2013 Elite Goal

Having already documented my 2012 elite results, it is only fitting that I provide a quick note on what I plan to chase (and hopefully accomplish) in 2013.

Airlines

Given my work, home base of DFW, and travel ability, I will solely focus on American Airlines in 2013. I will chase Executive Platinum (100,000 miles flown) again.  Work travel should assist me with just short of 50,000 miles, so I'll be responsible for the rest.  This will require mileage runs again this year.  The only difference from 2012 is that I'm hoping my mileage runs will be to international destinations in order to accumulate large blocks of miles at a time.  Last year all of my mileage runs were to the west coast which required several trips.  While cheap due to some great sales, it was a lot of time at airports.  A long international trip, properly planned in order to use my free upgrades, can provide the same amount of miles, or more, in a shorter span.  We shall see.  In short, Executive Platinum is again the mission.

Hotels

In 2013 I am completely changing courses in hotels.  Last year's goal (and accomplishment) was Hilton Diamond.  However, their lack of providing exceptional treatment towards elites has me questioning whether they deserve my dedication and money.   So based on the extensive research I've done, I am switching to Starwood properties as my Primary hotel chain.  

Starwood's top elite status is Platinum, which requires 25 stays or 50 nights, is very attainable for me.  I already get 2 stays and 5 nights credited for just having the Starwood Amex credit card.  So I really only have 45 nights to complete.   I actually plan on completing a Platinum Challenge offered by Starwood which would require just 18 stays in 3 months to get the status.  i just need to figure out the optimal timing of that challenge.

In 2013 I will also try to obtain Hyatt's highest elite level too, Diamond.  While Hyatt hotels are a little out of my companies price range most of the time, there are occasional deals to be made if I am willing to drive further.  Similar to Starwood, I hope to complete a Diamond challenge (12 nights in 2 months).  If I can score these two challenges, things will be good in 2013 and 2014!

I am not dumping Hilton all together.  They do have some very nice aspirational properties.  Aspirational properties are properties one aspires to stay at.  As a family, we will always be Gold at Hilton (their second highest status) since the Mrs holds the Citi Hiton Reserve Card.  I also plan on getting a similar credit card to enable Gold status.  Via extensive research, Gold status benefits at Hilton is just as good as Diamond (except for the bonus points earned).  

So basically, I am chasing 2 top-level hotel status levels (Starwood and Hyatt), one mid-level (Hilton) and a top level airline elite level (American Airlines).