Imagine slowly building up your status as part of an airline’s membership program.
Flight by flight, booking by booking, you’ve incrementally climbed toward elite status with your preferred airline, and you’re now reaping the rewards of that program.
Then, suddenly, your perspective shifts, and you realize you’re more interested in another airline’s rewards program.
This happens more often than the casual traveler thinks. Airlines change their policies, partners, and reward values, which is sometimes enough to send some frequent flyers packing.
Thankfully, airline rewards members might not need to start over from scratch. Instead, they need to know how to status match at different airlines.
While it might sound unlikely, many airlines let their members status match (sometimes called ‘challenge’) at other airlines. That means that flyers can potentially match their status at another airline or start from a lower tier rather than from zero.
Here’s what you need to know about how to status match at different airlines.
Are you eligible for a status match at different airlines?
First thing’s first—are you even eligible to status match?
That answer depends on the airline and your status. Generally speaking, you will only be eligible to be matched or placed onto a lower-tier status when switching.
Other times, airlines might not advertise that they offer status matching… but you should still keep digging. For example, members who email support might still be able to match at other airlines.
In other words, rather than advertise their status-matching policy full-time, some airlines only do so when prompted.
Lastly, and most importantly, status matches aren’t on the table indefinitely.
Aside from United and Delta Airlines, most American airlines let you seek out a status match only once. Oh, and airlines have the right to deny your status match without explanation. Now onto the good stuff.
Are there different types of status matches?
There are two ways that you can receive a status match: direct matches or status challenges.
A direct match transfers your status in its entirety to a new airline for a trial period.
Most direct matches last only a few months, letting you sample the new airline before deciding to opt in. Remember, to opt-in, you’ll need to be earning with that airline. This is considered the best match because it’s a ‘full’ one.
You might also be offered a status challenge.
This is like a direct match, but on a shorter timeline that lasts only a few months. In that time period, you need to meet certain requirements—hence the name ‘challenge’—in order to keep your status at the new airline.
Here’s how to status match at different airlines
Step 1: Gather your materials
If you ask a new airline for a status match, they’re likely to ask for proof of how you obtained your status as your current airline.
The more documentation and proof you can offer them, the faster you’ll have your answer about whether you’re eligible for a status match.
It’s also recommended that you have a few bookings with an airline or a hotel in the coming months so that you can prove that you’re an active member.
Step 2: Seek out full matches first, then challenges
As outlined above, full status matches are a lot better than challenges because they let you fully move over—no long lists of requirements are needed.
The easiest way to seek out full matches is to go directly to an airline’s status match page.
By contrast, pages listing challenges are usually easier to find. Simply Google the airline and status match challenges. Or you can use platforms like Status Matcher to seek the latest deals.
Remember—if you can’t find an offer for a full status match or a challenge, then reach out to your target airline directly.
Explain the situation behind the switch, then ask them for a status match. Be sure to include any paperwork that highlights how often you give your business to airlines, hotels, and other relevant types of hospitality.
Step 3: Read the fine print
Before you start initiating a status match, make sure you understand the terms and conditions. These are usually more complex challenges.
For example, you might not be able to use miles from the same credit cards as your previous airline. Some airlines also put a note in the fine print when you join their membership program that certain points or statuses won’t carry over.
Step 4: Apply online
Fill out your status match application and hope for the best. The more research and documentation you do in Step 1, the easier filling out online applications is.