expire?

If you’re an avid traveler or frequently fly with Delta, you’ll be thrilled to know about Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass for 2023. This innovative pass allows you to travel as much as you want on Delta flights for a specific period of time.

But when can you get your hands on it, and how long does it last?

Delta usually announces the release of their Unlimited Flight Pass a few months in advance. The exact sale dates may vary from year to year, so it’s essential to keep an eye on Delta’s official website and social media channels for updates.

Typically, the pass goes on sale sometime in the early months of the year, giving travelers ample time to plan their trips.

It’s important to note that the pass is usually available for a limited time only. Due to its popularity, it tends to sell out quickly. So, if you’re interested in purchasing the Unlimited Flight Pass, it’s recommended to act fast once it becomes available for sale.

Pass Expiration

Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass is valid for a specific period of time, usually for the entire calendar year. For example, if you purchase the pass in early 2023, it will be valid for travel until December 31, 2023.

This means that you can enjoy unlimited flights on Delta during this time frame, allowing you to explore new destinations, visit loved ones, or simply indulge in your passion for travel without worrying about the cost of individual flights.

It’s worth mentioning that Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass is non-transferable and can only be used by the person who purchased it. Additionally, it’s subject to Delta’s terms and conditions, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the details before making your purchase.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the sale dates and expiration of Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass for 2023, it’s recommended to visit Delta’s official website or contact their customer service directly.

Are All Delta Flights Included?

Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass offers a unique opportunity for travelers to enjoy unlimited flights within a specified timeframe. However, it is important to note that not all Delta flights are included in this pass.

The pass covers a wide range of domestic and international routes, but there are certain restrictions to be aware of.

Domestic Routes

The Unlimited Flight Pass includes a vast selection of domestic routes operated by Delta Airlines. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to a nearby city or a cross-country adventure, you’ll have the freedom to explore various destinations within the United States.

From bustling metropolises to scenic national parks, Delta’s domestic routes offer a plethora of options for travelers.

International Routes

In addition to domestic flights, the Unlimited Flight Pass also includes a selection of international routes. Travelers can embark on exciting journeys to popular destinations around the world, including Europe, Asia, South America, and more.

Whether you dream of strolling through the streets of Paris, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Tokyo, or lounging on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, Delta’s international routes provide endless possibilities.

Partner Airlines

Delta has partnered with several airlines to expand its network and offer even more options to pass holders. While the Unlimited Flight Pass primarily covers Delta-operated flights, there may be opportunities to utilize partner airlines for certain routes.

This partnership allows travelers to access a wider range of destinations and make the most of their unlimited flight benefits.

It’s important to review the terms and conditions of the Unlimited Flight Pass to understand any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Delta’s official website provides detailed information regarding eligible flights and destinations, ensuring that pass holders can plan their itineraries accordingly.

So, while not all Delta flights are included in the Unlimited Flight Pass, pass holders still have access to an extensive network of domestic and international routes. With the added benefit of partner airlines, travelers can truly make the most of their unlimited flight experience.

What Are the Route and Blackout Restrictions?

When considering Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass, it’s important to understand the route and blackout restrictions that come with this exciting offer. These restrictions are put in place to ensure a fair and balanced distribution of flights among passengers and to manage capacity effectively.

Route Restrictions

Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass allows you to travel to a wide range of destinations, but it does come with certain route restrictions. While the pass covers a vast network of domestic and international flights, there may be some routes that are not included.

It’s always a good idea to check the list of eligible routes before making any travel plans. You can find detailed information about the routes on Delta’s official website or by contacting their customer service.

Peak Travel Blackouts

In addition to route restrictions, Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass also has peak travel blackout dates. These blackout dates are typically during popular travel periods, such as holidays or special events, when demand for flights is high.

During these blackout periods, the Unlimited Flight Pass cannot be used, and you will need to book your flights separately. This ensures that all passengers have an equal chance to access flights during peak times.

It’s important to note that blackout dates may vary depending on the specific pass option you choose. Some passes may have more blackout dates than others, so it’s essential to review the terms and conditions before purchasing your Unlimited Flight Pass.

By understanding the route and blackout restrictions associated with Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass, you can make informed decisions and plan your travel accordingly. Remember to check Delta’s official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on eligible routes and blackout dates.

What Other Perks and Benefits Come with the Pass?

Sky club access.

Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass not only grants you unlimited travel, but it also comes with exclusive access to Delta’s luxurious Sky Clubs. These airport lounges offer a haven of comfort and convenience, allowing you to relax or work in style before your flight.

Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and even private meeting rooms. With the pass, you can experience the VIP treatment every time you fly.

Upgrade Priority

When you have Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass, you’ll receive priority when it comes to upgrades. Delta offers a tiered upgrade system, and as a pass holder, you’ll be at the top of the list. This means that you have a greater chance of scoring an upgrade to first class or Delta One, enjoying the extra legroom, premium amenities, and personalized service that these cabins offer.

Upgrade priority is a valuable perk that can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Frequent Flyer Perks

As a pass holder, you’ll also be eligible to earn frequent flyer miles and enjoy all the benefits that come with Delta’s SkyMiles program. This means that every flight you take with your Unlimited Flight Pass can contribute to your mileage balance, bringing you closer to earning free flights, upgrades, and other exciting rewards.

Additionally, Delta often offers special promotions and bonuses for frequent flyers, so you can maximize your benefits and get even more value out of your pass.

For more information on Delta’s Sky Club access, upgrade priority, and frequent flyer perks, you can visit delta.com and explore the dedicated sections on their website.

How Do I Purchase Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass?

Purchasing Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass is a simple and convenient process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Visit Delta’s Official Website

Start by visiting Delta’s official website at www.delta.com . This is the most reliable and secure platform to purchase your unlimited flight pass.

Step 2: Navigate to the Flight Pass Section

Once you are on Delta’s website, navigate to the Flight Pass section. This can usually be found under the “Travel Information” or “Deals” tab on the homepage.

Step 3: Select the 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass

Within the Flight Pass section, you will find various options for flight passes. Look for the 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass and select it to proceed with your purchase.

Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Flight Pass Type

Delta offers different types of flight passes, including domestic, international, or a combination of both. Choose the flight pass type that best suits your travel needs.

Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Purchase

Before finalizing your purchase, carefully review the details of the 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass. Make sure it aligns with your travel preferences and budget. Once you are satisfied, proceed to confirm your purchase.

Step 6: Provide Personal Information and Payment Details

During the checkout process, you will be asked to provide your personal information, such as your name, contact details, and payment information. Be sure to enter accurate and up-to-date information to avoid any issues.

Step 7: Complete Your Purchase

After providing the necessary information, click on the “Complete Purchase” or similar button to finalize your transaction. You may receive a confirmation email with your flight pass details shortly after.

Note: It’s important to keep in mind that Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass availability may be limited, so it’s recommended to act quickly and secure your pass as soon as it becomes available.

For any additional assistance or inquiries regarding the purchase process, consider reaching out to Delta’s customer service for further guidance.

Delta’s unlimited flight pass opens new possibilities for frequent travelers to maximize flights and destinations in 2023 without worrying about the cost of each extra ticket. While the $6,895 monthly price tag is not affordable for everyone, the pass does offer exceptional value if you were already planning several trips domestically or internationally next year.

If unlimited global adventure with Delta is calling your name in the year ahead, hopefully this guide provided all the key details you need to decide if purchasing the 2023 pass makes sense for your budget and plans.

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

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Is it worth pursuing lifetime elite status?

If you're trying to qualify for airline or hotel elite status, you can use plenty of tricks and tools to get there faster. Maybe you can leverage a status match or challenge or use the right credit card to unlock the next tier of elite benefits. Unfortunately, no matter how you qualify, your status will almost always be short-lived. Within a year or two, you'll return to the grind of trying to requalify.

This is why many major airlines and hotel chains offer some form of lifetime elite status (frequently dubbed "Million Miler status" by airlines). These programs reward elite members who've stayed loyal to the same airline or hotel for years — often a decade or more — with the incredible gift of automatic status, regardless of your flight/stay activity in a year.

This freedom to plan your travel for the year without tracking your elite-qualifying progress sounds seductive, but getting there requires a long-term commitment in an environment that's constantly changing. Today we'll look at if and when it makes sense to pursue lifetime elite status and long-term loyalty.

If you're not familiar with the various lifetime status programs, you can check out our guides here:

Your guide to American Airlines lifetime elite status .
Your guide to Delta Air Lines lifetime elite status .
Your guide to United Airlines lifetime elite status .
Your guide to Hilton Honors lifetime elite status .
Your guide to World of Hyatt lifetime elite status .
Your guide to Marriott Bonvoy lifetime elite status .

Million Miler airline status

Frequent flyer programs take the cake for having the highest number of metrics and counters on your account dashboard — but each one means something different.

The simplest number is your mileage account balance. These are typically called redeemable miles, as they're the ones you use to book award tickets.

Then you have your miles, dollars and segments determining your eligibility for elite status in a single calendar year. Last is your Million Miler balance, which is an entirely separate number.

You can pad your redeemable mileage balance with a welcome bonus on a new cobranded credit card and you can earn elite-qualifying miles faster by flying in a premium cabin. Still, those two activities won't always impact your march towards lifetime elite status.

American , for one, only counts the distance flown on American-marketed flights along with the base miles earned from partner flights. United , meanwhile, only considers the distance you've flown on United flights and excludes trips on partners. Delta is the simplest, as all Medallion Qualification Miles will count towards Million Miler status.

Related: What is Delta elite status worth ?

Bottom line: It takes a lot of actual flying to qualify for lifetime airline elite status.

Let's look at my nascent lifetime activity with American Airlines as an illustrative example. I've easily managed to qualify for AAdvantage Gold status for the last couple of years by earning 40,000 Loyalty Points each calendar year. What do I have to show for that? Just over 80,000 miles in my Million Miler balance. That's because not all Loyalty Points count toward lifetime status.

At this rate, it would take me years to reach a million qualifying miles. And what's waiting for me at the end? The same Gold status I already have along with a one-time bonus of 35,000 miles ( worth $619 based on TPG's current valuations , though who knows how much they'll be worth after almost four decades).

Maybe I'm not the ideal candidate for this status, so let's look at top-tier Executive Platinum elites. Despite logging 100,000 miles or more in a year, it would still take them a full decade to reach Million Miler status. Plus, rewarding an Executive Platinum elite with lifetime Gold status is about as meaningless as giving Emirates first-class passengers access to leftover drinks from the economy meal service.

Even at 2 million miles or 20 years of commitment, the highest elite status you can lock in with American Airlines' lifetime elite status program is Platinum. That would be a nice gift if it happened organically, but hardly enough of a reward to fly 2 million revenue miles with the same airline.

Related: What is American Airlines elite status worth ?

United's lifetime elite status program is potentially the only exception. Even though it only counts United flights towards qualification, your initial 1 million flight miles already gets you to Premier Gold, a mid-tier status equivalent to the highest tier you can possibly get with American. After 4 million lifetime flight miles, you'll lock in the carrier's exclusive Global Services tier , normally an invitation-only status reserved for the highest spenders.

To sweeten the pot even more, every United lifetime elite can designate a companion living at the same address to enjoy the same, current status. This means that if you're a lifetime Premier Platinum who's currently Premier 1K, your companion will also enjoy Premier 1K status. With United's shift towards revenue-based elite qualification , the ability to lock in a higher tier of status forever and not have to consistently spend thousands of dollars a year sounds pretty appealing.

I still wouldn't view United's Million Miler program as sufficient in and of itself to choose it as your primary carrier. Again, flying a million miles is a long-term commitment. I'd argue that short-term considerations are more important, like how well the route map of United and its partner airlines meets your travel needs, how competitive the fares are and even how modern and comfortable the cabins are on the routes you fly most.

Related: What is United Airlines elite status worth ?

Lifetime hotel elite status

Hotel status is a tougher question, since 10 to 15 years can be enough time to lock in a lifetime of top-tier status with major programs.

As an example, a Marriott Platinum Elite who stays 60 nights a year for 10 years will have no problem locking up lifetime Platinum, as this requires 600 total nights plus at least 10 years with Platinum (or higher) status. Lifetime Platinum includes perks like free breakfasts and space-available upgrades, including suites.

This is even accelerated for holders of Marriott's cobranded credit cards, like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card , Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card , as they offer 15 nights of elite credit each year. Ten years with any of those cards alone will get you 25% of the way to lifetime Platinum, though be aware that lifetime Platinums do not get Choice Benefits each year .

Alternatively, you can simply get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card , which awards 25 elite-qualifying nights every year and comes with automatic Platinum status.

Related: How to choose the best Marriott Bonvoy card for you

Hilton lifetime elite status is a bit harder but still doable in a faster timeframe than airlines. If you hit 60 nights a year (the minimum threshold to qualify for Diamond each year), you'll snag lifetime Diamond status in less than 17 years. Of course, this status is also available to holders of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card , but completing 1,000 nights and accruing 10 years of Hilton Diamond status is the only way to guarantee your top-tier status for life.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: How to choose the best Hilton credit card for you

Bringing up the rear in terms of ease of attainment is Hyatt Lifetime Globalist status , which requires 1 million base points ($200,000 in spending). There's no way to sidestep this threshold; you must spend that amount to lock in the program's top-tier status for life.

Which hotel program should you pursue lifetime status with?

This is a strong argument to stick to either Marriott or Hilton year after year if you can, but as with any elite status qualification, make sure you understand the value of what you're getting (a decade down the road) and how much you're willing to spend now to make that happen.

Marriott Bonvoy arguably has the most generous lifetime status policy of any major hotel chains, but that isn't reason enough to throw your loyalty at them. You must accrue multiple years of Marriott loyalty and everything that entails. If that's not the best fit for your travel needs, no amount of lifetime status can justify sticking by a program for a decade or longer.

Related: How I earned Hyatt Globalist status for $0 out of pocket

Bottom line

So, should you deliberately go after lifetime elite status? In general, it's probably not worth going out of your way, as Million Miler and lifetime hotel status programs have been carefully designed so you can't "pursue" them any other way than being totally loyal to that brand. Sure, you might use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card for some nights or even a year or two of elite status instead of staying at Marriott properties. However, you're still engaging with the Bonvoy rewards program and creating revenue for Marriott. There's no way you'll earn lifetime elite status if you aren't willing to devote your business to the same brand for a long time.

That said, if you're loyal and happy with the value you're getting now, lifetime status can be a nice bonus in the future. Just remember that a lot can change in 10 years and many people who earned lifetime status with SPG aren't thrilled with what their benefits look like today. If you've run the numbers on your future travel and think you might be able to qualify for lifetime status, you should keep that in the back of your mind. Just remember how far in the future that will be, and don't let it overly inform your decisions today.

Additional reporting by Ben Smithson.

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Editor's note: Delta shared several updates to its SkyMiles Program on Oct. 18, modifying some of the changes announced in September and adding several new benefits. Read the full story at the link below:

Delta is simplifying its award-winning SkyMiles Program , with Medallion Qualification Dollars serving as the only qualifier for Medallion Status.

As you learn about all the ways to earn those MQDs toward Status —with flights, the MQD Boost benefit on select American Express Cards, car rentals and stays and Delta Vacations experiences — here are several things you should remember about the program and what changes for you.

These changes won’t impact your 2024 Medallion Status — just how you earn for 2025.

Status for 2024 is earned in 2023. These changes are first applicable in 2024 toward 2025 Status.

Members won’t lose any Rollover MQMs accrued — you’ll have options to convert them.

In early 2024, SkyMiles Members will be given a choice of converting any Rollover MQMs earned during 2023 to redeemable miles, MQDs, or a combination of both. Links to the selection page will be shared with Members via email, and customers will also be able to access the conversion page through the My SkyMiles page on Delta.com and the Fly Delta app.

Million Milers move up in Complimentary Upgrade priority.

Delta has refreshed its Complimentary Upgrade process for 2024, and Million Miler Status will move up in the hierarchy for Complimentary Upgrades to the third priority position.

Million Miler Status will calculate through lifetime flight miles.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, miles toward Million Miler Status will calculate through lifetime flight miles and no longer through MQMs. We will continue to track the miles you fly with us, and those who accumulate 1 million flight miles will be invited to join the Million Miler Program. Members’ MQM balances already earned toward Million Miler Status will remain, and flight miles will be added to these.

For Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members: MQD Waiver and Status Boost will end on Dec. 31, 2023.

Given the streamlined changes to the Program and the introduction of the new MQD Boost benefit for select Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards, both the MQD Waiver and Status Boost benefits will end on Dec. 31, 2023.

For the first time, SkyMiles Members living outside of the U.S. will now earn Status via MQDs.

Until now, Members outside the U.S. earned Status based on MQMs or MQSs. Starting Jan. 1, currencies convert to USD at the standard exchange rate and will then convert from $1 USD to $1 MQD.

Not finding what you need?

All About U.S.-Based Lifetime Airline Passes

I think the most valuable would be a lifetime pass to an airline – and there used to be such a thing

Not surprisingly, some people took more advantage of that American Airlines ticket than would be expected. As per the Los Angeles Times in 2012,

“”We thought originally it would be something that firms would buy for top employees,” said Bob Crandall, American’s chairman and chief executive from 1985 to 1998. “It soon became apparent that the public was smarter than we were.” The unlimited passes were bought mostly by wealthy individuals, including baseball Hall-of-Famer Willie Mays, America’s Cup skipper Dennis Conner and computer magnate Michael Dell. Mike Joyce of Chicago bought his in 1994 after winning a $4.25-million settlement after a car accident. In one 25-day span this year, Joyce flew round trip to London 16 times, flights that would retail for more than $125,000. He didn’t pay a dime. “I love Rome, I love Sydney, I love Athens,” Joyce said by phone from the Admirals Club at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. “I love Vegas and Frisco.”

(BTW, I highly recommend reading the whole Los Angeles Times article about American Airlines’ investigations into some of the people who bought and “overused” these lifetime passes, if you get a chance – it’s fascinating)

Photo via Swiss-Miss.com

JetBlue has occasionally sold “All You Can Jet” deals, which allowed you to travel as much as you wanted during a certain period of time. Choices included $699 for 30 days of unlimited travel or $499 for 30 days of unlimited travel (excluding Fridays and Saturdays). They haven’t made any of those types of tickets available since around 2010, but in late 2017, JetBlue had a contest where they gave away 3 AYCJ tickets that were good from early 2018 to early 2019.

Frontier has also been offering (I guess what you could call a “seasonal”) unlimited pass for the past couple of years. In that they even cut the price of it by 50% not long ago.

The only company in recent years that offered any sort of “unlimited” pass for nationwide travel was through a company called OneGo . Described as “Netflix for flights” by Business Insider ;-), OneGo, launched in early 2016, was a subscription flight service that had connections (you see what I did there?) with 76 airlines that served over 700 routes across the U.S. For a $450 startup fee and then a monthly fee (i.e., $1,500 per month to fly anywhere on the west coast. $1,950 per month to fly above the central states. $2,300 per month to fly anywhere on the east coast or $2,950 to fly anywhere across the U.S.), you had unlimited flights (which turned out to actually have a whole lot of caveats in regards to, among other things, when you could book or change your flights, how many upcoming flights you could have on record at the same time, etc.). OneGo got a lot of good press when it first started in early 2016, but in researching for this article, I found a few articles from mile & point blogs that described their first-hand experience with the company ( One Mile At A Time was one of them). I went to OneGo’s website in 2018 and got this:

Welp, so much for that. Whomp whomp.

There are a few small, membership-only companies that offer private, charter flights for a reduced price, but they don’t offer flights on commercial airlines.

So there you have it. Apparently, “lifetime passes” (or “monthtime passes”) are pretty much a thing of the past, or at least are available about as often as people win the lottery ;-). Granted, they were a whole lot of money, but in offering anything “unlimited,” the company can’t sustain what they originally offered, or runs the risk of customers pushing the line of that unlimitedness. That’s probably why none of those “unlimited” tickets are still for sale today.

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10 comments.

AirCanada offers FlightPass, they have unlimited options.

A while back I was working on a project with someone who was commuting 350 miles each way. But FlightPass has overseas passes too.

Just not a pay-once-for-life package.

The National Park Service still offers “lifetime passes”, called the America the Beautiful pass. The cost for seniors went up last year, but at $80 it’s still a good deal if one is a frequent visitor to National Parks. Free passes are available for those with permanent disabilities, 4th grade students, and volunteers who have met a specific level of service. Details may be found here: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#CP_JUMP_5088578

Thanks Melody! Funny thing is, I wrote about the American The Beautiful price increase when it happened – just didn’t put 2+2 together. I’ve updated the post. Thank-you for the heads up!

United used to sell these as well for similar prices to the AA deal. In fact Tom Stucker who gets all the press for flying like a million miles a year and over 20million lifetime, is on one of these passes. They probably made a lot of sense back then thinking that older folks might buy them then have travel tail off but clearly some ppl are using them to the nth degree. Good for them.

Independence Air used to have all you could jet passes for students for $250 for travel between May 1st through August 31st on certain days. The airline didn’t last though.

The closest thing to the All-You-Can-Fly-Pass these days is working for the airline (mainline)… and flying non-rev.

I considered the American Airlines pass in the 1980’s. I was even thinking of borrowing money from my parents to pay for it. I did not because 1. it was a lot of money and 2. I was afraid AA would file for bankruptcy resulting in voided passes. Good news for pass holders is that AA passes from the 1980’s are still honored.

If I would have bought a pass, it would have created lots of inconvenient trips by having to connect in DFW or ORD instead of a non-stop. As far as cost, not counting inflation and lost investment opportunity, I think I have spent almost $200,000 in airfare in 40 years and, if airfare were “free”, I would have gone on many more trips.

It’s called buying a private jet.

I bought the family admirals club card for a “life time” and must say now after 20+ years it was a bargain i do not think they sell them anymore ,wish i had known about unlimited life time flight passes i would have bought that also

United also offered a lifetime pass. And they are sill honored. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/06/23/united-airlines-very-frequent-flyer/

Delta Air Lines Now Lets You Earn Lifetime Diamond Medallion Status

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Delta Lifetime Diamond Medallion Status

Delta Air Lines offers its loyalty members four tiers of elite status: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Frequent flyers can also earn lifetime Million Miler Status based on total Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) earned over a Member’s lifetime.

But there’s now a new lifetime tier that you can earn. Until now you would get lifetime Silver Medallion status for reaching 1 million miles, and go up to lifetime Platinum status when you reach 4 million miles. But Delta has added the ability to earn Lifetime Diamond Medallion status as well if you get to 6 million miles.

But flying six million miles in not an easy feat. You would have to fly 240 times around the globe to reach that number. Diamond Medallion status normally requires 125,000 MQMs per year. So if you are flying just the minimum qualifying miles for Diamond Medallion status, it would take you 48 years to get to Lifetime Diamond. But it can be done in a shorter time as well .

Diamond offers exclusive benefits such as the highest Complimentary Upgrade priority and Premium Boarding. You can also enjoy benefits like a complimentary CLEAR membership to ease through airport security, customizable Choice Benefits with Delta Sky Club access, Rollover MQMs and more. Million Miler Medallion Status is for the earning Medallion Member only and cannot be gifted or transferred to another Member. You can see full details about Diamond Medallion Status here .

Million Miler Status is already hard enough. Getting to six million MQMs takes real dedication and a whole lot of time being up in the air.

Let us know if you have Million Miler Status, and if you think you can get to Lifetime Diamond Medallion status.

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Yeah decent chance I will make it. But at the end of the day either you do or your don’t.

As it is Lifetime Platinum is outrageously priced If you fly 25 k a yr for 40 yrs you get lifetime Silver If you fly 50 k a yr for 40 yrs you get lifetime Gold If you fly 75 k a yr for 40 yrs you get lifetime nothing extra – It needs another 1M to get to Platinum lifetime If they had made Lifetime Plat at 3M and lifetime DM at 5 M then it is consistent Yet another example of the way in which they abuse their top tier elites

I’m only at the 1 million miler tier, and that level means absolutely nothing. The flight I hit the million mile mark a couple years ago I was in First Class and mentioned it to the flight attendant (even had my Delta app showing where I was mileage wise – I was excited to hit the mark, which seems silly now) and her response was meh and a shrug. Literally.

Dont bother, they will dilute the benefits compared to the “regular diamonds.” What have you done for me lately???

At 3 million and 74 years old so I’m not holding my breath to double that….thanks, but zI’ll pass….

Delta Air Lines Restarts Service Between New York and Venice

Delta airlines raises checked bag fees starting today, delta offers special path-of-totality flight on april 8th, now live convert your delta rollover mqms.

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How Airline Employees and Their Families Fly Free

If you know somebody who works for an airline, you've probably heard them talking about their flight benefits. One of the perks of working for an airline is "free" travel to anywhere that carrier or its partners fly, but there are plenty of conditions.

Traveling for Free as an Airline Employee

The most important point to clear up is that airline employees do pay for their travel unless they are commuting for work. Even though they may not be responsible for covering the airfare that you would normally pay to fly, they are responsible for paying the taxes and fees on their tickets.

Airline employees traveling for pleasure are referred to as "non-revenue passengers." In other words, the carrier isn't making any money off them, so they're prioritized below the lowest paying revenue passenger (including those traveling on award tickets). Most airline employees also fly standby, so they won't know if they're going to make it on a flight until after everyone else has made it on board. With unpopular routes, there shouldn't be any trouble, but if they're traveling on international flights to cities that the airline only serves once each day, and the flight is full, they'll have to try again. If they have prepaid accommodations or tours, standby travel can actually end up being very costly.

Even with their benefits, the taxes and fees alone—which include security fees, international fees, and fuel surcharges—can total hundreds of dollars on an international itinerary. And while their total travel costs are lower most of the time, they hardly get to fly for free.

The good news for employees is that in certain situations, any seat may be up for grabs. If there's a first class or business class seat that hasn't been sold, they may end up getting to sit there for the same "price" as traveling in economy, or for a little extra. Of course, there's no guarantee, and even passengers using upgrade certificates or miles to move up to the next cabin have a higher priority.

Discount Travel for Friends and Family of Airline Employees

Sometimes friends and family can get in on the "non-revenue passenger" travel. Each airline has different policies and procedures for an employee's "non-revenue" guest, ranging from buddy passes to full-out booking options. Here are the policies of four major airlines in the U.S.

American Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Qualified American Airlines employees are allowed to fly for free, along with their registered guests and companions. Retirees who pass the "65-point plan" (a minimum of 10 years of active service, and the retiree's age plus years of service must equal or exceed 65) also qualify for "non-revenue" travel. Those who wish to travel business class or above must pay an additional fee, based on their itinerary. Fees for premium domestic travel inside the United States are based on distance, while international premium cabin travel is a flat fee based on the destination.

What about friends or companions that aren't parents, spouses, or children? Qualifying American Airlines employees are allocated a certain number of "buddy passes" each year. Buddy pass travelers receive lower boarding priority than American employees on vacation, other employees and eligible travelers, retirees and parents.

Lastly, American Airlines employees can opt to buy full price tickets, to which a 20 percent employee discount is applied; this ensures an assigned seat and is considered a full fare ticket.

Delta Buddy Pass Policies

Much like American, Delta employees get to extend their travel privileges to friends and family. However, how it applies is a different policy than their Dallas-based counterpart.

After successfully working for Delta for 30 days, employees are allowed to use their free travel benefits to see the world. Additionally, spouses, minor-dependent children up to 19 years old (or 23 for full-time students) and parents may also receive reduced-rate travel. That doesn't extend to everyone: non-dependent children, travel companions, extended families, and guests are only eligible for reduced-rate travel.

When flying on a Delta buddy pass or as part of an airline program, everyone is boarded on a standby basis. If there is room available after all other passengers have been accounted for, then the benefit flyers can board. According to the employee benefit page, domestic flights are "free" but travels to international destinations are subject to government and airport fees.

Southwest Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Even though it's open seating, Southwest Airlines passengers are allowed to snag open seats on flights as part of their benefits package.

Employees receive free, unlimited travel privileges and can offer their Southwest travel benefits to their eligible dependents: spouses or committed registered partner, eligible dependent children 19 or younger (24 if they are full-time students), and parents. While Southwest has agreements with other airlines for benefits, traveling "non-revenue" is not always a free experience, as fees can apply based on the carrier and destination.

Southwest employees also have the benefits of "SWAG Points." When employees are recognized for their good work or take part in incentive programs, they can earn points that can be exchanged for buddy passes, frequent flyer points, or event tickets.

United Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

At United, employees still get to hand out buddy passes to their friends and family, but the scope is very limited. According to the airline, employees and their families may receive travel privileges which include discounted rates and unlimited standby travel.

What does the program actually look like? A bulletin from the Association of Flight Attendants outlines the program in detail. Employees must select their friends eligible for "non-revenue" travel in December for the next year. After the deadline passes, no friends can be added to their list. Employees can also elect to receive 12 buddy passes every year to distribute among friends.

What kind of pass also matters at United. Enrolled friends traveling with the employee, retiree, or their spouse are given the highest boarding priority, while those flying alone on a buddy pass are given the lowest priority.

What to Know About Buddy Pass Travel

Friends of airline employees get to fly for a cheap price if room is available—sounds like a good deal, right? Unfortunately, it's not as easy as having your airline employed friend book a ticket, passing the TSA checkpoint , and going on vacation.

As noted above, flyers on a buddy pass are the lowest passengers on the standby list. If their flight is just about full, there's a good chance they won't make it on board. Buddy pass passengers are usually only permitted to fly in coach, but the policies vary by airline.

In addition, buddy pass flyers are considered representatives of the airline, no matter how old they are. As a result, they must adhere to a strict dress code, which often includes business-casual dress standards. If they do not meet these strict criteria, they may be denied boarding with no sources of repayment.

The Worst Times to Fly as a Non-Revenue Passenger

Using free or buddy pass travel is a terrible idea during peak times, such as:

The Sunday after Thanksgiving
Holiday weeks (Christmas week, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.)
Any time that there's inclement weather , like the winter months

If a flight is canceled, all of the displaced passengers will be accommodated on the next scheduled flight. If it's full, they'll end up on the standby list above non-revenue passengers. As an example: If a plane that holds 250 passengers isn't permitted to fly, that could mean 250 people ahead of you on the list (although that's an extreme example).

"Non-revenue" travel can be quite rewarding, but it's important to remember that you may end up not flying that day, or you could be stranded in a city that you weren't planning to visit. If that happens, you're on the hook for meals and hotel rooms—the airline won't help at all. Before you ask your friend for help and try your hand as a "non-revenue" flyer, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of every situation. In some situations, it may be cheaper to pay for your ticket instead of flying on a buddy pass.

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Elevating your travel

These Airlines Offer “All You Can Fly” Passes – At Tempting Rates…

AirAsia ASEAN Pass- Asia

Cost: $160-$290

AirAsia, the beloved discount carrier serving 10 Southeast Asian countries, and 70 destinations and counting offers a potentially lucrative air pass. There are two passes, good for 10 flights in 30 days, or 20 flights in 60 days. The 60 day pass goes for $290, offering potential to visit 20 Asian cities in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Philippines. Full details . As a discount carrier – extras will cost extra.

Airline Alliance Passes – Worldwide

Cost: Varies.

Though they’re not at all publicized, virtually each major alliance and their respective airlines offer unlimited flight passes for each continent. To be eligible, you need to fly to that region from somewhere outside the region, using the same airline alliance. These passes can generally only be booked and quoted over the phone – but they can save a fortune, while also earning miles. Here’s SkyTeam , OneWorld and Star Alliance too.

Azul Air Pass – Brazil

Cost: $399-$499.

If you’re headed to Brazil, this may be your ticket. For anyone venturing to the country from outside Brazil , Azul has a variety of passes which offer unlimited flights. 10 days of unlimited flying would run $399, whereas 21 days would jump to just $499. There’s so much to see from rainforest to beaches, so this can be a great way to save. Full details .

British Airways Flight Pass – Europe

British Airways flight pass allows frequent travelers to hedge their costs. The pass does not allow travelers to mix and match cities, but rather to lock in a set number of flights on any route for a set price. Prices start £45 one way, for flights between London and European destinations. Restrictions may make this unfriendly for some, but for others it could be a great move. Full details .

Southwest Companion Pass – US (Hawaii Too)

Cost: Roughly $5.60 per flight, for unlimited flights all year.

The Southwest Companion Pass is an incredible pick up for travel with a companion. Covering the U.S. and Hawaii, the pass allows a second person to “fly free” all year, even when the primary person is using points. The second person just pays the taxes of roughly $5.60. It’s possible to earn the pass just with credit card spending – making this very lucrative- even if you don’t fly! Yet…

As for the JetBlue contest , you have a far better chance of being struck by lightning, eaten by a shark or winning the lottery – but go for it .

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

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Delta’s Elite Status Match Program Is Back — Here’s How You Can Apply

Have have elite status on a different airline? You can now apply to get three free months of Delta Medallion status benefits.

Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

Delta’s latest status match applications are live for the 2024 year, giving travelers the chance to get free upgrades, checked bags, and many more benefits through its Medallion program.

“The Medallion Status Match Challenge is a program designed to give you the opportunity to switch your airline loyalty to Delta,” the airline shared on its website .

Travelers who have elite status on a different airline can now apply to get three free months of Delta Medallion status benefits. Then, upon completing qualifying flight activities during that promotional window, travelers can keep their newly minted Delta status until 2026.

Delta’s status comparison chart shows which airlines are eligible and their equivalent level in the Medallion program. Domestic airlines including Alaska, American, JetBlue, Southwest, and United all qualify, while there are some international programs included in the offer, too.

While there are four status levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond), travelers will only be able to match their current status up to the Platinum Medallion level.

Only SkyMiles members who have been enrolled in the program for at least 30 days can apply for the offer. In addition, those who have previously applied for a Delta status match in the past three years are ineligible.

To apply, travelers will need to fill out the form detailing their contact information, status on another airline, and any supporting documentation, such as a physical or digital membership card.

During the three-month trial period, SkyMiles members could potentially get their elite status extended through January 31, 2026, by earning the required Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs):

Silver: $1,250 MQDs
Gold: $2,500 MQDs
Platinum: $3,750 MQDs

It’s unclear how long it takes for Delta to approve applications, but the airline says the three-month complimentary period will begin 24 hours after receiving the confirmation email.

Late last year, Delta changed up its elite status program by making MQDs the sole qualification metric. Put simply, travelers can earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on the airline, though eligible Delta cardholders can earn MQDs from credit card spending as well.

Delta isn’t the only airline to offer a status match program, which is open for a new slate of applicants every new year. Major legacy airlines American Airlines and United Airlines offer similar status match programs with the hopes of swaying customers to fly with them instead.

There’s a reason elite status is so popular, as the benefits can be quite beneficial for frequent flyers. With Delta’s program, all Medallion members are eligible for space-available upgrades to first class, priority boarding, and access to a dedicated phone line.

Simple Flying

Unlimited flight passes: what airlines don't want you to know.

With passenger traffic drastically lower in this first quarter of 2020, we've seen a few airlines offering unlimited flight passes at eye-catching, hard-to-resist prices. These have mainly been in Southeast Asia, where prices are already relatively low. But as the saying goes, "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is" - and that might be the case for these passes...

Who's offering unlimited flight passes?

In recent times we've seen several carriers offer unlimited flight passes for a set fee. So far we've reported on the following:

Canada's Flair Air*
AirAsia X (out of Malaysia, to Japan, Korea, India, and Australia)
Vietnam's VietJet Air
and Bamboo Airways - another Vietnamese carrier

All of these airlines are offering seemingly amazing deals on unlimited flight passes that range anywhere from 90 days to about one year. For Flair, VietJet, and Bamboo, destinations are limited to domestic only. However, AirAsia X takes travelers quite a bit further, flying pass holders between Japan, Korea, India, and Australia, mainly through its hub in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

At a time like this, the primary intention is to re-energize and stimulate travel demand in an adverse and challenging economic climate. But behind the flashy marketing is a catch that prospective customers need to be aware of before getting their credit cards ready.

*It appears that Flair put out their promotion too early, before realizing the severity of global events. Its Go Travel Pass information page has since been removed from the airline's website.

The big catch

Common throughout all of our example-passes listed above is the fact that they only cover the essential fare portion of the flight.

AirAsia's Unlimited Pass "excludes government taxes and fees, add ons, and other charges." VietJet offers only the "free base fare ticket" and "does not include VAT" while Bamboo Airways' pass covers "100% of the basic fare of Bamboo Plus ticket".

Essentially, what all of this means is that pass holders are still on the hook for a large portion of the ticket cost for each flight. There are cases where the base fare is only 50-60% of the full cost of the ticket, meaning you could still be paying 40-50% of each flight.

So what are all these extra fees not included? Look closely at your receipt/ticket next time, and you might just see a long list of random and vague items added to the cost of your ticket. One of our recent flights showed the following:

Airport Departure Tax
Air Transport Tax
Four different types of Airport Passenger Service Charges
Airport Service Charge
Airport Security Charge
Security Charge
Carrier-imposed international surcharge
Currency conversion surcharge

Another ticket from another airline seemed a little more simple, only adding Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge.

While the first example is from a European carrier flying out of the Middle East and may not apply to other airlines, that doesn't mean it's exceptional. Around the world, ticket costs will often include several fees that you will have to pay, despite holding an "unlimited pass."

Is it still a good deal?

Yes and No. It depends on the airline, the flight, and the taxes you will encounter with your itinerary. One airport's taxes and security charges may be far less than another.

It also depends on how frequently you use your pass. You could indeed recoup the value of your pass over its lifespan - but you'll be spending additional money at the same time- just be sure to take that into account. Also, keep in mind that you're locked into using a specific airline, forced to fly on days and times that you might find less when ideal compared to what other carriers are offering.

There are a lot of factors and a lot of things to think about.

It's essential to read the fine print before getting too excited about a seemingly good deal. If saving money is your primary concern, then you'll have to sit down and do some calculations on how much you'll use your unlimited pass.

Yes, if used correctly, it is indeed possible to save some money - but probably not as much as you were expecting!

With all of this in mind, would you still purchase an unlimited pass? Let us know in the comments!

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Is the American Airlines AirPass Worth It?

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Whether or not the American Airlines AirPass is worth it depends. If you’re always on the hunt for the cheapest fare, then most likely no. However, if you’re a high-flying, frequent American Airlines customer, the AirPass program may be worth considering. Joining requires significant cash outlay, but this upfront payment then acts as a credit balance for travelers to draw from when purchasing future travel.

The AirPass also includes many elite status perks and guaranteed pricing, but is it worth it? Or are you better off simply spending as you go when buying American Airlines flights?

Here’s a rundown of the American Airlines AirPass program, plus who can get the most value from the upfront investment.

What is AirPass?

The American Airlines AirPass program is nothing new; American has offered iterations of the program for years. In short, the program allows members to purchase unrestricted tickets at a discount by putting down a large deposit up front. Ticket purchases are later deducted from the balance like a debit system.

This has been a useful tool for the airline to get upfront payment for future travel while providing perks and protection against last-minute fare hikes in exchange. The program is especially attractive to some corporate and business travel customers that buy expensive last-minute tickets and are prone to making frequent changes to them (often at great expense).

However, due to cheaper airfare and recently loosened ticketing rules that allow free changes on both domestic and international tickets, buying unrestricted tickets makes less sense these days than before. Still, since many corporate customers prefer maximum flexibility on their tickets, including generous routing rules and less travel restrictions, AirPass targets the last-minute business traveler.

Lifetime AirPass

In the 1980s, while the airline was struggling financially, the airline offered a lifetime AirPass (formerly known as AAirpass) for $250,000. The cost of the pass increased over time and was discontinued in the 1990s.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

AirPass benefits

Fixed-price fares with companion privileges.

Membership is primarily built around the opportunity to purchase fixed-price fares, which eliminates concern over price fluctuation on American and several partner airlines , including Finnair, Iberia and Japan Airlines (when these flights are ticketed through American).

Even though ticket changes are allowed for most travelers these days, most changes are still subject to a difference in fare. This sometimes means a substantial price hike — especially for last-minute changes — and flyers are on the hook to make up the cost difference. With AirPass, travelers are protected against that with guaranteed pricing. Members can book the last seat on a given flight and be assured that it will still cost them the original fixed price.

AirPass members can also bring along a companion. Their tickets are priced according to the member’s rates and flexibility policies.

Instant elite status

Depending on the level of investment in the program, AirPass members are granted instant elite status.

» Learn more: Guide to American Airlines elite status

Priority services

From check-in to boarding, AirPass members can use Priority Access lanes to avoid longer lines. There is no charge to check a bag either.

Lounge access

A membership to Admirals Club lounges is part of AirPass membership, and this includes the standard guest privileges that come with being a member. Of course, if this is the most important reason you're considering AirPass, a credit card that comes with Admirals Club access like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® would make more sense.

In-flight amenities

Instant upgrades to better seats, including Main Cabin Extra or Preferred seating, are part of the program, regardless of the member’s AAdvantage status. Depending on the elite status earned, AirPass members are also eligible for complimentary premium cabin upgrades on many flights and free in-flight Wi-Fi. If seated in the main cabin, AirPass members are also treated to a free snack or meal, plus two alcoholic drinks.

Waived same-day change fees

There is no fee to make a same-day flight change, and the ability to change flights both before and on the day of travel without any fees or difference in fare (if routing remains the same, since AirPass uses flat pricing) is one of the primary benefits.

Mileage earning

Another AirPass perk is the substantial Elite Qualifying Miles bonuses travelers will earn with AAdvantage: All purchased AirPass tickets are eligible for mileage earning, and those tickets booked within seven days of departure book into the first (F), business (J), premium economy (W) and main cabin (Y) fare buckets.

If you have elite status, your mileage earnings will be even higher.

AirPass customer service

In addition to signing up online, American Airlines offers a customer service phone number to help travelers register for an account. The number is 800-433-6355.

What does AirPass cost?

Depending on the level of membership, AirPass costs between $10,000 and $30,000. There are personal and shared memberships available, with the latter allowing the initial prepayment (charged per member) to be used across multiple travelers.

Shared membership comes with an allocation of elite status for each member, but the status level varies based on the investment amount between the primary member and those with whom the AirPass is being shared.

How much do individual flights cost?

To determine the cost of your most frequent routes, there’s an online calculator that gives you the standard AirPass fares for any route you search. Flights are calculated on a one-way, cost-per-mile basis using a flat 40-cents-per-mile base times a cabin multiplier.

For example, a main cabin flight between Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago-O'Hare comes out to just under $400 based on the distance, cost per mile and cabin multiplier.

AirPass fares offer flat pricing and the ability to change your ticket whenever you need to. Even though they won’t be the cheapest tickets, for many types of travelers, that flexibility is paramount and what makes AirPass so valuable.

Is AirPass worth it?

Let’s face it: AirPass is not for travelers who buy basic economy or the cheapest tickets. It is designed for frequent flyers who want flexibility in their travel and are willing to pay for it. Don’t consider this an option if you typically buy only the most affordable flights; AirPass won’t save you money.

AirPass fares are often priced substantially higher than most other tickets, but protect members from even higher last-minute fares if they need to change a ticket.

AirPass doesn't charge change or cancellation fees for tickets, but airlines are generally waiving those restrictions for current travel. This means one of the primary benefits of AirPass is now available to everyone, making it less advantageous.

While flight changes may be free, the difference in fare always applies. With AirPass, fixed-price ticketing makes large swings in price less of an issue.

One caveat: AirPass members who buy the cheapest “PlanAhead” fares and make a change within seven days of departure lose the ability to keep the discounts associated with this ticket type. Instead, these travelers must pay the flat AirPass main cabin fare. Still, the difference in fare is a preset price, so the predictability of what you will pay remains the same.

The bottom line

If you make lots of changes to travel plans, especially at the last minute, and need to have maximum flexibility with ticketing rules, AirPass provides value. In addition, it adds Admirals Club membership, elite status and other in-flight benefits. For corporations that don’t already have a ticketing contract with airlines for special fares, it can make a lot of sense.

AirPass is not for everyone, but for a select few who do the cost-benefit analysis, it might be worth trying for the price predictability and flexibility of its fares. For the vast majority of value-conscious road warriors among us, however, AirPass is not the best fit.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Citibank Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard® Credit Card

on Citibank's application

1x Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.

70,000 Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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As our most loyal Members, Diamond and Platinum Medallion® Members get to select exclusive and customizable Choice Benefits that offer flexibility and options. Choice Benefits enable you to customize your benefits to what matters most to you each Medallion Year.

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Choice Benefits Selection Deadlines

2024 Medallion Year: You may select 1 benefit when you qualify for Platinum Medallion Status and 3 benefits when you qualify for Diamond Medallion Status. Selection opens immediately after you earn Status and benefits must be selected by January 31, 2025.

2025 Medallion Year: You may select 1 benefit when you qualify for Platinum Medallion Status and 3 benefits when you qualify for Diamond Medallion Status. Selection opens immediately after you earn Status and benefits must be selected by January 31, 2026.

Learn how to reach Medallion Status for 2025.

Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates

Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates have a higher priority than Medallion Complimentary Upgrade requests. Certificates must be booked and flown by the end of the Medallion Year associated with that Choice Benefit selection, regardless of when the Choice Benefit was selected.

Global Upgrades

On Delta and select partner-operated flights, one-way Global Upgrade Certificates can be used for yourself and/or multiple companions on all paid, published Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+® and Main Cabin fares, except on Basic Economy. They can also be used on Award Travel tickets and Miles + Cash tickets on Delta-operated flights, Pay with Miles tickets, Companion Certificates and tickets booked as a part of a Delta Vacations® package.

Regional Upgrades

On Delta flights, one-way Regional Upgrade Certificates can be used for yourself and/or multiple companions on all paid, published Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin fares, except on Basic Economy. They can also be used on Award Travel tickets and Miles + Cash tickets on Delta-operated flights, Pay with Miles tickets, Companion Certificates and tickets booked as a part of a Delta Vacations® package. You can use these certificates on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, including all flights with First Class and the domestic Delta One® experience.

Before selecting, review the guidelines for use to get the most out of your Upgrade Certificates

American Express Statement Credit

Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members with a Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve or Reserve Business American Express Card can choose to receive a statement credit on 1 of the above Cards associated with their SkyMiles account, per Medallion Status tier. Benefit limited to Basic Card Members.

The American Express statement credit for the 2024 Medallion Choice Benefits will be fulfilled within 6-8 weeks of selection. For the 2025 Medallion Choice Benefits, the statement credit will be fulfilled starting July 1, 2024 and may take up to 6-8 weeks from that date. The selected Card must not be canceled or past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment to receive the American Express Statement Credit. Terms and conditions apply .

Apply for an Eligible Card.

Request an upgrade to an Eligible Card by calling the number on the back of your current Card.

If a SkyMiles Member opens a Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve or Reserve Business American Express Card account, the Card will be associated with SkyMiles account 48 hours after approval, and American Express Statement Credit Choice Benefit will be available for selection after the Card Member has reached Platinum or Diamond Medallion Status.

Starbucks® Rewards Stars

Delta sky club memberships, mqd accelerator, give medallion status, bonus miles, delta vacations experience (flight + hotel), sustainable aviation fuel contribution.

Support our journey toward a sustainable future for aviation by contributing to our use of sustainable aviation fuel.

Learn more about sustainable aviation fuel.

Delta Travel Voucher

Wheels Up Flight Credit

Experience unparalleled private aviation travel with a Wheels Up flight credit. This flight credit is applied to new flight bookings and expires 12 months from issuance. The flight credit will be fulfilled beginning April 2024. Additional terms and conditions apply. This benefit can only be selected once, either within 2025 Platinum Choice Benefits or 2025 Diamond Choice Benefits.

Learn more about Wheels Up.

Upgrade Certificates

If you have an email address in your profile, you'll receive an email within 48 hours of making your Choice Benefit selections. To view your certificate numbers, visit  My Profile . Please view all fare rules and restrictions of  Upgrade Certificates .  

Upgrade certificates selected as part of the 2024 Medallion Year Choice Benefits program must be booked and flown by January 31, 2025. 

Upgrade certificates selected as part of the 2025 Medallion Year Choice Benefits program must be booked and flown by January 31, 2026. 

Diamond Medallion Members may only select Upgrade Certificates once for their 2024 or 2025 Medallion Year selections.

Delta Sky Club Individual Membership 

Members who qualify for 2025 Diamond Medallion Status may use two of their Choice Benefit selections to select a Delta Sky Club Individual Membership. You will receive an Individual Membership for the entire time between your Choice Benefits selection and the end of the 2025 Medallion Year (January 31, 2026). The Membership benefit will run simultaneously for Members possessing an existing Delta Sky Club Membership. 

This Choice Benefit may only be selected once per Medallion Year (regardless of Medallion Status). 

Delta Sky Club Executive Membership 

Members who qualify for 2024 Diamond Medallion Status may use three of their Choice Benefit selections for a Delta Sky Club Executive Membership. You will receive an Executive Membership for the entire time between your Choice Benefits selection and the end of the 2024 Medallion Year (January 31, 2025). The Membership benefit will run simultaneously for Members possessing an existing Delta Sky Club Membership. 

Members who qualify for 2025 Diamond Medallion Status may use three of their Choice Benefit selections for a Delta Sky Club Executive Membership. You will receive an Executive Membership for the entire time between your Choice Benefits selection and the end of the 2025 Medallion Year (January 31, 2026). The Membership benefit will run simultaneously for Members possessing an existing Delta Sky Club Membership. 

Delta Travel Voucher

Delta Travel Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. If you have an email address in your profile, within 48 hours, you will be sent an email containing redemption details of your voucher including all of the terms and conditions for Delta Travel Voucher use. If you do not have an email on file, you can view your certificate number in My Profile at delta.com under Certificates, eCredits and Vouchers. The Delta eCerts Credit Voucher may only be applied toward the Delta air portion of a Delta Vacations package. Delta Travel Voucher is non-transferable.   View Terms and Conditions of Delta Travel Vouchers.

This Choice Benefit may be selected more than once. 

American Express Statement Credit 

Members who qualify for 2025 Platinum Medallion Status and/or Diamond Medallion Status must have an active Basic Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, or an active Basic Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card (each, an “Eligible Card”) associated with their Delta SkyMiles account at the time of Choice Benefit selection to receive a statement credit.  

Limit one (1) statement credit selection at each Medallion Status tier (Platinum and Diamond). Members who qualify for both 2025 Platinum Medallion Status and 2025 Diamond Medallion Status may select a maximum of two (2) statement credits (one as their Choice Benefit for 2025 Platinum Medallion Status, and one as their Choice Benefit for 2025 Diamond Medallion Status); limit one (1) Eligible Card per selection. Statement credit is non-transferable and is only available to the Basic Card Member with an Eligible Card. 

For selections of the American Express Statement Credit for 2025 Medallion Choice Benefits made between February 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024, statement credits will be posted to the Eligible Card account beginning July 1, 2024 and may take up to 6-8 weeks from that date. For selections of the American Express Statement Credit for 2025 Medallion Choice Benefits made on or after July 1, 2024, please allow 6-8 weeks after your selection for statement credit(s) to be posted to the Eligible Card account. The Eligible Card must not be cancelled or past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment or the account will not receive the statement credit and the Choice Benefit will be void and not available for reissue.  

Starbucks® Rewards Stars 

This Choice Benefit is limited to U.S.-based SkyMiles Members who have also enrolled in Starbucks® Rewards. To qualify for this Choice Benefit, a SkyMiles Member must register for this offer and enter their SkyMiles Membership number to link their Starbucks® Rewards account on the Starbucks® app or Starbucks.com/delta (a “Linked Account”). Members can only link one Starbucks® Rewards account with one SkyMiles Member account.   

Choice Benefit Selection: Qualifying 2024 Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members who select the Starbucks® Choice Benefit offer will receive a single deposit of 4,000 Stars. Please allow up to 48 hours for the Stars to appear in your account.  

Qualifying: Members who qualify for 2024 Platinum Medallion Status may select this benefit once. Members who qualify for 2024 Diamond Medallion Status and selected Starbucks® as their Platinum Medallion Choice Benefit may select the Starbucks® Choice Benefit once more as a Diamond Status Choice Benefit selection.  

Star Expiration: Unused Stars expire six (6) months after the calendar month in which such Stars were deposited. 

Choice Benefit Selection: Qualifying 2025 Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members who select the Starbucks® Choice Benefit offer will receive a single deposit of 6,000 Stars. Please allow up to 48 hours for the Stars to appear in your account.  

Qualifying: Members who qualify for 2025 Platinum Medallion Status may select this benefit once. Members who qualify for 2025 Diamond Medallion Status and selected Starbucks® as their Platinum Medallion Choice Benefit may select the Starbucks® Choice Benefit once more as a Diamond Status Choice Benefit selection.  

Starbucks® Rewards: The Starbucks® Rewards program is governed by the Starbucks® Rewards Terms of Use and Starbucks® Privacy Policy. For more information and terms, visit  www.starbucks.com/rewards .  

View full Terms and Conditions of Starbucks Rewards.  

Delta reserves the right to modify or discontinue this benefit at any time without advance notice.  Delta may in its sole discretion substitute this Choice Benefit for an alternative benefit of equal or greater value (including after benefit selection). 

Medallion Qualification Dollars Accelerator

MQD Accelerator for Platinum and Diamond selections will be applied toward qualifying for the next Medallion Year Status: 2024 Medallion Choice Benefit selections will apply Medallion Qualification Dollars (“MQDs”) toward qualification for the 2025 Medallion Year; 2025 Medallion Choice Benefit selections will apply Medallion Qualification Dollars toward qualification for the 2026 Medallion Year. Medallion Qualification Dollars will not be viewable in My Profile and fulfilled until the next Medallion Year: for 2024 Medallion Choice Benefit selections made in calendar year 2023, MQDs will be deposited into the account in January 2024 for qualification toward the 2025 Medallion Year; for 2025 Medallion Choice Benefit selections made in calendar year 2024, MQDs will be deposited into the account in January 2025 for qualification toward the 2026 Medallion Year.  For 2024 Medallion Choice Benefit selections made after 12/31/2023, MQDs will be deposited into the account within 24 hours of selection for qualification toward the 2025 Medallion Year. For 2025 Medallion Choice Benefit selections made after 12/31/2024, MQDs will be deposited into the account within 24 hours of selection for qualification toward the 2026 Medallion Year. MQDs are non-transferable and cannot be gifted.

This Choice Benefit may be selected more than once per Medallion Year. 

Gifting Gold or Silver Medallion Status

For 2024 Medallion Status, Gifted Medallion Status can only be gifted to up to two (2) recipients who currently have no Medallion Status or have Medallion Status below the gifted Tier. Both Gifted Medallion Status Members must be determined at the time of selection. Members must have the SkyMiles Member number for both recipients to include at the time of selection.  Members who choose to only gift one Member status will not be allowed to redeem the second gift Status at a later date. Gifted Medallion Status will be effective within 48 hours of selection and digital Medallion credentials can be found in the Fly Delta app. For selections made for 2024 Choice Benefits, recipient status is valid through January 31, 2025. 

For 2025 Medallion Status, Gifted Medallion Status can only be gifted to up to two (2) recipients who currently have no Medallion Status or have Medallion Status below the gifted Tier. Both Gifted Medallion Status Members must be determined at the time of selection. Members must have the SkyMiles Member number for both recipients to include at the time of selection.  Members who choose to only gift one Member status will not be allowed to redeem the second gift Status at a later date. Gifted Medallion Status will be effective within 48 hours of selection and digital Medallion credentials can be found in the Fly Delta app. For selections made for 2025 Choice Benefits, recipient status is valid through January 31, 2026. 

Delta Vacations Experience (flight + hotel) 

Delta Vacations experience e-Certificates must be used on Delta Vacations flight + hotel packages within 12 months of issuance. A two-night minimum stay is required. E-Certificates are nontransferable and must be redeemed by the Medallion® Status Member. No minimum spend amount required to redeem the e-Certificate, and the e-Certificate may not be combined with any other offers. The full amount must be applied toward one purchase. A one-time e-Certificate promo code will be issued, which will be sent via email to the Medallion Status Member, along with redemption information. The e-Certificate will not be visible in the Medallion Status Member’s profile. This Choice Benefit may only be selected once per Medallion Year (regardless of Medallion Status). 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The $250 amount will be applied towards the premium (i.e., the incremental cost) paid by Delta for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), relative to traditional jet fuel. The SAF will be procured by Delta within a year of the Choice Benefit’s selection. This contribution is not tax deductible, and Delta makes no representations as to into-plane timing of SAF usage or that it will correlate with the Member’s travel plans. The Member does not receive any right or title to the SAF or any corresponding environmental attributes. 

Members who qualify for the Wheels Up flight credit will have a Wheels Up account created for them and the flight credit will be added to that account after the Member has accepted the Wheels Up account terms and conditions, or, if they are an existing Wheels Up Club member, the flight credit will be added to their existing account. Flight credits may only be used towards new future flights bookings on the Wheels Up “fleet” aircraft and will be automatically applied to Member’s next flight; provided, further, that Wheels Up reserves the right to fulfill Member’s booking request with Wheels Up “program” aircraft in its sole discretion. Flight credit can only be used to offset the cost of a flight, except that Wheels Up Shared Flights and Hot Flights are not eligible for flight credit. Flight credit cannot be used towards the cost of a Wheels Up membership, catering, ground transportation or other incidentals. Flight credit is not retroactive and cannot be applied to bookings made prior to receiving the flight credit. Flight credit is not transferrable or redeemable for any other purpose. Flight credit cannot be converted into cash or otherwise paid to Member. Upon termination of Member’s Wheels Up membership or account for any reason, and by any party, Member shall immediately forfeit any flight credit. Flight credit expires within 12 months from date of issuance.

Diamond Medallion members are eligible for a $2,000 flight credit and Platinum Medallion members are eligible for a $1,500 flight credit. Once this Choice Benefit is selected, Member will receive email instructions from Wheels Up to activate the flight credit. Flight credit may only be selected once per Medallion Year and once per Medallion tier (Platinum or Diamond).

Wheels Up Flight Credit is subject to additional terms and conditions of the Wheels Up program. You can learn more about Wheels Up at www.wheelsup.com .

Additional Terms & Conditions 

Members who reach Diamond or Platinum Medallion Status are immediately eligible to select Choice Benefits. American Express Centurion ® Members who are enrolled in complimentary Platinum Medallion Status must earn a minimum of $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) during each calendar year after enrollment to be eligible for Choice Benefits for that Medallion Year. Centurion Members who also possess a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card eligible for the MQD Headstart benefit will have their $2,500 Headstart MQDs count toward Medallion Qualification, but these MQDs will not count towards the $2,500 MQD Centurion Card threshold required for Platinum Medallion Status Choice Benefits.

Eligibility for Choice Benefits is based upon a Status change to Diamond or Platinum Medallion within a given Status year. For example, Members who qualify for 2025 Status in 2024 will only be eligible for 2025 Choice Benefits. Members who are eligible for Choice Benefits must make a selection before the end of the Medallion Year for which they are eligible for Choice Benefits. For example, Choice Benefit selections for 2024 Status need to be made by January 31, 2025 (end of the 2024 Medallion Year); selections for 2025 Status need to be made by January 31, 2026 (end of the 2025 Medallion Year).

Once redeemed, Choice Benefits cannot be exchanged or replaced.

Medallion Complimentary Upgrades are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. For full terms and conditions, visit Medallion Benefits Terms and Conditions . Taxes (and if applicable, fees) for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award seats may be limited and not available on all Delta Connection flights. Offers and benefits subject to change without notice.

All SkyMiles Program rules apply to SkyMiles Program Membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits. To review the rules, please visit   Membership Guide & Program Rules . All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club use. To review the rules, please visit  Delta Sky Club . Offers and benefits subject to change without notice. 

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IMAGES

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lifetime unlimited first class travel pass
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COMMENTS

Million Miler
Million Miler Status is based on total flight miles flown over a Member's lifetime (Lifetime Flight Miles). Beginning January 1, 2024, Million Miler Status will be earned via flight miles flown (excluding Basic Economy fares) and added to your total Million Miler balance. Any MQMs already earned toward Million Miler Status will remain.
Delta Air Lines lifetime elite status guide
Here's how you can check your lifetime MQMs. First, select "Overview" from your SkyMiles homepage. Then, look below the "2024 status progress" graphic to see the number of lifetime MQMs you currently have. Then, scroll down. Below the SkyMiles status tracker, you'll find your progress to Million Miler status with Delta.
Guide To Delta SkyMiles Lifetime Million Miler Status
Delta Air Lines has a million miler program, whereby SkyMiles members can earn lifetime Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or Delta 360 status. While the status has historically been earned based on the total number of Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) earned, as of 2024, it's based on flown miles only. Lifetime elite status is a great reward for being ...
Delta'S 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass: Everything You Need To Know
Delta's Unlimited Flight Pass for 2023 is a unique offering from Delta Airlines that allows passengers to enjoy unlimited flights within a specified period of time. This pass provides travelers with the flexibility to fly as often as they want, to any destination within Delta's network, without having to worry about the cost of individual ...
You can now earn top-tier Delta status for life
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 you spend in a calendar year, up to four times (so a total of 60,000 MQMs for spending $120,000). However, this is 18,750 MQMs for every $30,000 in 2021 — so you can earn up to 75,000 MQMs by spending $120,000 this year.
Delta Sky Club® Access
LATAM Business Class Passengers may access any Delta Sky Club location with a same-day boarding pass for international travel or in conjunction with a connection to/from an international flight operated by Delta or LATAM. ... †† Delta 360 Members and customers with a Lifetime Delta Sky Club Membership will be exempt from this policy. 1. ...
Purchase Membership : Delta Sky Club : Delta Air Lines
As a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club* plus 4 One-Time Guest Passes each year when you and your guest(s) fly Delta together. You will also have more ways to build a premium travel experience with a Companion Certificate for a First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin domestic ...
Is it worth pursuing lifetime elite status?
Lifetime hotel elite status. THE POINTS GUY. Hotel status is a tougher question, since 10 to 15 years can be enough time to lock in a lifetime of top-tier status with major programs. As an example, a Marriott Platinum Elite who stays 60 nights a year for 10 years will have no problem locking up lifetime Platinum, as this requires 600 total ...
What you need to know about Delta's recent SkyMiles Program changes
Editor's note: Delta shared several updates to its SkyMiles Program on Oct. 18, modifying some of the changes announced in September and adding several new benefits. Read the full story at the link below: Delta will adjust the number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) required to achieve 2025 Medallion Status, further enhance the Million ...
air travel
Back in 1993 I had a ticket called 'Delta Air Lines Travel America Standby Airpass' that allowed me to take an unlimited number of flights on Delta Airlines within a 30 day period. 60 days were available as well. ... Something even cooler that most definitely does not exist anymore are lifetime "fly as much as you like" passes: ...
All About U.S.-Based Lifetime Airline Passes
The lifetime ticket increased to $600,000 in 1990, and just over $1 million in 1993. The airline ended sales of the unlimited passes in 1994, except for a one-time offer in the 2004 Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog, at a price of $3 million for the pass and $2 million for a companion pass. None were sold, by the way.
Delta Makes Million Miler Lifetime Status More Rewarding, Harder To
Delta is honoring all existing MQM balances toward lifetime status, so they're being converted at a 1:1 ratio to the new metric. This change makes it much harder to earn lifetime flight miles. A lot of SkyMiles loyalists have historically earned a lot of their activity toward million miler status with non-flying means, so this change will ...
AAirpass
AAirpass. Sample lifetime AAirpass card. AAirpass (pronounced A-A Airpass) was a membership-based discount program offered by American Airlines to frequent flyers launched in 1981. The program offered pass holders free flights and unlimited access to Admirals Club locations for a lifetime. Holders were offered terms of five years or lifetime.
Delta Air Lines Now Lets You Earn Lifetime Diamond Medallion Status
But Delta has added the ability to earn Lifetime Diamond Medallion status as well if you get to 6 million miles. But flying six million miles in not an easy feat. You would have to fly 240 times around the globe to reach that number. Diamond Medallion status normally requires 125,000 MQMs per year. So if you are flying just the minimum ...
How Airline Employees and Their Families Fly Free
American Airlines Buddy Pass Policies. Qualified American Airlines employees are allowed to fly for free, along with their registered guests and companions. Retirees who pass the "65-point plan" (a minimum of 10 years of active service, and the retiree's age plus years of service must equal or exceed 65) also qualify for "non-revenue" travel.
The 6 best airlines that offer flight passes and packages
The Alaska Airlines Flight Pass is a subscription-based membership that'll grant you access to up to 24 roundtrips each year among 15 destinations in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah . The ...
2024 SkyMiles® Program Changes
Beginning January 1, 2024, SkyMiles Members can earn MQDs on Delta Award Travel tickets operated by Delta partners, in Main Cabin (or equivalent) or above, when booked through any direct Delta channel, with MQDs calculated based on miles redeemed toward the Award Ticket price divided by 100. Government-imposed taxes and fees do not earn MQDs.
Delta tweaks previously announced elite status, Sky Club changes
In addition, lounge passes will be valid for 24-hours, so card holders can visit multiple lounges on one pass. Bastian's email to Delta SkyMiles members states that Delta Reserve and Delta ...
These Airlines Offer "All You Can Fly" Passes
Cost: $160-$290. AirAsia, the beloved discount carrier serving 10 Southeast Asian countries, and 70 destinations and counting offers a potentially lucrative air pass. There are two passes, good for 10 flights in 30 days, or 20 flights in 60 days. The 60 day pass goes for $290, offering potential to visit 20 Asian cities in Malaysia, Singapore ...
Delta's Elite Status Match Program Is Back
Delta's latest status match applications are live for the 2024 year, giving travelers the chance to get free upgrades, checked bags, and many more benefits through its Medallion program.
Delta backtracks on some elite status and lounge access changes ...
In addition, lounge passes will be valid for 24-hours, so card holders can visit multiple lounges on one pass. Bastian's email to Delta SkyMiles members states that Delta Reserve and Delta ...
Delta Tweaks Medallion Status Requirements & Sky Club Policies After Uproar
With this change, you could visit two, three, or more Sky Clubs in a single travel day and still use up just one of 10 (or 15) slots. The same is true once you've used up those slots and have to buy an additional day pass. Delta confirmed it measures those travel days in 24-hour periods starting from your first Sky Club visit.
Unlimited Flight Passes: What Airlines Don't Want You To Know
Its Go Travel Pass information page has since been removed from the airline's website. For VND 9.8 million, passengers can fly an unlimited number of domestic flights. Photo: Bamboo Airways. The big catch. Common throughout all of our example-passes listed above is the fact that they only cover the essential fare portion of the flight.
Is the American Airlines AirPass Worth It?
In the 1980s, while the airline was struggling financially, the airline offered a lifetime AirPass (formerly known as AAirpass) for $250,000. The cost of the pass increased over time and was ...
Choice Benefits
The Delta Travel Voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance and is also applicable toward a Delta Vacations package. The Delta Travel Voucher is non-transferable and can only be used by the Medallion Member selecting the benefits. 2024 Medallion Year Choice Benefits; 2024. 2025. Diamond. $250. $350 ...

Delta’S 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass: Everything You Need To Know

What Is Delta’s Unlimited Flight Pass for 2023?

How Does the Unlimited Flight Pass Work?

Benefits of the Unlimited Flight Pass

Things to Consider

How Much Does Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Pass Cost?

Price Options

Flexible Pricing

Value for Money

When Does the Unlimited Pass Go on Sale and Expire?

Pass Expiration

Are All Delta Flights Included?

Domestic Routes

International Routes

Partner Airlines

What Are the Route and Blackout Restrictions?

Route Restrictions

Peak Travel Blackouts

What Other Perks and Benefits Come with the Pass?

Upgrade Priority

Frequent Flyer Perks

How Do I Purchase Delta’s 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass?

Step 1: Visit Delta’s Official Website

Step 2: Navigate to the Flight Pass Section

Step 3: Select the 2023 Unlimited Flight Pass

Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Flight Pass Type

Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Purchase

Step 6: Provide Personal Information and Payment Details

Step 7: Complete Your Purchase

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Is it worth pursuing lifetime elite status?

Million Miler airline status

Lifetime hotel elite status

Which hotel program should you pursue lifetime status with?

Bottom line

These changes won’t impact your 2024 Medallion Status — just how you earn for 2025.

Members won’t lose any Rollover MQMs accrued — you’ll have options to convert them.

Million Milers move up in Complimentary Upgrade priority.

Million Miler Status will calculate through lifetime flight miles.

For Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members: MQD Waiver and Status Boost will end on Dec. 31, 2023.

For the first time, SkyMiles Members living outside of the U.S. will now earn Status via MQDs.

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Delta Air Lines Now Lets You Earn Lifetime Diamond Medallion Status

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How Airline Employees and Their Families Fly Free

Traveling for Free as an Airline Employee

Discount Travel for Friends and Family of Airline Employees

American Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Delta Buddy Pass Policies

Southwest Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

United Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

What to Know About Buddy Pass Travel

The Worst Times to Fly as a Non-Revenue Passenger

These Airlines Offer “All You Can Fly” Passes – At Tempting Rates…

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AirAsia ASEAN Pass- Asia

Airline Alliance Passes – Worldwide

Azul Air Pass – Brazil

British Airways Flight Pass – Europe

Southwest Companion Pass – US (Hawaii Too)

As for the JetBlue contest , you have a far better chance of being struck by lightning, eaten by a shark or winning the lottery – but go for it .

Gilbert Ott

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