While most loyalty programs do not offer a way to extend elite status beyond the current year, a workaround is available: By matching your expiring elite status to a competing loyalty program, you can potentially maintain your benefits by selecting different carriers.
Numerous airline loyalty programs provide the opportunity to match elite benefits from other programs. For instance, if your Delta Air Lines Medallion elite status will expire next year, you might be able to match it to a competitor’s program. This typically grants you temporary elite status with the competing program that can be extended by meeting specific flight or revenue requirements.
Therefore, if you qualify, you can gain complimentary elite status with another airline. Keep reading to learn more about current airline status matches and challenges you can snag in 2025.
What is an airline status match?
A status match typically involves getting an equivalent or lower status tier with a new airline based on your existing status with a competitor’s program. So, why would airlines offer a status match challenge?
If a traveler has shown significant loyalty to one particular airline and program, this behavior can be attractive to a rival airline. The traveler may consider switching loyalty because they are unhappy with their existing program, or perhaps their circumstances have changed — such as moving from a city like Houston, where United Airlines is the dominant carrier, to Atlanta, where Delta has its largest hub.
If you want to try out another program but don’t fancy starting from scratch, a status match or challenge can be a great way to solve this problem. It’s worth exploring the major elite status match and challenge opportunities available if you want to break up with an airline — though there are some caveats to consider.
What to know about getting an airline status match
There are some important strategies and principles to remember when pursuing a status match or challenge.
For a status match, you must typically provide a photo of your membership card and a mileage statement to prove your status. It is crucial to avoid altering or falsifying your credentials, as this can result in severe consequences, including account suspension.
On the other hand, a status challenge may or may not require you to have existing status. The airline will specify the number of elite qualifying miles or dollars you must earn within a specific time frame to achieve a particular elite tier. You should understand the requirements and which activities count toward the challenge, as some cobranded credit cards or partner airline tickets may be excluded. Remember that status matches and challenges are often limited to once per lifetime per account, although some carriers have exceptions.
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It is usually advised to complete a match or challenge after June to enjoy status for the rest of the year and potentially retain it for the following year. However, recent airline status match challenges, like the one Delta began offering in 2024, will allow you to maintain status through January 2027.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that airlines may not always publicize their status match and challenge opportunities. You may need to call or email the airline’s customer service or check websites like StatusMatcher. Remember that the outcome of your request may vary depending on the agent processing it.
Related: Is airline elite status still worth it?
Alaska Airlines status match
Since Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, the programs now offer reciprocal elite status matches. If you hold status with HawaiianMiles, visit this page to request the equivalent Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan status.
If you hold status with another airline, you may still be able to get a match — but Alaska’s status match process includes a challenge component. Alaska will match elite status from the following programs:
- Aeromexico Rewards
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Delta SkyMiles
- Frontier Miles
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- United MileagePlus
You will be granted the corresponding status level in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program for 90 days. To retain this status beyond the initial period, you must fly a specific number of miles on flights marketed by Alaska Airlines and operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon or SkyWest, depending on the tier you match.
The required flight thresholds are as follows:
- MVP: 5,000 miles
- MVP Gold: 10,000 miles
- MVP Gold 75K: 20,000 miles
Unfortunately, Alaska’s MVP Gold 100K tier has no status match opportunity.
To submit a request, visit the airline’s status match page and provide a screenshot of your current mileage statement displaying your name, status and miles earned this year or flown in the prior year to achieve elite status. Complimentary status and status earned through a promotion do not qualify.
If you request a status match by the end of June and fulfill the requirements, your new status will be valid until the end of the calendar year. On the other hand, if you initiate your status match between July 1 and Dec. 31 and fulfill the requirements, your status will be valid until the end of the following year, so applying for it in July or August of this year would maximize the length.
Related: Last-minute strategies for earning Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status
American Airlines status match
American Airlines offers a status challenge program called Instant Status Pass to Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines elite members. To participate, you can apply on aa.com and be matched to AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum.
The program consists of three phases, each lasting four months. Upon registration, you will immediately enjoy the benefits of the chosen status tier. To maintain your temporary status for another four months, you need to earn a prorated number of Loyalty Points, which is around one-third of the full requirement for a year.
The Loyalty Points required for each tier are as follows:
- AAdvantage Gold: 13,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Platinum: 25,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 42,000 Loyalty Points
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 67,000 Loyalty Points
During each phase, you can earn Loyalty Points through qualifying activities with American, its partners and cobranded credit card spending. These activities count toward your status challenge.
The status you achieve in the first phase determines your starting point in the subsequent phase. This means that regardless of the initial tier you registered for, you will begin the second phase with the benefits you unlocked in the previous phase.
Related: Quick Points: How Hyatt and American loyalists can earn more rewards by linking accounts
Delta Air Lines status match
Delta SkyMiles is currently offering a status match, up to Platinum Medallion, to elite members of various airline programs, including international programs like British Airways Executive Club, Lufthansa Miles & More and Virgin Australia Velocity, as well as most major U.S. programs.
After submitting your information and proof of your current status, you’ll be matched to the corresponding Medallion tier for three months.
With Medallion status moving to the Medallion Qualification Dollar-earning system in 2024, extending your status beyond the initial three months requires earning the following:
If you qualify and complete the challenge’s additional requirements in 2025, your Medallion status will be extended through Jan. 31, 2027.
Related: Delta to test new fare ‘subcategories’ in 2025; ponders higher-end Amex credit card
Frontier Airlines status match
According to the airline’s website, “Frontier Status Match is revamping and will be coming back shortly.”
For now, Frontier Miles is offering a paid shortcut to status to select travel rewards credit card holders in the U.S. You can see if you’re eligible on this page, and if so, you’ll have the option to purchase Elite Gold status (the program’s second-lowest tier out of four) for $499. This status will be valid through Dec. 31, so the earlier you get it, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy it.
Related: Frontier Miles elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Hawaiian Airlines status match
Thanks to Hawaiian Airlines’ recent merger with Alaska Airlines, Mileage Plan MVP members can request a status match to HawaiianMiles here.
What if you have status with an airline other than Alaska? While not publicly advertised, HawaiianMiles has previously offered status matches up to top-tier Platinum status on a case-by-case basis via its online contact form. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
To request a status match with Hawaiian Airlines, the company typically requires two things:
- Proof of current elite status
- Documentation of flights completed that earned the elite status, including flight activity to at least one of Hawaiian’s destinations
Matches are usually good for one calendar year from the time of upgrade.
ITA Airways status match
ITA Airways’ loyalty program, Volare, has been known to run occasional status match promotions, like this one in the summer of 2024. While there are no status matches right now, you may want to check the program’s list of current promotions if that changes.
A Volare status match could be worth considering even if you’re not an ITA Airways frequent flyer, as it gives you an opportunity to get SkyTeam elite status.
Related: SkyTeam alliance guide: Member airlines, lounges and elite status
JetBlue status match
JetBlue TrueBlue launched an ongoing status match program in August 2024 called Match to Mosaic. You can now match to Mosaic 1 or 2 from the following programs:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Delta SkyMiles
- Free Spirit
- Frontier Miles
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- United MileagePlus
To apply, submit a screenshot of your frequent flyer program profile showing your full name and proof of status. If matching to Mosaic 2, you’ll need a screenshot or photo of your most recent boarding pass or flight confirmation email showing your status.
Once approved, you’ll receive complimentary Mosaic status for three months. You can extend or elevate your status by earning a set number of “tiles,” which JetBlue awards for activities like JetBlue flights, cobranded credit card spending, JetBlue vacation packages and travel booked through Paisly by JetBlue.
To extend your status through the next calendar year, you must earn the following number of tiles within the three-month promotional status period:
- 10 tiles to keep Mosaic 1
- 25 tiles to keep Mosaic 2
- 40 tiles to earn Mosaic 3
Related: JetBlue Mosaic elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Lufthansa status match
In 2024, Lufthansa’s Miles & More program launched a status match offer to elite members of Scandinavian Airlines’ EuroBonus program. This match is no longer available, but you can register here to be notified of future status match opportunities.
Scandinavian Airlines status match
SAS’ EuroBonus program offered a status match promotion last year for Oneworld and Star Alliance elite members, but this is no longer available. Since SAS joined SkyTeam in 2024 after being a longtime member of Star Alliance, future status match offers could look very different.
Southwest Airlines status match
Previously, it was difficult to discover Southwest Airlines’ status match and challenge programs as they were not widely advertised. However, the airline has now made these programs more accessible by providing all the terms and conditions on its website.
You must have status with another domestic airline to qualify for a Southwest A-List status match. Any status level seems to be accepted. To initiate the process, email southwest.statusmatch@wnco.com with your full name, Rapid Rewards account number and proof of elite status.
Once your request is processed, you will receive promotional A-List status for 90 days.
To extend your A-List status for an additional 12 months, you must book and complete three qualifying round-trip flights or six one-way flights within 90 days of confirmation of your enrollment. These flights must be paid fares, not award tickets. While existing bookings may not count, Southwest allows easy cancellation and rebooking without penalties — so you can convert existing bookings into new ones if the fare has not increased significantly.
To qualify for the Southwest status match, you must not have received promotional A-List status from any program, including status matches and challenges, within the past 12 months. Existing A-List members with expiring status are not eligible for a status match.
Related: Southwest A-List status: What it is and how to earn it
Spirit Airlines status match
Spirit Airlines is offering a limited-time status match challenge, but you’ll have to act fast — applications must be received by Jan. 31.
You can apply for this status match if you hold elite status with one of the following:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Delta SkyMiles
- Frontier Miles
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- United MileagePlus
To be eligible, you must have earned your status through the airline’s published requirements (complimentary status or status earned through a promotion does not qualify). Additionally, you must not have received a status match or complimentary status from Free Spirit in the past two years.
Once approved, you will be granted 90 days of Free Spirit Silver or Gold status based on your current elite tier. You can extend your status through Dec. 31 by earning enough Spirit Qualification Points on flights operated by Spirit or spending on Spirit’s cobranded card. You must earn the following within your 90 days of complimentary status to extend it:
- Free Spirit Silver: 500 SQPs
- Free Spirit Gold: 1,250 SQPs
Silver and Gold elite members receive waived fees for extras like seat selection, priority boarding and same-day standby. You’re even eligible for a free checked and carry-on bag at the Gold level.
Related: Is it time to reconsider Spirit Airlines and its Free Spirit program?
United Airlines status match
United Airlines relaunched its MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge promotion in 2024. This challenge closed in December, and details for the 2025 challenge should be available later in January 2025. Until then, here’s a look at how last year’s challenge worked.
Elite members of other programs could register and receive complimentary United MileagePlus status for 120 days.
According to United’s website, this is only a partial list. The Premier Status Match Challenge form provides a full list.
After enrollment, members had 120 days to earn a set number of Premier qualifying flights and Premier qualifying points to extend their elite status. If you earned Premier status on or after July 1, your status would be valid through January 2026. If you earned status before July, your status would only be valid through January 2025.
Note that the flights must be operated by United or United Express — partner flights (including those on Star Alliance carriers) aren’t eligible. Challenges are limited to once every five years per MileagePlus account.
Related: United Premier status: How to earn it — and is it worth it?
Virgin Atlantic status match
Virgin Atlantic offers a publicly available status match to members of select competing programs.
Depending on your existing status tier, you’re eligible for an instant match to Second Tier (Silver) or Top Tier (Gold). However, those who match to Gold must have a future paid flight booked in Upper Class or premium economy to be eligible. Meanwhile, those matching to Silver must have a flight booked in any cabin to be approved for a match.
Here’s a look at what programs and status tiers are eligible:
| Loyalty program | Second Tier (Silver) | Top Tier (Gold) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 25K or 35K | 50K, 75K or Super Elite |
| Air India Flying Returns | Silver | Gold or Platinum |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | AAdvantage Platinum Pro | AAdvantage Executive Platinum or Concierge Key |
| British Airways Executive Club | Silver | Gold |
| Cathay Pacific | Gold | Diamond |
| Emirates Skywards | Silver | Gold or Platinum |
| HawaiianMiles | Pualani Gold | Pualani Platinum |
| Iberia Plus | Oro | Platino |
| Lufthansa Miles & More | Senator (Gold) | Hon Circle |
| South African Airways Voyager | Silver | Gold or Platinum |
| United MileagePlus | Premier Platinum | Premier 1K or Global Services |
Once your status is upgraded, you’ll enjoy your status for 12 months. Here’s what you must earn in the 12 months to retain your status:
- Silver: 400 tier points
- Gold: 1,000 tier points
Those with Virgin Atlantic status benefit from flying with the airline and its partners. On Delta flights, Gold members receive priority seating, lounge access on select flights, priority baggage and other benefits. Plus, they receive benefits on SkyTeam airlines, including Air France, KLM, Korean Air and China Eastern.
Unfortunately, since Virgin Atlantic is now a member of SkyTeam, you can’t use your Delta status for this match. This offer is not available to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members who also hold any level of membership with one of Virgin’s SkyTeam partners or those who have taken advantage of a status match within the past five years.
Related: Flexibility is key: Why I (mostly) like the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club changes
Bottom line
Airlines offer status matches and challenges to attract elite customers from their competitors. However, as customers, we can also benefit from these opportunities. Status matches and challenges provide a shortcut to enjoying perks and savings, especially if you are moving to a hub where your preferred airline doesn’t operate (or has a smaller presence).
They can also be advantageous for specific trips, particularly international ones. Additionally, you can use them if you’re ready to break up with your existing airline over unwelcome changes to its program.
However, before applying for a status match or challenge, understand the terms and conditions and choose the most opportune time to apply. Don’t overlook opportunities with foreign carriers that could grant alliance elite status, offering benefits like lounge access and increased baggage capacity on domestic airlines.
If your current elite status is about to expire, remember to submit your status match request before it does to avoid missing out on the opportunity.
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