So much of the decisions on what is good for you on which card or program to be part of depends upon individual travel habits. If you are the occasional traveler with no shot at status with an airline or hotel chain then you are going to look at things differently than if you are in the hunt for status levels at the hotels, airlines and even car rentals. Your card choices will change. I have been consistently in the Alaska Airlines 100k Gold group and Globalist with Hyatt. Noting those preferences I have cards for both, and especially with Hyatt the benefits of using the card associated with that program helps me maintain my status and the benefits I receive because I have that status. I chase status as much as I chase points, I like the upgrades and benefits associated with the status levels.
If you chase status you will know the terms "mattress run" or "mileage run" that is done for the express purpose of reaching a status level. Yes, I have flown to NY, Ft Lauderdale and even SXM to get status miles and/or hotel status points.
My business travel will be dramatically reduced going forward. That will change my focus on which cards, etc.
My favorite status tier that I have had with any travel related company has been Hyatt Globalist level. Late check out, free breakfast, suite upgrades, ability to gift status to others when they stay at a Hyatt, specific lines that are shorter at the busy Hyatts, and the list goes on.
2026 will be a light travel year for us, I will lose top tier with airlines but will work to keep my Hyatt Globalist, might be mostly with spend!
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