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Ordinary Traveler / How to Get Airline Elite Status Match

How to Get Airline Elite Status Match

By Christy Woodrow, Last Modified: September 9, 2019

How to Get Airline Elite Status Match

Did you know you can get airline elite status match after receiving elite status on just one airline? Last year, I mostly flew with American Airlines or their partners, so I managed to acquire Gold status as of the beginning of the year. I quickly learned about status match and immediately applied with all of the airlines who offered this program.

I now have elite status with Alaska, Delta, and United — in addition to American. The biggest benefits I’ve found with elite status is waived baggage fees, preferred seating, bonus miles and you get added to the upgrade waitlist (so far I’ve been upgraded to first class 3 times with United!).

All in all, I think the benefits definitely outweigh the time it took me to apply to each program. The process is fairly easy and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes each.

 

How to Get Airline Elite Status Match

 

Alaska Airlines Status Match

Alaska matches the equivalent status that you currently hold with another airline — up to MVP Gold, which normally requires 50,000 miles flown on a combination of Alaska Airlines and their elite-qualifying partner airlines. To get the match, you need to email elite.flyer@alaskaair.com with the following:

A copy of your current elite card (front and back), a mileage statement showing your current elite status in the other program, and your driver’s license or passport. They only offer Tier Match for Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Jet Blue, Southwest, United, Us Airways, and Virgin America.

For questions about their mileage plan or elite status match, call 206-433-3477.

How to Get Airline Elite Status Match

 

Delta Air Status Match

Delta offers a 90-day status challenge, which means you can match up the the equivalent status that you currently hold with another airline, but you will need to complete the following in the 90-day time frame in order to keep your status with them:

In order to extend your Medallion status after the 90-days, you’ll need to earn a specific number of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) within the 90-days of enrolling by flying Delta or Delta Connection. The number of MQMs or MQSs required is based on your matched Medallion level.

 

United Air Status Match

United offers a 90-day status challenge to American and Delta elites and you can match up to their Platinum status. In order to keep your status through the entire year, you need to complete the following:

For Premier Silver: Fly 7,000 PQM or 8 PQS on flights operated by United, United Express or Copa Airlines to retain Premier Silver status

For Premier Gold: Fly 12,500 PQM or 15 PQS on flights operated by United, United Express or Copa Airlines to retain Premier Gold status

For Premier Platinum: Fly 18,000 PQM or 22 PQS on flights operated by United, United Express or Copa Airlines to retain Premier Platinum status

To apply for this challenge, you need to email premiermatch@united.com with your MileagePlus account number, your name, current mailing address, email address, and a copy of your most recent mileage statement showing your current elite status in the other program. Click here for more information.

How to Get Airline Elite Status Match

 

American Airlines Status Match

American Air offers a 90-day status challenge, but they charge a fee to sign up — $120 for Gold and $240 for Platinum. I’m not sure how long they will be offering this program considering they are merging with U.S. Airways and will most likely be making some changes. Call 1-800-882-8880 if you want to apply or request more information.

Out of these four airlines, Alaska is the only one who will let you keep your status the entire year, regardless of the miles you fly with them. However, if you fly often and want to have status on multiple airlines, then status match is the easiest way to earn elite status on multiple airlines.

These are the only airlines where I attempted a status match, merely because they are the main airlines I fly with. If you want elite status on an airline other than these mentioned, call customer service and ask if they offer a match or challenge program. It can’t hurt to try!

 

Read More:

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Top 12 Vegan-Friendly Travel Destinations

The Ultimate Packing Guide for Travel Photographers

Packing Light: How To Pack For Carry-On Only

How to Choose the Best Travel Camera

Women’s Packing List for Europe

 

About Christy Woodrow

Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego. She has been traveling around the world with her partner, Scott, since 2006. Join them in their quest to find off-the-beaten-path destinations by signing up for weekly emails. You can read more about her on our about page.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. The Guy says

    I was excited to read the title of this article. Then when I read it it seems these are only US airlines. As a European this is unfortunately not beneficial for me. Whilst I’ve long term been with Delta I accumulate all my SkyTeam miles with KLM, (I am Platinum Elite – top tier) so don’t need to get top status with Delta.

    My Star Alliance card is with Singapore and One World with BA.

    I hope this trend continues beyond the shores of the US, yet somehow the American airlines seem very competitive for business.

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      You should try calling the airlines you want elite status with and find out if they offer a match. These are just the ones I could find information for online. The rest of them may offer one, but they don’t announce it. Let us know if you have any luck!

      Reply
  2. Joe Newman says

    Great info. I’m Global Services with United and didn’t even think about seeing if there was a status match with other airlines. Going to check those out now.

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      I’m glad it was helpful, Joe!

      Reply

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