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Kyle Olsen is a points and miles reporter for TPG. Striving for elite status since the age of 16, he has visited 75 countries on six continents. His passion for travel started with his own company, which he founded when he was 13. He is now an expert at maximizing points, miles and elite status across all major programs.
February 2, 2023
•
3 minutes of reading
Reader Success Story: How 1 Reader Used Complimentary Elite Status to Upgrade Their Second United Flight
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Editor's Note: TPG founder Brian Kelly is a consultant and investor in Bilt.
I want to share a little story from reader Ryan Kassanoff, who received a free upgrade to United thanks to aUnited Airlines Status Challenge am Bilt Rent Day. Even more impressive, this was Ryan's second United flight and he pays no rent with Bilt.
How did Ryan do it?
Being from Dallas, I tend to commute to America or the Southwest. I'm a middleman on both airlines, so I've only flown United once in my life. That all changed, however, when I traveled as a group to Israel on a Lufthansa flight from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) via Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
My day started with a placement flight from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Dulles. Given the CLT frequencies for United's IAD hub, I purchased a United ticket. A few days after I booked the United flight, I read an article by TPG about the Bilt promotion to Premier Silver status. Despite Kyle warning me that free United upgrades are rare (especially for United's lower elite), I signed up for the status match.
I checked the upgrade list 36 hours before the flight. Surprisingly, I was first on the update list with three spots available. Shortly after checking in for the flight, my upgrade was authorized and I was happy to have it. The standard United check-in desk was crowded with over 50 passengers.
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Thanks to status matching from Bilt, Kyle and TPG, I was able to check my bags quickly and free of charge and enjoy security and priority baggage handling. And, of course, a comfortable first-class seat on the flight from Charlotte to Dulles was an added bonus.
On the first of every month, Bilt lists itsMiettagesaktion. In general, rent-free purchases allow you to earn twice as many Bilt points. However, in November, Bilt partnered with United to offer a 120-day program for its Blue members.Desafio do status Premier Silver. Bilt Silver, Gold and Platinum members enjoyed a 120-day Premier Gold status challenge.
Blue Bilt status is open to the public even if you don't have itBilt Mastercard®. Also, like Ryan Lasour article about Rent Day in November, registered with the Bilt and then made the status challenge for United Premier Silver.
We love this Ryan story. His story reminds us that entry-level elite status can make traveling that much more enjoyable. With his Premier Silver status, Ryan earned additional United miles on his transatlantic flights with Lufthansa. Now he is working on a way to qualify for it.United Premier Oro, which offers benefits such as access to VIP lounges on more flights,More economicalon the reservation youMarriott Bonvoy Gold Elite-Kategorie.
While Bilt no longer offers this status match, please use this article as a reminder to take advantage of future challenges and status matches. We maintain an up-to-date list ofcurrent offers for this item.
View Bilt Mastercard prices and feesHere.
View Bilt Mastercard rewards and benefitsHere.
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ZACH GRIFF/THE END GUY
Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed in this document are those of the author alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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TPG Editor Rating
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4
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| 4X | Earn 4 times more Membership Rewards® points at US grocery stores (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1 time). |
| 3X | Earn 3 Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with the airlines or at amextravel.com. |
introductory offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on qualifying purchases with your new card within the first 6 months of card membership.
60,000 bonus points
annual quota
$ 250
recommended credit
Credit spreads are a variation of the FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores that lenders may use when reviewing your credit card application.
670-850
excellent/good
why did we choose it
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold Card. It has been a fan favorite during the pandemic due to its fantastic premium fare at restaurants (including US delivery and pickup) and US supermarkets. When you ascend to heaven soon, so will you. You collect bonus points as you travel. Combine that with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual meal credit at eligible partners, there's no reason why the foodie can't have this card they should add to their wallet. . Registration is required.
Benefits
- 4x on U.S. restaurant and grocery store meals (on initial purchases of $25,000 per calendar year; 1x thereafter)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel
- 60,000 point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
In contrast
- Weak in Non-Flight Travel and Daily Spending Bonus categories
- It's not as useful for anyone living outside the US.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/Dinner credit
- Few perks and travel protection.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on qualifying purchases with your new card within the first 6 months of card membership.
- Earn 4 Membership Rewards® points at US restaurants, pickup and delivery, and earn 4 Membership Rewards® points at US grocery stores (up to $25,000 per calendar year on purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3 Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with the airlines or at amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold – Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and automatically receive $10 in Uber Cash every month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the US, up to $120 total per year.
- $120 Food Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 worth of statements every month when you shop with your American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Pay Shack locations . Registration is required.
- Choose the color that best matches your style. gold or rose gold.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- The annual fee is $250.
- Conditions apply.
- Check rates and fees