Want to fly Virgin America as an elite member of the airline’s Elevate program? If you’ve already earned elite status with American, Delta, Southwest, or United, Virgin America will match that status, for three months.
The Elevate status level awarded will depend on the applicant’s status with the other program: Silver for lower-level status with another carrier, and Gold for higher-level status.
RELATED: Virgin America May Be Close to a Merger Deal
The complimentary three months of elite status may be extended through the end of 2017 by meeting the following earning targets during the three-month challenge period:
- Elevate Silver – Earn 5,000 qualifying points (3,000 for holders of the Virgin America Visa card)
- Elevate Gold – Earn 12,000 qualifying points (8,000 for holders of the Virgin America Visa card)
Normally, Silver status requires 20,000 qualifying points, and Gold requires 50,000.
So, what do you get with elite status on Virgin America? The key benefits, as with elite status on any airline, are travel perks: better seating, including complimentary upgrades to Main Cabin Select; priority check-in, boarding, and security clearance; and free checked bags (one for Silver members, three for Gold).
To have their status matched, travelers must send an email to Virgin America with their names, Elevate membership numbers, and screenshots of a recent account statement showing their elite status with another airline. For most, that will take five minutes, maybe less. Not a bad investment, if it means a more comfortable seat and a less stressful airport experience.
Reader Reality Check
Will you elevate your Elevate status?
More from SmarterTravel:
- This Week, American Devalues AAdvantage
- Airline Employees Behaving Badly
- New Hyatt Promotion Is a Win for Frequent Travelers
After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Related
Top Fares From
Today's Top Travel Deals
Brought to you by ShermansTravel
Shop and Save with Country Inns...
Patricia Magaña
Hotel & Lodging Deals$229 -- Chicago: Discounted Rates and...
Francesca Miele
Hotel & Lodging Deals $229+$188 -- Honolulu: Save on Oceanview...
Abigail Lamay
Hotel & Lodging Deals $188+