Expert Session #3: Is Elite Status Still Worth It in 2026? w/ Ben Komenkul of Ben's Big Deal

Elite status in travel isn’t as straightforward as it used to be.For years, the playbook was simple. Pick a program, stay loyal, earn status, get rewarded. But that model is starting to shift in a big way.Airlines are moving toward spend-based systems. Hotels are adjusting award pricing and redemption value. And credit cards are playing a much bigger role in how status is earned and maintained.When all of these changes happen at once, it reshapes how the entire system works and raises a bigger question. Is elite status still worth it in 2026?In this live AMA, we’re joined by Ben Komenkul (Ben’s Big Deal), who has been deep in the points and miles world since 2015. After years of earning top-tier status across airlines and hotels through business travel, Ben is known for cutting through the noise and focusing on what actually works in practice.We’ll break down what’s really changing across loyalty programs, how these shifts are impacting real value, what strategies still hold up, and how experienced travelers are adapting right now.If you’ve been building around status or even questioning whether it’s still worth prioritizing, this session will give you a clearer picture of what to do next.