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United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are making their top flyers earn elite status this year.
But both are making it easier to reach the top levels of their frequent flyer programs.
Average travelers now have a better chance at getting status, and the perks that come with it.
The upper echelons of airline frequent flyer programs have historically been reserved for airlines' most frequent flyers and top spenders. But airlines, eager to get their top flyers back in the air, are making it easier for more travelers to reach the coveted levels of status, and all the perks that come with it.