The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Airline Status Matching Programs in 2023

TRAVEL TIPS

Jun 15

On our recent trip to Bali, we enjoyed Star Alliance Gold and Silver status (respectively) even though we had no status whatsoever on any Star Alliance member airline. This saved us hundreds of dollars plus provided numerous value-added benefits during our trip:

Priority check-in (saving us easily an hour in line at JFK late at night with two young kids and several hostile passengers who had been waiting for hours)

Complimentary Star Alliance Gold lounge access for two people

Complimentary upgrades for two on our US domestic flights

Free checked bags on our US domestic flights

Extra luggage weight allowance on international flights

Group 1-2 boarding

Priority luggage handling

Airport security priority lane access

How did we get this? By taking advantage of a status match challenge program through United Airlines, a Star Alliance member airline. With this program, our Delta Skymiles Gold status and Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List status got us United Premier Gold (plus Star Alliance Gold) status and United Premier Silver (plus Star Alliance Silver) status, respectively.

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Status Match versus Status Challenge

So, what is the difference between a status match and a status challenge?

Status match

An airline will grant you equivalent elite status in their loyalty program based on your status in other airlines.

Status challenge

An airline allows you to earn fast-track status with them based on specific criteria over a specific timeframe (typically 90 days, but varies by program).

Combination

An airline offers a status match with a challenge attached (typically like a trial period) by granting you status for the duration of the challenge period which you can extend if you meet the challenge program criteria.

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Key Considerations

There are some important considerations to take into account when applying for a status match or challenge program, for instance:

Timing

When does the program period for this year open and close? If it is a status challenge, when does the challenge period begin after your application is approved?

Eligibility Criteria (Status Match)

Do you currently have qualifying status in any of the airlines eligible for the status match program?

Travel Plans (Status Challenge & Combination)

Do you anticipate flying enough with the airline during the program to meet the criteria for the challenge?

Participation Restrictions (Status Challenge & Combination)

If you participate in the status challenge this program year, how long will you have to wait to try again if you do not meet the challenge criteria (most airlines only allow you to participate once every few years)? Or are you simply participating to get access to the status match benefits during the trial period?

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Below is our round-up of all the major airline status match and challenge programs available at the time of publishing, including links to more information and to apply at the official program sites.

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Alaska Airlines

Status match and challenge

No published end date

To learn more, visit the official Alaska Airlines status match site

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All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Status match and challenge

All 2022 program year applications must be submitted between March 1, 2022 to September 28, 2022

To learn more, visit the official All Nippon Airways (ANA) status match site

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American Airlines

No status match or challenge program officially published

However, status challenge may be available by calling AAdvantage customer service and requesting information about a status challenge

Note: If status challenge offer is accepted, fee applies

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Cathay Pacific

No status matching or challenge program officially published

However, status match may be available by emailing theclub@cathaypacific.com requesting a status match and including your Marco Polo Club membership number, record of a recent or upcoming Cathay Pacific flight, and current elite membership card and flight history

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Delta Air Lines

Status match and challenge

To learn more, visit the official Delta Air Lines status match site

Note: Delta also offers a unique Reclaim My Status match and challenge program for SkyMiles members who lost their Medallion status due to a major life event that interrupted travel — a wide array of life events are eligible, including having a baby, changing jobs, medical leave, caregiver leave, etc. — you just need to have had Medallion status the previous Medallion year and be able to submit proof of the life event