Summary

  • American Airlines offers a status challenge for a fee, no automatic match, requirements vary.
  • Alaska Airlines matches the highest Delta status tier, offers immediate match, but requires challenge.
  • United Airlines provides complimentary elite status, and requires completion of a challenge for a set period.

Do you currently have a Delta Air Lines SkyMiles elite status? Do you fly with any other US or foreign airlines as frequently or more than Delta? SkyMiles’ elite status can be matched to one of four major airlines with little or no hassle. The best part is that your existing SkyMiles status will remain untouched even if you’re approved for a status match. There are certain conditions and requirements to match your status.

Simple Flying explores how the four airlines’ status match programs with Delta differ and which provides the most value for members.

4

American Airlines

Complementary status match duration: Not applicable (status match for a fee)

Unlike some global carriers (a few on this list), American Airlines does not automatically match your status with the current airline. Instead, it offers a status challenge, requiring applicants to enter a status challenge for a fee. The airline does not publish the requirements of a challenge. Instead, it states that the status challenge varies based on the applicant’s existing enrollment status with other airlines and tier levels.

American Airlines aircraft parked at an airport

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

As mentioned by The Points Guy, applicants can enjoy status benefits up front by paying an additional amount (on top of the status challenge fee). Travelers may be able to parlay the challenge into one or more years of elite status while qualifying for future status. The basic (additional) fee will give you four months of status. During that time, you can earn as many loyalty points as possible.

  • AAdvantage Gold: 13,000 Loyalty Points
  • AAdvantage Platinum: 25,000 Loyalty Points
  • AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 42,000 Loyalty Points
  • AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 67,000 Loyalty Points

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3

Alaska Airlines

Complementary status match duration: 90 days

Elite Status With Delta Air Lines Matches to This Elite Status With Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion MVP
Delta Medallion Gold MVP Gold
Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Diamond Medallion MVP Gold 75K

Alaska Airlines offers an immediate status match to its corresponding elite status level. Unlike other programs, Alaska Airlines offers matches to its highest elite status tier. For example, a Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Diamond Medallion status will get you Alaska Airlines’ MVP Gold 75K status, its highest elite status in the Mileage program.

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 landing

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

The airline grants the initial status for 90 days. During this time, travelers are required to complete a status challenge by flying a specific number of miles on Alaska Airlines to receive extended elite status. It is worth mentioning that challenge miles are counted for Alaska Airlines only, as flying on partner airlines does not count toward the status extension. The required earning thresholds are as follows:

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

Related

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2

United Airlines

Complementary status match duration: 120 days

Corresponding United MileagePlus Status Premier Silver Premier Gold Premier Platinum
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Silver Medallion Gold Medallion Platinum Medallion

United Airlines offers immediate complimentary elite status when a matching applicant of Delta’s SkyMiles is approved. The initial status match is provided for 120 days, and the airline requires you to complete the status challenge. Travelers can fly a specific amount of flight segments, meet spending requirements, or both. Travelers get to keep the offered elite status level while completing the challenge.

United Airlines aircraft at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

After successfully completing the challenge, passengers can keep their status for the set time stated in the challenge confirmation. Along with Delta, United Airlines matches its status with six other airlines. Notably, members with temporary or trial elite status with other airlines do not qualify for status matches or the challenge. United Airlines matches the current airline status at Premier Silver, Premier Gold, and Premier Platinum levels.

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Marriott members could find excellent value with the new promotion.

1

British Airways

Complementary status match duration: 180 days

Corresponding British Airways Status Executive Club Silver Status Top-tier Executive Club Gold Status
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Gold Medallion Platinum Medallion

One Mile At A Time highlights that British Airways offers status matches for Canadian and US residents who hold elite status with major airlines, including Delta Air Lines. Eligible Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion members with Delta’s SkyMiles can request a match to Executive Club Silver and Executive Club Gold memberships, respectively. The airline provides a generous six-month period for the initial status match. Members must complete specific flight requirements to extend their status by another six months or beyond.

British_Airways-British_Airways_Airbus_A319_taxis_at_London_Heathrow_Airport-ref180858 (2)

Photo: British Airways

Among all four airlines allowing status match with Delta’s SkyMiles program, British Airways seems to be the most generous, in its initial period of benefits. Apart from American Airlines, all others offer a complimentary status match to the corresponding elite status when approved.

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Avios Transfers Between The British Airways Executive Club And Finnair Plus Go Live

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Have you matched Delta SkyMiles status with any of these airlines? Share your experience with us in the comments section.


  • SkyMiles Tall-1

    SkyMiles

    Participating Airlines:
    Delta Air Lines

    Owner:
    Delta Air Lines

    Region:
    North America

    Countries:
    United States

    Established Date:
    1981-00-00

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