Ultimate Guide to Airline Frequent Flyer Status Matches and Challenges [2025]

Key Takeaways

• Airline status matches allow travelers to obtain elite status at another airline, usually requiring proof of existing status.
• Status challenges often involve flying a set number of miles or segments within a specific timeframe to retain the matched status, which provides benefits like upgrades, priority boarding, and bonus miles.
• Airlines offering status matches and challenges include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines.

What’s not to like about having elite status with an airline? Travel becomes less stressful when you can board the plane early, have priority seating, and access dedicated service if things go wrong during your trip.

If you currently have airline elite status of any kind, you’re familiar with these benefits and all the other loyalty perks of a specific airline. Chances are, you’d also be disappointed if, for any reason, you had to give up all those perks if you switched airlines.

Fortunately for those who already have airline elite status (and even for some folks who don’t), you might not have to start over to secure elite status with a new airline — there’s a shortcut offered by many of them.

This shortcut is called a status match or status challenge, and airlines offer it to some frequent flyers in the hope that the traveler will continue flying with them.

What Is a Status Match or Challenge, and How Does It Work?

A status match (or status challenge) is simply a shortcut opportunity to qualify for elite status with an airline you don’t currently have status with.

For example, you may have United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Gold status and plan to start flying Delta Air Lines. You might ask Delta to grant you its Gold Medallion status so you can try out Delta with the same benefits you’ve had with United.

Note that a status match does not result in your current elite status transferring to the new airline — you would retain status with the current airline and get additional status with the new airline.

Airlines offer these elite status matches or challenges to attract the business of known frequent flyers. Each airline structures its offers differently and may or may not publish a formal request process or list of requirements.

We’ll cover some examples of airline status matches and challenges shortly, but first, let’s look at the reasons you’d want to request a status match, the differences between a status match and a status challenge, and who is eligible.

Reasons You Would Want To Request a Status Match

If you currently have airline elite status, why would you ask another airline to grant you the same status? The reasons are many, and can include the following:

• You’ve relocated to a different city that is not serviced sufficiently by your current airline.
• Your current airline has changed its elite program to include requirements you won’t be able to meet.
• Your current airline is not treating you as well as it once did.
• Your airline has gone out of business.
• Your airline has merged with another airline, and you’re not happy with the changes.
• The new airline is now operating flights out of your home airport.
• You want dual status!

Bottom Line:

Fortunately, you can request an airline elite status match for any reason, including simply wanting to try a new airline.

The Difference Between a Status Match and a Status Challenge

When you request a status match with a new airline, you may receive an instant match of elite status, a challenge that requires additional action, or a combination of both.

Your request may also be denied.

Let’s examine the differences between a status match and a status challenge and what you can expect when you apply.

• Status match: Some airlines may give you immediate corresponding elite status valid for a specific period. There are no further flying or revenue requirements to keep the granted status for the specified period.
• Status challenge: Some airlines do not grant elite status until you have completed a specific number of miles flown. In addition, some airlines may require you to generate a certain amount of revenue with them to receive status. However, these status challenge requirements are usually far less than the standard annual requirements for earning status.
• Combination of the above: Some airlines may grant you immediate corresponding status and then require you to complete additional challenge activities to extend that status beyond the trial period. These can include flying a certain number of miles and meeting revenue requirements within a specified period.
• Denial: You may be denied when you request a status match. Reasons for denial can include that your current airline is not eligible for the status match, the new airline is no longer offering a status match, or that you obtained your current status through a promotion or other granted (versus earned) status.

Hot Tip:

It’s essential to do your research before you request a status match. If an airline requires flying requirements, ensure you have flights planned that can be completed during any associated challenge period.

Who Is Eligible for a Status Match or Challenge?

Each airline has rules about who is eligible for a status match or challenge. Generally, anyone with current airline elite status can apply, but there are circumstances where a frequent flyer may not be eligible.

You may not be eligible if:

• You obtained your current elite status via a promotion (for example, a credit card that comes with airline elite status) or another status match or challenge.
• Your elite status has expired.
• Your current elite status is with an airline that is not eligible.
• You do not reside in an eligible country.

Hot Tip:

If you have current elite status and want to secure a status match, you have nothing to lose by submitting a request, even if you don’t meet the guidelines. The worst that can happen is that the new airline says no, but you’ve risked nothing in the process!

Airlines Offering Status Matches or Challenges

Let’s look at a sampling of airlines that offer status matches and/or status challenges. An airline could offer an immediate status match, a status match that requires a challenge (combination), or a challenge that can ultimately result in a status match.

Here’s a snapshot of the most likely outcome of a status match or challenge request. It’s important to note that airlines can withdraw or enhance their programs at any time.

Air Canada

Note that Air Canada has currently paused its status challenge program for its Aeroplan frequent flyer program. We’ll leave this information here for informational purposes and update you when the airline announces a new opportunity.

Status Challenge

When requesting a status match with Air Canada’s Aeroplan program, you will most likely receive a challenge that requires you to fly 18,500 miles (or 18 segments) within 90 days. Sometimes it also launches status matches, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled. If you receive a challenge, you will be granted Aeroplan 50K level elite status at completion. Having elite status with Air Canada may help you upgrade to business or first class!

How To Submit a Request

Send an email with your request and a copy of your current membership card plus flight history to status.match@aircanada.com.

Alaska Airlines

Status Match

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan grants an elite status that matches your current corresponding airline elite status. To retain the temporary status, you must complete a challenge. The temporary status is valid for 90 days. You will have the same 90 days to complete the challenge.

To retain your granted temporary status, you need to complete different requirements within 90 days based on the level of the corresponding status granted:

• MVP: Fly 5,000 miles
• MVP Gold: Fly 10,000 miles
• MVP Gold 75K: Fly 20,000 miles

If you start the status challenge by the end of June, you retain status through the end of that calendar year. If you begin the status challenge in July through December, you maintain status through the end of the following year.

For a limited time, Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles members can participate in a special status match to Alaska Airlines. Details on combining balances and status matches are here.

How To Submit a Request

Complete the online status request form here or prepare an email asking to be granted status at the Alaska Airlines level that matches your current status. An email can be sent to elite.flyer@alaskaair.com. You need to provide documentation of your current earned status and a screenshot of your account information.

The status match is a one-time offer per account. Our guide covers everything you need to know to complete a status match with Alaska Airlines.

Hot Tip:

Through 2025, University of Washington employees may qualify for a trial 180-day status match! Complete the challenge’s flight requirements within 180 days and earn status with Alaska Airlines. Details on this Fast Track offer are here.

American Airlines

Paid Instant Status Pass With Challenge

American Airlines does not offer a complimentary status match or challenge. You are required to pay an upfront fee for the combination of having status during the challenge.

You do not need to have current elite status with another airline to purchase an American Airlines Instant Status Pass challenge.

Challenge requirements are divided into 4-month periods, with Loyalty Point-earning requirements for each period to keep status. Requirements differ by granted status. Once the 3 phases of the Instant Status Pass challenge are completed, your status will be extended through the status year following the year you registered.

It’s worth noting that American AAdvantage Loyalty Points can be earned without flying. Combining credit card spending with airline activity makes this status match unique and potentially easier to accomplish than most airline challenges.

It’s a bit complicated, but we’ve spelled it all out in our article on how to status match with American Airlines.

How To Submit a Request

To request a status challenge with American Airlines, you can apply here or call AAdvantage customer service at 800-882-8880. You can also check if the offer is available in your American AAdvantage mobile app.

Hot Tip:

World of Hyatt elite members can link their accounts with their American AAdvantage accounts to earn bonus points and miles. World of Hyatt members may also receive offers that, in the past, have included a special status match or challenge with American Airlines. Here’s how to link your Hyatt and American Airlines accounts.

Cathay Pacific

Status Match With Flight Requirement

Cathay Pacific has paused its status match program and is not currently accepting requests. We’ll leave this information here for informational purposes and update it when requests reopen.

Status matches to Cathay Pacific Cathay are usually granted to its Silver level, regardless of your current elite status. You must usually have flown on a Cathay Pacific flight recently and/or have an upcoming reservation.

How To Submit a Request

Email theclub@cathaypacific.com requesting the status match and including your Cathay membership number, a copy of a recent flight on Cathay Pacific, or an upcoming reservation. Also, attach a copy of your current elite membership card and flight history.

Delta Air Lines

Combination of Status Match and Challenge

Delta grants status immediately and then requires a challenge to be completed to extend it. To complete the challenge, you must fly a specific number of miles and spend a certain amount of money (Medallion Qualification Dollars) with Delta.

How To Submit a Request

Complete Delta’s online status match form and attach copies of your elite membership card and flight history.

We’ve written a complete guide on Delta’s status match system, providing all the information you need to complete the process.

Hot Tip:

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members can now apply for a status match challenge with Delta Air Lines. The offer expires September 30, 2025.

Hawaiian Airlines

Status Match

There are reports that Hawaiian Airlines has recently paused its status match offer while it combines its program with Alaska Airlines. We’ll leave this information here until the programs are combined.

You can link your Hawaiian Airlines account and apply for a status match with Alaska Airlines here.

How To Submit a Request

Complete an online customer service form to request a status match with Hawaiian Airlines. Attach a copy of your elite membership card and flight history with your current airline, and include any upcoming Hawaiian Airlines reservation information.

According to reports from StatusMatcher, those who have been approved in the past have stated that they included their history of flying routes on their current airline that matched those operated by Hawaiian Airlines.

JetBlue

Status Match and Status Challenge

JetBlue matches your domestic airline status to the equivalent JetBlue status for 3 months. You must meet the challenge requirements during that period to extend the status beyond 3 months.

How to Submit a Request

• If you’re not a current member, sign up for the JetBlue TrueBlue frequent flyer program.
• Complete the application request.
• Include a screenshot of your current airline profile showing your full name and status.
• If you’re requesting a match Mosaic 2 (current JetBlue members), include your most recent boarding pass or flight confirmation email showing your status.

Allow 4 weeks for processing from the time you submit the request. Once your request for Mosaic 1 or 2 is approved, you will receive an email confirmation.

Status requirements are measured in tiles. You earn a tile for every $100 spent on qualifying spending, including JetBlue flights, vacations, and more. You can also earn status tiles by spending on a JetBlue credit card.

Once you meet the status requirements, your new status is valid through the following calendar year. However, the email confirmation will dictate the final terms of the match and challenge.

Learn more about JetBlue status levels and requirements for the status challenge here.

Southwest Airlines

Status Match and Status Challenge

If you currently have valid elite status with a U.S. airline, Southwest will grant you a status match for 90 days. To extend that status for another 12 months, you can complete a challenge of 3 round-trip flights within those 90 days.

How To Submit a Request

Email your request, your Rapids Rewards number, and a copy of your current U.S. airline elite membership information to southwest.statusmatch@wnco.com.

For more information, check out our guide to Southwest status matches.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines has currently suspended its status match and challenge. We’ll leave this information here should the program allow applications in the future.

Status Match and Status Challenge

Spirit will match your current elite status in another airline with the equivalent Free Spirit status for 90 days for free. You can keep that Free Spirit Silver or Gold status based on reduced earning criteria.

Spirit also matches elite status in hotel loyalty programs!

How To Submit a Request

Complete the status match request form and submit the required documents, or call 833-728-3359.

Turkish Airlines

Status Match and Status Challenge

The initial status match granted by Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles is usually valid for 4 months. To extend this status to 1 year, you must complete at least 1 international flight during the 4 months. Keep good records and be persistent, as the process can be tedious.

How To Submit a Request

Submit your request using the Turkish Airlines feedback form. Select the Miles&Smiles program as the topic. Be sure to include a copy of your current elite membership card (front and back), your current statement, and your Miles&Smiles membership number.

United Airlines

Combination of Status Match and Challenge

United Airlines MileagePlus offers an immediate corresponding status match after approval and completion of an “activating flight.” The temporary status is valid for 90 days. Then, during that time, you must complete a challenge by flying a specified number of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs). When you complete the challenge, your status will be extended.

How To Submit a Request

Submit a request by completing a status match form. Include your MileagePlus account number, your full name, mailing address, and email address. Attach a copy of your current membership card (front and back) and a copy of your account statement.

Your request will be processed within 7 to 14 business days, and you have 90 days to take your activating flight. You have 120 days to complete the challenge to maintain status beyond the 120-day challenge period.

Our complete guide explains securing a United MileagePlus status match/challenge.

Virgin Atlantic

Status Match With Qualifying Flight Requirement

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers a status match to its Silver and Gold elite status levels. After approval, your corresponding status is valid for 12 months. You’re then required to book and fly a flight on Virgin Atlantic to keep your granted status.

Your qualifying Virgin Atlantic flight can be any fare class if you are status-matching to Silver. If you are status-matching to Gold, your qualifying flight must be booked in Premium or Upper Class.

Eligible flights must be operated by Virgin Atlantic or have a VS flight number if operated by Delta or Air France.

How To Submit a Request

Complete this status match form to submit a request. You must provide your Flying Club membership number, proof of your current airline status, a copy of your membership card showing your current status, and the booking reference for an upcoming Virgin Atlantic flight.

Hot Tip:

The StatusMatcher website is a good resource for information on which airlines offer a match or challenge and for a collection of real-life results from status match inquiries.

How and When To Submit a Status Match Request

How To Complete a Status Match Request

The new airline you’re soliciting will want to know you’re a frequent flyer who has attained your status from travels with your current airline. They’ll also want to know that your elite membership is current.

When completing your request for a status match, include the following:

• Your name, address, and frequent flyer membership number for the airline program for which you’re requesting a status match
• A copy of your current membership card, front and back, clearly showing your elite status level and the expiration date
• A copy of your current frequent flyer account statement

This information can be submitted using the airline’s online status match form, if they have one (the best option), by email, or by submitting a request via a customer service inquiry form on the airline’s website.

Bottom Line:

Sign up for the new airline’s frequent flyer program before submitting your request. Be sure to include this membership number plus the appropriate documents to expedite the processing of your request.

Importance of Timing

If you have many flights booked with an airline and want a status match, you should certainly make your request regardless of the time of year. If you are flexible, however, there may be an optimal time to submit your request.

• Generally, status matches or challenges that are approved or completed in the first half of the year earn status through the end of the current status year, which is usually at the end of January or February of the following year (the status could also be granted just through the end of the current year).
  • For example, if you completed a challenge in May 2025, your status may be granted through January 31, 2026.
• If you complete a status challenge in the latter half of the year, your status could be valid for the remainder of the year and throughout the following year.
  • For example, if you sign up and complete a challenge in July 2025, your status may be granted through January 31, 2027.

Some airlines have even later cutoff dates, so you should check with your desired airline before submitting a request.

Hot Tip:

The timing of your status match request can determine how long your extended status is valid once you’ve completed a challenge. Normally, submitting your request in the latter half of the year results in the longest period of granted elite status.

Completing the Flying and Revenue Requirements

Sometimes the airline requires you to complete a challenge before receiving elite status. For example, you may be required to fly a certain number of miles and even spend a certain amount on flights to obtain the status match and/or extend the period of your granted status.

Other airlines grant immediate status and have ongoing activity requirements to extend the granted status.

It’s important to note that some airlines only count flights booked after you’re approved for a challenge, while others will include flights booked before approval.

Creating a Status Challenge Itinerary

Attention to detail is essential to completing a status challenge successfully.

• Review the flight requirements. Pay particular attention to which airlines must operate the qualifying flights, the required revenue (or miles) you need, and the deadline for the requirements to appear in your account.
• Check the fare class of your flight and compare it to the airline’s fare chart to ensure you’ll receive at least 100% mileage credit for the flights (if miles are required).
• Check to be sure the cost of your flight, minus taxes and fees, is sufficient to meet the revenue requirements.
• Be careful with timing. After completing the flights, allow enough time for the miles to be credited to your account during the challenge period.

Let’s work through a quick example.

Suppose you submitted a request to status match with Delta Air Lines for Gold Medallion status and were approved. Your requirement, stated in your email confirmation from Delta, was to obtain 2,500 MQDs during the 90-day challenge period. You have an upcoming flight booked on Delta, and your reservation states that you will earn approximately 1,040 MQDs. You now need 1,460 additional MQDs to meet the challenge.

Since the number of miles flown is not a requirement, any Delta flight with sufficient MQDs counts toward challenge qualification.

It’s important to realize that airlines do not count the entire cost of the ticket you purchase toward these revenue requirements, since some government taxes and fees are excluded. Additionally, some airlines calculate the qualifying dollars for eligible partner airline flights based on a percentage of the distance flown.

Hot Tip:

Qualifying spending could count toward the status match or challenge requirements if you have an airline-branded credit card. Airlines may allow you to earn toward the revenue requirements needed for status and status challenges when spending on branded cards.

Enhancing Your New Elite Status

Your new elite status will deliver airline perks you can use, but to receive even more benefits, you may also want to consider the airline’s branded credit card.

An airline rewards-earning credit card enhances your current elite benefits, allows you to earn a higher level of frequent flyer miles, and allows you to redeem those miles for award tickets.

Most of these cards also earn a generous welcome offer bonus after you meet specific initial spending requirements. Airline-branded credit cards offer one of the fastest ways to earn frequent flyer miles.

Here are some examples of airline-branded credit cards and the types of associated airline benefits you can expect to receive.

*Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion Year to the Delta Sky Club when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year.

Bottom Line:

An airline-branded credit card can provide extra benefits not offered by elite status alone. 

Everything Else You Need To Know

Signing up for the new airline’s frequent flyer program before you submit a status match request will help expedite your request.

Some airlines limit status matches to once per lifetime of your account. Others limit requests to once every 3 to 5 years.

If you’re approved for a status challenge and don’t meet the requirements within the specified period, your temporary status will expire.

Most airlines do not typically status match to their top elite tiers. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are exceptions and may match status to their top level. Other airlines may not advertise it publicly but may grant individual requests.

It’s possible you will receive a prompt reply to your request, but you should usually expect to wait at least 2 weeks from the submission date. Some foreign airlines may take as long as 4 weeks to respond.

If you receive a status match or challenge when speaking with an airline representative, always request a follow-up written confirmation.

Additional airlines may have limited-time offers or only grant a status match or challenge limited to elites of 1 or 2 airlines. Examples include Etihad, Flying Blue (Air France and KLM), Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian, Turkish Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

Final Thoughts

If you currently have elite status with another airline and want (or need) to switch to a new airline, requesting a status match is a perfect way to do so.

In your first request, you’ll want to build a strong case to avoid a delayed process in which the new airline must request more information.

In addition, you always need to join the new airline’s frequent flyer program, so include that membership number up front with your request. You also need to include documents that support this information to validate that you’ve earned status by flying and that your status is current.

While we’ve made every effort to provide a current snapshot of status match and challenge offers, changes occur constantly. The airline’s email confirmation will dictate the actual terms and conditions of your status match or challenge.

And remember, you can request a status match from any airline! The worst case is that they say no, and it doesn’t cost you anything to ask.