Summary

  • Most major global airlines offer elite status matches for competitor airlines’ frequent flyer programs.
  • Delta, American Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic offer lucrative status match programs.
  • Status matches can grant elite benefits for a limited time and can be extended based on specific criteria such as flight activity.

Major global airlines match the elite status of competitor airlines to gain more traction and ultimately increase their customer base and revenues. If their situation changes, it is good for passengers who can switch to competitor airlines within a single geographical region or to a different part of the world. This article notes five major airlines that offer status matches this summer.

1

Delta Air Lines

Status match up to Platinum Medallion

  • American Airlines AAdvantage
  • Alaska Airlines
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Lufthansa Miles & More
  • Virgin Australia Velocity

The world’s largest airline by revenue offers status matches up to the Platinum Medallion level to existing frequent flyer status holders of various programs. Members must submit all existing information with proof of current status and claim a time-limited (three-month) SkyMiles status.

Delta Air Lines aircraft at DTW shutterstock_1788265532

Photo: ruimc | Shutterstock

To extend the initial status beyond 90 days, members must earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) as the following:

  • Silver: 1,250 MQDs
  • Gold: 2,500 MQDs
  • Platinum: 3,750 MQDs

Members who qualify for an extension to the status match and complete additional requirements of the challenge can extend their Medallion status through January 32, 2026. For those trying to switch from other major US or international carriers to Delta, this is a great opportunity to start earning.

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Elite staus beings many perks and benefits in mileage earning and onboard treatment – with Delta Air Lines and its partners.

2

American Airlines

Instant Status Pass

  • Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion
  • United MileagePlus Premier Platinum and Premier 1K

American Airlines offers a status challenge program that is divided into three phases, each lasting 120 days. During each phase, members can accumulate loyalty points based on qualifying flights and other activities with the airline. Depending on the initial status tier, members earn points to keep their status with American Airlines.

  • 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
American Airlines planes at LAX

Photo: Kit Leong | Shutterstock

Irrespective of the status tier earned in the first round, the subsequent phase will start based on the benefits earned in the previous round.

Related

What Does American Airlines AAdvantage Status Get You At Oneworld?

Here’s the rundown on what your American AAdvantage status can get you on other oneworld airlines.

3

British Airways

Up to the Executive Club Gold Status

  • Air Canada
  • Air France
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Lufthansa
  • KLM
  • Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • United Airlines

The British flag carrier’s status match program is the most generous regarding the initial round of benefits. Members who receive status match approval to Executive Club Silver or Executive Club Gold can enjoy the benefits for six months, twice the typical duration.

A British Airways Airbus A380 (G-XLEA 095)

Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock

To extend their status, members must complete two qualifying transatlantic flights within six months. The Business Traveler highlights the conditions for the qualifying flights as:

  • Be British Airways-marketed flights in Club World Business or First Class
  • Be Operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, or Finnair
  • Originate from either Canada, Mexico, or the United States
  • Be eligible for earning Tier Points or collecting Avios

Related

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

Avios can now be transferred from Finnair Plus to Executive Club, and then on to other programs.

4

Turkish Airlines

Elite and Elite Plus

Turkish Airlines may be the most generous when it comes to the accessibility of benefits, particularly through its network in Star Alliance. Members must submit an online request with the following information to apply for a status match with a carrier that flies to more destinations than any other airline.

  • A copy of your physical or digital elite membership card.
  • A screenshot showing recent account activity from the past few months.
  • The photo page of your passport.
Turkish Airlines A321neo landing

Photo: Oleh Yatskiv | Shutterstock

Approved members get an instant status match for four months, which is extendable multiple times through specific activities. The first extension for an additional eight months can be done by taking one international flight with Turkish Airlines within the first four-month period.

The AwardWallet states that to get the extension for an additional year, members must earn 15,000 status miles on international flights within the first year.

Related

Top 5: Turkish Airlines’ Longest US-Bound Routes

All the routes on this list are more than 6,000 miles long.

5

Virgin Atlantic

Up to Gold Flying Club status

  • Air Canada
  • Air India
  • American Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Emirates
  • Hawaiian
  • Iberia
  • Lufthansa
  • Singapore Airlines
  • South African
  • United Airlines

The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers a status match program if you have an elite status with one of 12 airlines. Members submitting a status match request must meet two conditions:

  1. Have a future revenue or redemption flight booked through Virgin Atlantic.

    • Premium or Upper Class for Flying Club Gold.
    • Any cabin, including flights on codeshare partner airlines for Flying Club Silver.
  2. Must not have a prior Flying Club status (direct or status-matched)
Tail fins of Virgin Atlantic Airways planes at London Heathrow Airport at dawn

Photo: Ceri Breeze | Shutterstock

The AwardWallet states that the Flying Club status is valid for 12 months from when the account is upgraded. Silver members must earn 400 tier points to retain the status beyond that period, whereas Gold members must earn 1,000 tier points.

Related

All Over The World: What Are Virgin Atlantic’s Longest Routes?

In July, Virgin Atlantic will operate some of its longest routes from London (LHR) to destinations like Shanghai, Johannesburg, and Los Angeles.

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