Frequent fliers will readily tell you that the only thing better than cheap travel options such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages is free travel.
Airlines are always competing for business especially after a merger and particularly for elite frequent travelers. Sometimes it is possible to leverage your upper tier status on one airlines program to be given similar status on another airline.
The pending merger of American Airlines and US Airways means that all their frequent fliers will become a member of the Oneworld Alliance. US Airways used to be a member of Star Alliance.
Airlines frequently provide status matches to certain tiers within their programs to attract new customers. To qualify for such matches most airlines require a copy of a fliers current elite credentials and account activity. Select airlines are more flexible than others especially for travelers who typically pay higher fares.
The following is a guide by major airline on status matching prepared by Airfarewatchdog:
Alaska Airlines matches status simply when customers show their elite status with another airline without any mileage requirements or co-pays.
American Airlines does not offer a straight status match, instead requiring new members to fly a certain amount within a set period of time in addition to paying a fee. Sometimes exceptions are granted based on the types of ticket prices paid and number of trips taken. Usually American does not offer elite status until a set amount of miles are flown which means that no upgrades are available for new American fliers until they successfully complete the requirements.
Delta Air Lines offers immediate status matches based on several factors including current travel with an existing airline. Status matches can only be requested once and applicants must be non-Medallion members at the time of requesting matches. In 2014 Delta is changing its Medallion program to require travelers spend a set amount of money with the airline.
United Airlines offers status matches to an equivalent level with a travelers current program with the requirement that a corresponding number of miles be flown within 90 days to maintain that specific status. The new status can be earned based on the number of miles flown or the number of flight segments flown within 90 days.
Virgin America periodically offers status match challenges. Emailed copies of elite account summaries are required. Cardholders of the Virgin America Visa Signature credit card face significantly lower point requirements to retain status.
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