✈ The Amazing Perks You'll Get From Invitation-Only Airline and Hotel Elite Status & More From TPG ✈

Also: Is American Express rejecting more welcome bonuses? [The Points Guy]( WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY May 3, 2021 BIG-SPENDER PERKS Airlines and hotel chains aren't shy about what it takes to earn elite status — they want you to fly and stay, and valuable rewards can motivate consumers to spend. In some cases, though, travelers venture far beyond those published thresholds, and brands want to make them feel even more special. Those road warriors may end up in "invitation-only" territory, in some cases hand-picked to earn a variety of exclusive perks. I once got a taste of the good life with a tarmac transfer from United, pictured above, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Learn more, with: - [Your guide to invitation-only airline and hotel status]( - [What we know about Marriott's "Cobalt Elite" program]( - [How to earn the coolest airline-status swag]( While qualification requirements aren't entirely clear, once members get an invite, they often go out of their way to maintain their standing, earning them continued access to these special tiers. Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page](#). TODAY'S TOP STORIES ['One of the most demanding maneuvers in aviation']( Nothing gives a pilot greater job satisfaction than a good crosswind landing. [Read more]( [The complete guide to renting a car with Uber]( In some cities, Uber will even deliver your rental car to your door. [Read more]( [Amex Platinum makes partner lounge access benefit permanent]( Amex cardholders can continue accessing select Lufthansa lounges. Here's everything you need to know. [Read more]( [The most wheelchair-friendly theme parks in the US]( These theme parks can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what their abilities are. [Read more]( [Is American Express rejecting more welcome bonuses?]( We've heard from numerous applicants who haven't received much of an explanation. [Read more]( THE LATEST 1 [My journey to EU citizenship through Portugal’s Golden Visa program]( 2 [8 amazing first class seats you can still book with points and miles]( 3 [Life in a post-vaccine world: Are we ready to give up our space?]( 4 [Give your mom the gift of travel: 3 ideas for Mother’s Day]( 5 [TPG reader credit card question: How can I get a better, targeted sign-up bonus?]( 6 [The best restaurants at Disney World in 2021]( 7 [Battle of the three greater Miami-area W Hotels: Miami vs. South Beach vs. Fort Lauderdale]( 8 [The complete guide to the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan shopping portal]( 9 [Amex Business Platinum for flights: When to transfer vs. when to pay with points]( 10 [Deal Alert: Round-trip to the Maldives for as low as $818 through early 2022]( [fb]( [insta]( [yt]( [tw]( [in](#) [mail](mailto:tpg@thepointsguy.com) You are receiving this because you opted in at [thepointsguy.com](. Where to find us: The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA0 USA Changed your mind? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( at any time. Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which [ThePointsGuy.com]( receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our [advertising policy page]( for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2021