Remember when earning airline miles meant flying more miles? Those days are mostly gone. Airlines have shifted largely to
revenue-based models, meaning you earn miles based on how much you spend, not how far you fly (opinions are extremely mixed on this model).
Delta SkyMilesFlyers understand this painfully well; status and miles hinge heavily on ticket spending. Dynamic pricing also means mileage earnings and redemptions can be wildly unpredictable, unlike with hotels.
Hotels have always been revenue-based, unapologetically awarding points based directly on your spend. Hyatt loyalists earn 5 points per dollar, Hilton loyalists can rake in 10 per dollar (or more with elite bonuses and credit card multipliers).
Verdict: Airline earnings can be unpredictable and spending-heavy, while hotels provide a simpler, more straightforward path to accumulating points.
Airline status usually unlocks priority boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades, though domestic upgrades are scarce. Earning status often requires extensive flying or high spending (think Delta’s Medallion Qualifying Dollars).
Hotel status perks are more immediate and reliable. Suite upgrades (Hyatt Globalist), free breakfast (Hilton Diamond), and late checkout come standard with many elite statuses, often achievable through credit cards or "status challenges." Please not, these vary significantly by the tier, and Hyatt Globalist would equate to United Global Services.
Verdict: Airline status enhances comfort during transit but demands more effort.Hotel status consistently improves the stay itself and is easier to obtain.
