American Offers Southwest Airlines Frequent Flyers an Improved Status Match

Updated: March 20, 2025, 4:05pm CDT

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American Airlines Status Match Offer
What Perks Can You Get From This Status Match?
Final Thoughts

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American Airlines is offering Southwest Airlines frequent flyers an enticing option to jump ship. The offer comes at a time when loyalty to the low-cost carrier is likely to be wavering.

The status match offer is about as good as it gets for Southwest Rapid Rewards members, as they can match their Southwest A-List Preferred status to American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Pro.

Here’s everything you need to do about this generous status match that doesn’t look like it will be around for long.

American Airlines Status Match Offer

American has quietly introduced a higher status match level for disgruntled Southwest flyers who may be upset by the airline’s recent announcements of checked bag fees and other changes coming later this year.

The limited-time offer will award AAdvantage Platinum status to Southwest A-List status holders and AAdvantage Platinum Pro status to Southwest’s A-List Preferred members.

Previously, American offered a lower category match: Southwest A-List members would match to AAdvantage Gold, and A-List Preferred members would match to AAdvantage Platinum.

American Airlines status match table — American has even moved Southwest to the top of its status match table. Image Credit: American Airlines

Eligible Southwest status holders have until June 30, 2025, to apply here.

Once the status match is complete, shiny new AAdvantage elites can enjoy the many perks of their new status for 4 months. To keep it for an additional 4 months, travelers are required to meet a Loyalty Point goal.

Hot Tip:

Check out our full guide covering everything about status matches and challenges with American Airlines AAdvantage.

What Perks Can You Get From This Status Match?

Having status with American Airlines gives you a wealth of perks and benefits when flying with the carrier, even if you’re flying in coach.

For example, Platinum Pro status (which you can match to from Southwest A-List Preferred), comes with complimentary upgrades on domestic and some international flights.

A valuable perk that comes with both Platinum and Platinum Pro status is the ability to select Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats for free. These can cost $100 (or more) on long-haul international flights!

American Airlines economy front rows Boeing 777 1 — The extra legroom that comes with American Airlines Main Cabin Extra seats on its Boeing 777-200 jets can provide an improved level of comfort during a long-haul flight. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Final Thoughts

American’s improved status match comes hot on the heels of a similar offer made by low-cost Frontier Airlines. Its attempt at winning over disappointed Southwest frequent flyers is by basically adopting the business model that Southwest has just given up.

Once it overhauls its identity as an airline, many Southwest Airlines frequent flyers will be looking elsewhere for their travel. This status match offer by American could be just what they need.