Virgin America announced yesterday new elite status levels that will give loyal customers special privileges and freebies – and for one flyer, a chance to travel aboard a Virgin Galactic spaceship.

Virgin America’s new silver and gold Elevate status levels promise members priority check-in, security, and boarding, as well as dedicated customer service phone lines and free seat selection in the Main Cabin Express section at booking.

Silver-level flyers enjoy one free checked bag while those with gold-level status can check three bags for free.

To top it off, the Elevate member who earns the most status points between August 8, 2012, and August 7, 2013, will earn the ultimate round-trip flight reward: a sub-orbital space flight on Virgin Galactic.

This is part of a series of membership enhancements timed to coincide with the airline’s fifth anniversary.

Via gadling.com – shermanstravel