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  1. How to Obtain Elite Hotel Frequent Stay Status…..Quickly

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    Club Carlson (Status Match)

    Although it’s not currently publicly offering status matches, Club Carlson apparently does so discreetly on an ongoing basis. To get your status matched, email them here and include a screen shot of your current hotel elite status, your Carlson Gold Points number and request a status match. They match to both Silver and Gold status (low and mid-tier respectively) but almost never match to their highest Concierge level.

    Hyatt (Status Challenge)

    Hyatt currently has a Diamond Trial Offer available. You will receive trial Diamond membership for 60 days with proof of top-tier status with one of its competitor programs. However, you must complete 12 nights in 60 days to maintain Diamond membership through February of 2015. You will also receive 1,000 bonus points on your first six eligible nights within 60 days, up to a maximum of 6,000 bonus points. Be aware that the earning period for the promotion begins at the time of enrollment. Email goldpassport@hyatt.com  to sign-up for this offer.

    IHG Rewards Club (Status Match)

    IHG Rewards/Priority Club will offer a status match for their competitors. Make sure you first sign-up for a IHG Rewards Club account. To request a status match send an email to PriorityClub@ihg.com  with a screenshot of status from a competitor. Depending on your status, they may offer you a challenge or a status match.

    Kimpton (Status Match)

    Kimpton offers two membership levels: InTouch and Inner Circle. To match your current hotel status to Kimpton, take a screenshot and attach your current statement in an email asking for a match to: GuestLoyalty@KimptonGroup.com.

    Marriott (Status Challenge)

    There is no formal status match with Marriott, however if you email elite.member@marriott.com  and express your interest they may offer you a Platinum Challenge. Typically this would require nine stays in 3 months.

    Starwood (Status Challenge)

    Starwood currently has a SPG Platinum Status Challenge  available. You must have not been at the SPG Platinum Preferred status level within the last five years and have never successfully completed a Platinum Status Challenge, at any point, during the lifetime of your membership. If neither of the above scenarios applies to you, simply stay 18 eligible nights, within a three-month period you select, and your account will be upgraded within eight days of your 18th eligible night. Only paid nights, booked at an eligible Starpoints-earning room rate, which posts to your SPG account, are valid toward this promotion. SPG Free Night Award and Cash & Points Award nights do not count toward this offer, nor do reservations booked through any third-party sources. Once you reach the 18 nights in the 3 months time, you become Platinum for all of this year and all of 2014 through January 2015. Email platinum.liaison@starwoodhotels.com  to sign-up for this offer.

  2. How to Obtain Top Tier Status with Accor, Best Western, IHG, and Club Carlson in 15 Easy Steps.

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    Just follow these 15 easy steps to obtain Top tier elite status at all Accor (Sofitel, Pullman, Mercure, Novotel,…) Best Western and IHG (InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, …) hotels in 15 easy steps! For Free!

     

    1) Logon to your VIP Upgrades ELITE Status Account and use the Accor Platinum link and Promo Code to enrol in the LeClub Accor Hotels Platinum Program.
    2) Logon to your Le Club Accor Hotels Platinum account and make a screenshot of your status. (example)
    3) Create a Best Western Rewards account (or use your existing account)
    4) Email statusmatch@bestwestern.com something like this:
    Dear Sir or Madam,
    I would like to status match my Best Western Rewards membership level with my Le Club AccorHotels Platinum level.
    Best Western Rewards Account Holder:
    XXXX XXXXXX
    Best Western Rewards Account Number:
    XXXXXXXXXXX
    Current Competitor Elite Level:
    Le Club AccorHotels Platinum
    Card No XXXXXXX
    See attached screenshot. Thank you.

    [Sign your Name]
    5) Wait for the Best Western Rewards Diamond Elite upgrade confirmation email.
    (this may take a few days to a week).
    6) Create an IHG Rewards Club account (or use your existing account)
    7) Logon to your Best Western Rewards account and make a screenshot of your status. (example)
    8) Email ihgrewardsclub@ihg.com something like this:
    Dear Sir or Madam,
    Please status match my IHG Rewards Club account #XXXXXXX with my Best Western Diamond status (#XXXXXX, see attached screenshot).
    Thank you.


    9) Wait until IHG Rewards Club confirms your upgrade to Platinum Elite status.
    10) Enjoy your top tier elite benefits at all IHG, Best Western and Accor Hotels!
    11) Create a Club Carlson account (or use your existing account)
    12) Take a screenshot of your IHG Rewards Club Platinum status
    13) Email goldpointsplus@carlson.com or statusmatch@carlsonrezidor.com
    Dear Sir or Madam,
    I would like to status match my Club Carlson account XXXXXXX with my Platinum status XXXXXX at IHG Rewards Club (see attached screenshot) 
    Thank you for your consideration.

    14) Wait until Club Carlson confirms your upgrade to Gold status.
    15) Enjoy your Club Carlson Gold elite benefits at Radisson, Radisson Blu, Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels!

  3. 10 Ways to Get a Better Seat On the Airplane

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    1. Join a frequent flier program. This is the most reliable tactic you can use. Providing your frequent flier number at the time of reservation goes a long way toward netting you a good seat, especially if you are a loyal, high-ranking member. If you don’t already have your seat assignment when you arrive at the airport, present your number at check-in.
    2. Buy your tickets early. The number of seats available for pre-assignment dwindles as the travel date approaches. If you can’t buy your tickets at least several weeks in advance, be sure to check in online as soon as possible before your flight to select a seat, or arrive at the airport early if online check-in isn’t available.

    3. Consider purchasing a better seat. Several airlines now offer economy-class seats with extra legroom for an additional fee. JetBlue’s “Even More Legroom” seats are located in exit rows and have 38 inches of seat pitch (instead of 34 – 36 inches on its regular seats). United offers Economy Plus access to high-ranking frequent fliers and to any travelers who pay the annual fee of $425; this entitles travelers to five more inches of seat pitch in the coach cabin. (If any Economy Plus seats are still available at flight time, they can be purchased on a one-time basis.) Additionally, several airlines including Delta, American Airlines, United, U.S. Airways and others also charge for what they call “preferred seating,” but is really just the opportunity to guarantee yourself a window or aisle seat in the front half of the plane.

    4. Select your seat when you book. Most airline Web sites and major booking engines allow you to choose a seat when you purchase your ticket, or to return to your reservation after your initial purchase and make your seat selection later. (In most cases this process is free, but some airlines – including AirTran and Spirit Airlines – have added fees to select your seat in advance.) If you don’t see a seat online that you like, consider calling the airline and speaking to a live agent; sometimes there’s a disparity between what’s displayed on a carrier’s site and what’s actually available.

    5. Confirm your seat at check-in. Most airlines allow passengers to check in online 24 hours before their flight departs. At that point you can confirm the seat you’ve already chosen or even choose a better one.

    6. Get to the airport early. If you arrive too late at your gate, you may lose your seat.

    7. When in doubt, ask. Once you reach your gate, ask whether any new seats have opened up. If other passengers upgrade to business class or don’t show up for the flight, you may get lucky and grab a better assignment.

    8. Be specific. If you know exactly what seat you’re interested in, it can be easier for agents to get it for you. Instead of asking for an exit row or “a good seat,” try asking for “12A” — you’ll be more likely to get what you want (or an acceptable substitute).

    9. Keep the agent informed. If you have a medical condition, let the agent know. Most will do their best to accommodate you.

    10. Kindness counts. Approach agents in a spirit of understanding. They hear complaints and demands all day. Treat them like human beings, and they may surprise you..