I have a miles account with British Airways. Is there any way to be upgraded to the silver or gold tier status without actually accumulating all the points?

Dear Joe,

Yes definitely. I do outline a number of proven techniques in The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel. However, a good quick tip is to call the airlines marketing department and tell them that you will switch all your business to that airline if they will give you a one-year upgrade to elite status (after that you'll probably be on your own in qualifying). You might also justify your request by saying that you have elite status on your previous airline (usually the airlines will match the status you have earned on another airline) but that you understand that British Air offers better service and that is why you would like to fly with them from here on out.

All the best,
Joel