In the United States, elite status on the major airlines (Alaska, American, Delta and United) typically provides the following perks: check-in, security, boarding and lounge access; seat upgrades and free food, drinks, Wifi and entertainment; waived fees (changes, cancellations, baggage, etc.); and mileage earning bonuses. On the minor airlines (Jet Blue and Southwest), these airlines only provide waived baggage fees.

Earning elite status is typically achieved via a combination of miles flown and spending amount. Unless you fly frequently, elite status is difficult and/or not possible to achieve.

A better strategy in getting some elite perks is to obtain an airline’s top end credit card. Listed below is a summary of the perks by airline. In general, the major airlines except Alaska provide similar perks.

Alaska Airlines Visa – $75 annual fee
Lounge Membership: None
Enhanced Airport Experience: None
Free Checked Bag: First checked bag, up to 6 guests on the same reservation
Inflight Purchases: 20%
Global Entry/TSA Pre Application Fee Credit: None
Bonus: Companion certificate upon renewal

American Airlines AAdvantage Executive World Elite – $450 annual fee
Lounge Membership: Admirals Club
Enhanced Airport Experience: Priority check-in, screening and/or boarding
Free Checked Bag: First checked bag, up to 8 guests on the same reservation 
Inflight Purchases: 25%
Global Entry/TSA Pre Application Fee Credit: Up to $100 every 5 years
Bonus: None

Delta SkyMiles Reserve – $550 annual fee
Lounge Membership: Delta Sky Club and American Express Centurion Lounges
Enhanced Airport Experience: Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding
Free Checked Bag: First checked bag, guests on the same reservation 
Inflight Purchases: 20%
Global Entry/TSA Pre Application Fee Credit: None
Bonus: Companion certificate upon renewal

United Club Infinite – $525 annual fee
Lounge Membership: United Club
Enhanced Airport Experience: Premier Access travel service (priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling)
Free Checked Bag: First and second checked bags for you and a companion
Inflight Purchases: 25%
Global Entry/TSA Pre Application Fee Credit: Up to $100 every 5 years
Bonus: Premier upgrades on award tickets

Jet Blue Plus Card – $99 annual fee
Lounge Membership: No lounges
Enhanced Airport Experience: None
Free Checked Bag: First checked bag, up to 3 guests on the same reservation
Inflight Purchases: 50%
Global Entry/TSA Pre Application Fee Credit: None
Bonus: None

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card – $99 annual fee
Lounge Membership: No lounges
Enhanced Airport Experience: 2 EarlyBird Check-In each year
Free Checked Bag: No baggage fee
Inflight Purchases: 25%
Global Entry/TSA Pre Application Fee Credit: None
Bonus: None