Ultimate Guide to Airline Frequent Flyer Status Matches & Challenges [2021]
21
21 We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details.
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 be able to access dedicated service if things go wrong during your trip.
If you currently have an airline elite status, you’re familiar with these benefits and all the other perks that come with loyalty to a specific airline. Chances are you’d also be disappointed if you had to give up all those perks if you switched airlines for any reason.
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 hopes that the traveler will continue flying with them.
In this guide to airline status matches/challenges, we’ll cover the following:
- An overview of how status matches/challenges work
- Why you’d want to status match, and who is eligible
- Which airlines offer these matches/challenges
- How and when to apply
- How to complete status match/challenge requirements
- Enhancing your new status
- Everything else you need to know
Let’s get started learning all about status matches/challenges and how you can leverage your elite status to transition comfortably to a new airline.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
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 on.
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 continue to retain status with the current airline and get additional status with the new airline.
Airlines offer these elite status matches or challenges in order to gain the business of known frequent flyers. Each airline structures their offers differently and may or may not publish a formal request process.
We’ll cover some examples of airline status matches/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 want to 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 just want dual status!
Bottom Line: Fortunately, your reason for wanting to status match to a new airline can be quite simple: you want 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 some additional action on your part, or a combination of the 2.
You may also receive a denial of your request.
Let’s take a look at the differences between a status match and a status challenge, and what you can expect when you apply.
- Status Match — Some airlines will give you immediate corresponding elite status valid for a specific period of time. There are no further flying or revenue requirements to keep the granted status for the specified time period.
- Status Challenge — Some airlines will not grant elite status until you have completed a specific number of miles flown. In addition, some airlines require you to generate a certain amount of revenue with them in order to receive status. However, these “status challenge” requirements are normally far less than the normal annual requirements for earning status.
- Combination — Some airlines will grant you immediate corresponding status and then require you to complete additional challenge activities. These can include flying a certain amount of miles and meeting revenue requirements to extend the status period.
- Denial — It is possible to get 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 your current status was obtained through a promotion or other status match.
Hot Tip: It is important to do your research before you request a status match. If an airline requires flying requirements, you’ll want to make sure you have flights planned in case your request is approved.
Who Is Eligible for a Status Match/Challenge?
Each airline has its own rules about who is eligible for a status match or challenge. Generally, anyone who has current airline elite status can apply, but there are circumstances where a frequent flyer may not be eligible.
You may not be eligible if:
- Your current elite status was gained from a promotion (such as a credit card) or through another status match/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’ve got nothing to lose by submitting a request, even if you don’t exactly 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/Challenges
Let’s take a look at a sampling of airlines that offer status matches and/or status challenges. You’ll find that an airline could offer an immediate status match, a status match that then 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. Keep in mind that airlines can withdraw or enhance their programs at any time.
| Airline | Status Match, Status Challenge, or Combination |
| Air Canada | Status match or status challenge |
| Alaska Airlines | Status match and challenge |
| American Airlines | Pay for status challenge and for status match |
| Cathay Pacific | Status match |
| Delta Air Lines | Combination |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Status match |
| Southwest Airlines | Status match, then challenge to extend status |
| Turkish Airlines | Status match, then challenge to extend status |
| United Airlines | Combination |
| Virgin Atlantic | Status match |
Air Canada
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. In rare cases, you may receive a status match. 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 get upgrades 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 [email protected].
Alaska Airlines
Status Match
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan grants an elite status match to your current corresponding airline elite status and then a challenge that needs to be completed to retain the temporary granted status. The temporary status is good for 90 days and you will have the same 90 days to complete the challenge.
- To retain temporary status, you will need to complete different requirements in the 90-day period 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 match/challenge by the end of June, you will retain status through the end of that calendar year.
- If you start the status match/challenge in July through December, you will retain status through the end of the following year.
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 [email protected]. You’ll need to provide documentation of your current earned status and a screenshot of your current account information.
The status match/challenge is a 1-time offer per account. For everything you need to know to complete a status match with Alaska Airlines, refer to our complete guide.
Hot Tip: For a limited time, through April 15, 2021, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is offering a special status match to United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines elite members. This special challenge includes 50% bonus miles on flown miles for those who participate. You can register here.
American Airlines
Paid Status Challenge and Paid Status Match
- American Airlines does not offer a status match, only a status challenge — and it requires you to pay a fee upfront to participate.
- You can also purchase immediate status so you’ll be able to complete the challenge with status benefits.
- You do not need to have current elite status with another airline to purchase an American Airlines elite status challenge.
How To Submit a Request
- To request a status challenge with American Airlines, we recommend calling AAdvantage customer service at 888-697-5636.
Still have questions? Our guide to completing an American Airlines status challenge will tell you everything you need to know.
Cathay Pacific
Status Match With Flight Requirement
- Status matches to Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo Club are usually granted to its Silver level regardless of your current elite status. They usually require you to have either flown on a Cathay Pacific flight recently and/or have an upcoming reservation.
How To Submit a Request
- Send an email to [email protected] requesting the status match; include your Marco Polo Club 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 be completed to extend it. You will be required to fly a specific number of miles and spend a certain amount of money with Delta in order to complete the challenge.
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 an expert guide on Delta’s status match/challenge system that provides all the information you need to complete the process.
Hot Tip: Check your email and be on the lookout for temporary status matches or challenges offered by the airlines. As an example, Delta Air Lines recently offered a short-term status match and challenge that would allow other airline elites to qualify for up to its top Diamond Medallion status. Even hotel loyalty programs occasionally have reciprocal status matches/challenges such as the 2020 World of Hyatt and American Airlines agreement or Marriott Bonvoy and United Airlines elite status matching.
Hawaiian Airlines
Status Match
- Hawaiian Airlines has recently been denying status match requests, but if you do receive a match, it can be to any of its elite status levels for a period of up to 12 months. No further action is required — but if you have an upcoming Hawaiian Airlines reservation, you should include that information in your request.
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, flight history with your current airline, and include any upcoming Hawaiian Airlines reservation information.
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 a period of 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
- Send your request along with your Rapids Rewards number in an email with a copy of your current U.S. airline elite membership information to [email protected].
For more information, check out our guide to Southwest status matches.
Spirit Airlines
Status Match and Status Challenge
- Spirit will match your current elite status with another airline with the equivalent Free Spirit status for 90 days for free. You will have the opportunity to keep that Free Spirit Silver or Gold status based on reduced earning criteria.
How To Submit a Request
- Submit this form and requested documents or call 833-728-3359.
Turkish Airlines
Status Match and Status Challenge
- The initial status match granted by Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles is valid for 4 months. To extend this status to 1 year, you must complete at least 1 international flight during that period. Keep good records and be persistent, as the process can be tedious.
How To Submit a Request
- Use the Turkish Airlines feedback form to submit your request. Select the Miles&Smiles program as the topic. Be sure to include a copy of your current elite membership card (front and back) and a copy of your current statement. You’ll also want to include your Miles&Smiles membership number.
United Airlines
Combination of Status Match and Challenge
- United Airlines MileagePlus offers an immediate corresponding status match valid for 90 days and then requires you to complete a challenge during that time by flying a certain amount of miles or flight segments. When you complete the challenge, your status will be extended.
How To Submit a Request
- Submit a request by completing a status match form or sending an email to [email protected].
- 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.
We walk you through the steps of securing a United MileagePlus status match/challenge in our complete guide.
Virgin Atlantic
Status Match
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers a status match to its Flying Club Silver and Flying Club Gold elite status levels. After approval, your corresponding status will be valid for 12 months.
During the 12-month period, you’ll need to earn 400 Tier points to keep Silver status and 1,000 Tier points to keep Gold. Eligible flights must be operated by Virgin Atlantic or have a VS flight number if operated by Delta or Air France.
If you are status-matching to Flying Club Silver, your qualifying Virgin Atlantic flight can be any fare class. If you are status-matching to Flying Club Gold, your qualifying flight must be booked in Premium or Upper Class.
How To Submit a Request
- Submit a request by completing this status match form.
- You will need to 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: For further information on which airlines offer a status match and a collection of real-life results from status match inquiries, the Status Matcher website serves as a good resource.
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 traveling a great deal with your current airline. They’ll also want to know that your elite membership is current.
When completing your request for a status match, you’ll want to include the following:
- Your name, address, and frequent flyer membership number of the airline program you’re requesting a status match in
- A copy of the front and back of your current membership card 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), sending an email, or submitting a request via their 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.
The Importance of Timing
If you have a lot of flights booked with an airline and want a status match, you should certainly go ahead and 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/challenges that are approved/completed in the first half of the year earn status through the end of the current status year, which is usually January 31 of the following year (status could also be granted just through the end of the current year)
- For example, if you completed a challenge in May 2021, your status may be granted through January 31, 2022
- If you complete a status challenge in the last half of the year, your status could be valid for the remainder of the year and throughout the next year
- For example, if you sign up and complete a challenge in July 2021, your status may be granted through January 31, 2022
Some airlines have even later cut-off dates, so you’ll want to be sure to check with your desired airline before submitting a request.
Hot Tip: The timing of your status match request can determine how long your status match will be valid. 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
In some instances, the airline will require you to complete a challenge prior to receiving elite status. For example, you may be required to fly a certain number of miles and even spend a certain amount on flights in order to obtain the status match and/or extend the period of your granted status.
Creating a Status Challenge Itinerary
One example of a status challenge that requires flying a certain number of miles would be Air Canada Aeroplan, where you are asked to fly 18,500 miles on flights operated by Air Canada to be granted Aeroplan 50K status.
In order to complete any challenge successfully, you’ll want to:
- Review the flight requirements. Pay particular attention to which airlines must operate the qualifying flights, the number of miles you will need, and the deadline for the miles to hit your account.
- Check the fare class of your flight. Compare it to the airline’s fare chart to make sure you’ll receive at least 100% mileage credit for the flights
- Be careful with timing. Be sure you allow enough time after the flights are completed for the miles to be credited to your account before the challenge deadline.
Let’s work through an example.
We found the above itinerary using Google Flights — a great site for finding status challenge flight options! We narrowed our selection to just Air Canada-operated flights since this is the required airline for completing the challenge.
We then used a tool such as Great Circle Mapper or MileCalc.com to estimate the total mileage of the flights. In this case, the mileage flown would be 9,840, which would secure more than half of the miles we need to complete the challenge.
Before booking, we accessed the earnings chart on Air Canada to make sure we’d be earning 100% of the miles flown.
Unfortunately, because this flight is an economy standard ticket, the 9,840-mile trip would only earn 4,920 towards the 18,500 miles needed to complete the challenge. We would need to purchase a higher-class ticket in Economy Flex or above to earn at least 100% qualifying miles.
Always be sure to double-check that your calculations are correct before booking any flights and use this process to check any exiting flights.
While we’re using an Air Canada example, the same process holds true for other airline’s status challenges.
Bottom Line: To complete a status challenge effectively, you’ll need to accurately calculate the total mileage you’ll receive, purchase the correct fare class if you want to earn 100% or more qualifying miles, and complete the flights — ideally at least a week before the deadline.
Meeting Status Challenge Revenue Requirements
An example of a status challenge that requires you to spend money on flights prior to receiving a status match would be the American Airlines AAdvantage program.
To receive a status match to AAdvantage Gold status elite level, for example, you first need to complete a challenge that commonly requires generating $1,000 in revenue and 7,000 elite qualifying miles.
Note that airlines do not count the entire cost of the ticket you purchase toward the revenue requirements, since some government taxes and fees are excluded.
To confuse the issue further, some airlines calculate the qualifying dollars for partner airline flights based on a percentage of distance flown.
Hot Tip: American Airlines and Delta Air Lines may require certain revenue levels in their status challenges, but we’ve taken the mystery out of generating the appropriate spending in our guides to status matching with both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Enhancing Your New Elite Status
Your new elite status will deliver airline perks you can use — but to receive even more benefits, you may want to also consider the airline’s branded credit card.
An airline rewards-earning credit card enhances your current elite benefits, allows you to earn lots of frequent flyer miles, and gives you the ability to redeem miles for award tickets.
Most of these cards also earn a generous welcome bonus after you meet specific initial spending requirements. Airline-branded credit cards offer one of the fastest ways to earn frequent flyer miles.
| If You Have Elite Status With This Airline: | Consider This Airline-Branded Credit Card: | For These Benefits: |
| Alaska Airlines | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card | Annual $99 companion fare, free checked bags +6 travelers, 3 miles per $1 on Alaska Airlines |
| American Airlines | Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® | Admirals Club lounge access, free checked bags + 8 travelers, 2 miles per $1 on American |
| Delta Air Lines | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Delta Club lounge access, Centurion Lounge access, free checked bag on Delta flights, priority boarding, 3 miles per $1 on Delta |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® | Free checked bag, 50% off companion ticket, $100 flight discount, 3 miles per $1 on Hawaiian |
| Southwest Airlines | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Annual travel credit, 7,500 points at anniversary, 4 upgraded boardings per year, 2 points per $1 on Southwest |
| United Airlines | United Club℠ Infinite Card | United Club lounge access; free checked bags; priority boarding, seating, screening and check-in; 4 miles per $1 on United |
Bottom Line: Having an airline-branded credit card gives you extra benefits not offered with 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 are approved for a status challenge and don’t meet the requirements within the specified period, your temporary status will expire.
Most airlines do not normally status match to their top-level elite tiers. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are exceptions that will match status to their top level.
Expect a reply to your status match request no less than 2 weeks from the date of submission, though it could take as long as 4 weeks to receive a response.
Finally, if you receive a status match/challenge when speaking with an airline representative, always request a follow-up written confirmation.
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 vehicle to accomplish this.
You’ll want to build a strong case in your first request to avoid a delayed process where the new airline must request more information.
In addition, you’ll always need to join the new airline’s frequent flyer program, so include that membership number upfront with your request. To validate that you’ve earned status by flying and that your status is current, you’ll also need to include documents that support this information.
While we’ve made every effort to provide a current snapshot of status match/challenge offers, changes occur constantly. The email confirmation you receive from the airline will dictate the actual terms and conditions of your status match/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.
The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
I have Gold status on British Airways, but will be flying United more in 2019. I have already booked two business class trips for January 2019 from US to Europe, so thought I also apply for Match/Challenge on United to get their Premier Platinum. With my two trips in January 2019, I will fly way more than PQMs needed to meet Premier Platinum status challenge. All sounds good so far, right? But, when I called United, they said I should have registered for United’s Match/Challenge *BEFORE* purchasing my two tickets for January 2019 trips. Is this true?
Hello Waseem. United does not publish a requirement that you must purchase the flights within the 90 day period, only that you fly during that period. In the rules and on the status match challenge request form it states: “Offer valid for qualifying paid travel completed within 90 days from time of account upgrade (the “Offer Period”)”. You need to be approved prior to flying but not prior to purchasing. Here is some more information on a United status match: https://upgradedpoints.com/united-airlines-status-match and https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/mileageplus/promotions/registrationDetails.aspx?promoCode=TB8230
I have gold status with KLM (sky). Can I match to Lufthansa (Miles & More)?
Hello Jose. Reports are that Lufthansa does not currently have a status match program. Statusmatcher, a site that tracks airline status matches, states: “Lufthansa Miles and More is most likely to Deny a Status Match based on 12 of 12 submitted reports (100%)”.
“Some airlines limit status matches to once per lifetime of your account. Others limit requests to once every 3-5 years.”
Can you please include a summary of how often you can status match for each of the airlines you’ve listed in this article?
Hey DJ,
Thanks for reading. Generally, these status matches change as time goes on. If you’re very interested in how often you can status match, you can visit each airlines’ terms and conditions. Remember too that targeted status matches may have different terms than publicly available status matches, such as on American Airlines.
I hold an Elite Plus card on Star Alliance and a Gold card on Oneworld. I sent a message via the support page to Flying Blue asking for a status match (mentioning only my Star Alliance card). I got a response the same day asking for more information. I replied to the email right away, but it bounced. I then sent the information through the same support page. I received an email the following morning, declining my request. Prompt but negative.
Dear Mr Alam,
Thank you for your e-mail dated 09 August, 2019 with a status match request with Flying Blue.
Having carefully considered your request following the receipt of documents as received in below
email, we regret to inform you that we are unable to fulfill your status match request with Flying
Blue
If you need any further information, please contact me via ‘contact us’ on the support page of the
website. You can also call us on telephone number 1800 4194 077. The opening hours are: 0800 AM to
0800 PM from Monday to Friday, 0900 AM to 0500 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Enjoy and explore further with flyingblue.com.
Best regards,
Mukesh Palariya
Your Flying Blue Team
Thank you for sharing your experience, Shahidul. I am sure it will be helpful to others.
Any thoughts on which airline to move too for people who aren’t happy with Cathay Pacific? HK based Marco Polo Diamond
Hi Matt,
The next largest airline in terms of destinations served in Hong Kong is Hong Kong Airlines. You also have Cathay Dragon as an option, though, the airline is a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific.
Thanks for reading!
I’ve tried to get a match with Turkish twice in the past week with the right info and the only email back was something to the effect “we can’t help”.
Hi Roy and thanks for the data point. It appears Turkish was approving status match requests up until mid-December, 2019, then denials. I wouldn’t give up hope as the airline could start granting them again. Statusmatcher.com tracks request results.
So as a soon to be very disgruntled United Platinum member who wont make Gold with the new changes, I applied for a status match with Air Canada. The reply was as follows “Regrettably, we are unable to offer Altitude Challenges to customers holding status with a Star Alliance member airline.”
Nice play Star Alliance, nice play.
Any current Jetblue status match options?
To my knowledge, Jetblue is not currently granting status matches.
I’ve applied for a status match a couple of days ago but got a denial. I called their hotline, they asked me for more documents (even though the email I had received from them was a denial). I will send these tomorrow and see what they say. Seems you can have more luck if you call them directly.
Thanks for that additional data point, Red. Good luck!
HawaiianAir will only do a one-time status match ending on their status reset date, which is the end of February each year. It is not for a 12 month period as stated on this page. For example, I requested a status match in September 2019 and I received Platinum status (based on my United Gold) until February 2020. Upon requesting for a longer status match through 2020 based on my 2019 qualifying flight activity on United, Hawaiian denied my request stating that status matches are a one-time occurrence. So if you have upcoming flights that you would benefit from having a higher status, you should time it accordingly. I wish this page would have warned about this for my upcoming international flights this summer.
Hi Kellie Ann. Sorry for your experience. Status matches/challenges change all the time and an airline can grant a totally different offer to you than another elite member. We try to communicate either general guidelines based on actual data points or written status match rules published by the airlines. As with any status match/challenge, when you apply, you will receive confirmation and the actual terms of your specific match/challenge will be spelled out.
I have a question about status matches from other than the airlines on the list mentioned above. Can we do a status match from other airlines like Garuda Indonesia?
Hi Grandy. Airlines have been known to consider status matches with airlines, not on the list. You will need to contact the airline directly with your specific information and make the request. Thanks for your question.