2019 was another record-breaking year for my travels in a number of ways. I had the most flights I’ve ever had, squeaking across the finish line at 119 flights (one more than my previous record of 118 in 2017). I traveled further in distance flown than I ever have (thanks in large part to my trip to Hong Kong and Singapore). And I flew in first class more frequently than any other year (again thanks to my heavy travel resulting in status-earned upgrades. And in hotels, I’ve achieved Marriott Titanium status for the first time (thanks to a really good promo). Check out my stats and how I got there…
Flying Statistics
Total Flight Miles: 124,090
Total Flight Segments: 119
Top Airlines: American (59 flights), JetBlue (36 flights), Southwest (11 flights)
Most Frequented Airports: ORD (81), BOS (19), JFK 15
Longest Flight: ORD-HKG (7790 miles)
Seats: Economy (11), Economy Plus (78), Business Class (7), First Class: (23)
Airline Status
American – Platinum Pro
I’ve never hit this high of a status on American Airlines before! It’s their third level out of four (technically, five… but the fifth is an invite-only special tier). I’m likely not to hit it again, however, because my business class flight on Cathay Pacific (an American Airlines OneWorld Alliance partner) played a huge role in this.
JetBlue – Mosaic
Achieved on flying and spend alone. I have somehow managed to maintain my JetBlue status despite living in Chicago, which only has 3 direct flight options (Boston, New York, and FortLauderdale) and not connecting flights that go west of the Mississippi River.
United – Silver
As a bonus, I received complimentary Silver status on United as a result of my achieving Titanium status with Marriott.
Hotel Status
Marriott – Titanium
I managed to hit Titanium status with Marriott (the third level out of four tiers) due to a GREAT targeted promotion at the beginning of the year that gave me double elite night credits for every night stay. I also managed to hit lifetime Silver level status (after achieving 250 lifetime nights and 5+ years of elite status).
Hilton – Diamond
I have Hilton Diamond status in virtue of my holding the AMEX Hilton Aspire Credit Card. Totally worth it.
IHG/Intercontinental – Platinum Ambassador
I hae IHG Platinum status due to my having the IHG credit card. I also bought the Intercontinental Ambassador status because it came with a free weekend night (and a bunch of other perks!). I’ve stayed at enough Intercontinental hotels that it’s been worth it.
Hyatt – Explorist
MGM – Gold
In a surprise twist, I was able to achieve Hyatt Explorist status through a shortcut from my American Airlines Status. AA and Hyatt have a partnership with reciprocal benefits that allowed me to achieve this through a fast track status. I matched this to MGM for Gold level status.
Radisson – Gold
I don’t stay at Radisson hotels much, but their credit card comes with this perk.
Caesar’s – Diamond
Wyndham – Diamond
Finally, I receive Caesar’s Diamond status as a member of the Founderscard program. This also then matches to Wyndham Diamond status through their reciprocal partnership.
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