Is airline status matching free?

Some carriers offer status matches at no cost while others charge a processing fee that typically ranges from USD 10–150.

How long does a status match take to process?

Approval time varies by airline, but most matches are processed within a few days to two weeks.

Which alliances allow status match offers?

Airlines across all three major alliances—Star Alliance, SkyTeam and oneworld—run status match or challenge campaigns at various times.

Do matched benefits include lounge access?

Yes. If the new tier you obtain grants lounge benefits, you will usually have access for the validity period of your matched status.

Airline Status Match Offers: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Are you looking to maximize your travel perks without starting from scratch? Airline status matching allows you to leverage your existing elite status from one loyalty program to gain similar benefits with another.

At AwardFares, we help travelers get more value from their points and miles. And status matching is the perfect way to unlock premium travel benefits with less effort. Whether you’re moving on from your favorite program, testing a new airline, or planning award redemptions with a different alliance, this guide provides an up-to-date overview of current airline status match offers in 2025 and everything you need to get started.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

Status Match lets you copy your elite status from one airline to another—often instantly.
Status Challenge requires flying or spending within a timeframe to earn new status.
Some airlines offer free matches, others charge a fee (usually $10–$150).
Matches are available with top programs like Etihad, Flying Blue, Royal Jordanian, and more.
Great hack for members of airlines switching alliances.
We keep this list updated regularly. Bookmark it for future reference.

Active Airline Status Match Offers (May 2025)

The table below is sortable, and by default is ordered by upcoming deadline. Tap on the different headers to sort the table based ony our preferences (airline, program, alliance, etc.)

Program	Alliance	Application	End Date	Read More
LATAM Pass	—	Apply	Closed	Details
United MileagePlus	Star Alliance	Apply	30 Jun 2025	Details
ITA Airways Volare	SkyTeam → Star Alliance	Apply	10 Jun 2025	Details
Alaska Mileage Plan (Other Airlines)	oneworld	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Alaska Mileage Plan (For HawaiianMiles)	oneworld	Apply	Ongoing	Details
American AAdvantage	oneworld	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Delta SkyMiles	SkyTeam	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Etihad Guest	—	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Frontier Miles	—	Apply	Ongoing	Details
HawaiianMiles	oneworld	Apply	Ongoing	Details
JetBlue TrueBlue (Mosaic Match)	—	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Southwest Rapid Rewards	—	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Royal Jordanian Royal Club	oneworld	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles	SkyTeam	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Air Astana Nomad Club	—	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Flying Blue (For Miles&More)	SkyTeam	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Flying Blue (UK)	SkyTeam	Apply	Ongoing	↑
Flying Blue (Iberia)	SkyTeam	Apply	Ongoing	↑
Avianca LifeMiles	Star Alliance	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club	SkyTeam	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Lufthansa Miles & More (BA/Iberia)	Star Alliance	Apply	Ongoing	Details
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (For SAS)	Star Alliance	Apply	Ongoing	Details

What Is a Status Match?

Status matching allows travelers with elite status in one airline’s frequent flyer program to obtain equivalent status in another airline’s program. This process helps maintain benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and bonus miles when switching airlines or alliances.

Why Consider a Status Match?

Alliance Changes, Mergers or Acquisitions: If your preferred airline changes alliances (e.g., SAS moving from Star Alliance to SkyTeam, Korean Air and Asiana merger, Lufthansa acquiring ITA), a status match can help retain similar benefits with another airline.
Route Adjustments: Changes in airline routes may make your current loyalty program less beneficial.
Enhanced Benefits: Other airlines may offer superior perks, making a switch advantageous.
Consolidation: Streamlining your travel with fewer airlines can simplify point accumulation and redemption.

Status Match vs. Status Challenge

Understanding the distinction between a Status Match and a Status Challenge is crucial when considering your options:

Status Match: allows you to receive equivalent elite status with a new airline based on your current status with another carrier. This match is typically granted immediately and is valid for a specific period, often ranging from 90 days to a year. No additional flying or spending is required during this period.
Status Challenge: requires you to meet certain criteria—such as flying a specific number of miles or segments within a set timeframe—to earn elite status. Some airlines may grant temporary status during the challenge period, while others confer status only after successful completion.

Examples: Delta Air Lines offers a Medallion Status Match Challenge where eligible travelers receive complimentary Medallion Status for 90 days. To extend this status beyond the initial period, specific flight requirements must be met. On the other hand, the American Airlines’ AAdvantage program offers an Instant Status Pass, granting provisional elite status for four months. To maintain and extend this status, members must earn a certain number of Loyalty Points during each phase of the challenge.

Free vs. Paid Status Match Offers

Some airlines offer status matches at no cost, aiming to attract loyal customers from competitors. These matches may come with conditions, such as a limited validity period or requirements to maintain the status. Other airlines charge a fee for processing a status match. These fees vary and may depend on the status level being matched. Paid matches often come with the benefit of immediate status without the need for a challenge.

How to Apply for a Status Match (2025 Guide)

1. Find a Status Match Offer

Check the websites of airlines you’re interested in, particularly those within your target alliance (Star Alliance, SkyTeam, oneworld, etc.). Look for dedicated loyalty program pages or promotions sections.

One tool we love is StatusMatcher.com. It provides resources and explanations about status matching. It also serves as a community, sharing field reports from users about recent successful status matches with various travel programs.

StatusMatcher.com shows you opportunities for status matching your status level.

2. Gather Required Documents

Proof of your current elite status with your existing program. This could be a screenshot of your online account showing your tier level or a copy of your membership card. Depending on the airline, you might need additional documents like recent flight activity or a future flight confirmation.

3. Submit Your Application

Many airlines have dedicated online forms for status match requests. Alternatively, you might need to directly email the airline’s loyalty program department. Their contact information should be available on the airline’s website.

4. Include Necessary Information

In your application or email, clearly state your request for a status match. Include your full name, membership number, and any other details mentioned in the offer guidelines. Attach the required documents proving your current elite status.

Here’s a simple email template you can copy and use:

Subject: Status Match Request - [Your Name] - [Current Airline Loyalty Program] [Your Tier Level] to [Target Airline]

Dear [Target Airline] Loyalty Program Team,

My name is [Your Name] and I am a loyal flyer with [Current Airline] (membership number: [Your Membership Number]). I currently hold [Your Tier Level] status.

I am writing to inquire about the possibility of a status match to your [Target Airline] loyalty program. I am very interested in flying [Target Airline] more frequently in the future, and I believe my travel history demonstrates a commitment to frequent flying.

As proof of my current status, I have attached a screenshot of my online account.

[Optional: Mention recent flights, upcoming trips, or why you’re interested in the airline.]

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

5. Wait for Processing

Processing times vary, usually from a few days to a couple of weeks.

6. Track Your Application

Some airlines might allow you to track the status of your application online using your loyalty program login. If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable timeframe (around 2 weeks), you can consider politely following up with the airline’s loyalty program department. You can also use a tool like StreakCRM to see if your emails have been read.

The picture below shows an example of an official status matching website from FlyingBlue. This offer was targeted to members living in the UK, and it was possible to both submit a form and track your application via an official website.

FlyingBlue Status Match online submission form and tracking.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Always read the fine print.
Some matches are temporary unless you meet a flight challenge.
You can try again later or with a different airline if you’re not accepted the first time.
Match to airlines that align with your long-term travel plans, don’t burn opportunities!
Apply After June: Many matches grant status through the following year if timed after midyear.
Monitor Expiration: Don’t wait too long if your existing status is expiring soon.
Track Once-in-a-Lifetime Rules: Some programs limit matches to once per lifetime or once every X years (e.g., United = once every 5 years).

Full List Of Airline Status Match & Challenge Offers (2025)

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Apply Here → Mileage Plan website.
Eligibility: Elite members from Aeromexico Rewards, Air Canada Aeroplan, American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, Frontier Miles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and United MileagePlus.
Status Match Tiers:
- MVP: Fly 5,000 miles
- MVP Gold: Fly 10,000 miles
- MVP Gold 75K: Fly 20,000 miles
Validity:
- Apply by June 30, 2025 → status valid through December 31, 2025.
- Apply between July 1 and Dec 31, 2025 → status valid through December 31, 2026.
Notes: No match available to MVP Gold 100K. Status must be earned through actual flying, not promotions.

Ongoing Alaska Mileage Plan Status Match Offer.

American Airlines AAdvantage

Apply Here → American’s website.
Program: Instant Status Pass (status match + challenge)
Eligibility: Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United elite members.
Challenge Process:
- Immediate status for 4 months upon approval.
- Earn Loyalty Points in each 4-month phase to extend status.
Loyalty Point Requirements per Tier (per phase):
- Gold: 13,000
- Platinum: 25,000
- Platinum Pro: 42,000
- Executive Platinum: 67,000
Notes: Earned through American flights, oneworld partners, and AAdvantage credit card spend.

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Apply Here → SkyMiles’s website.
Eligibility: Most major airline elite members worldwide.
Match Tiers: Up to Platinum Medallion (3-month trial).
Extension Requirements (within 3 months):
- Silver: 1,250 MQDs
- Gold: 2,500 MQDs
- Platinum: 3,750 MQDs
Validity: Complete challenge after July 1, 2025 → status extended through January 31, 2027.
Notes: Based solely on MQDs (not miles or segments).

Ongoing Delta SkyMiles Status Match Offer.

Frontier Airlines Frontier Miles

Apply Here → Frontier’s website.
Program: Paid shortcut to Elite Gold status.
Eligibility: Open to select U.S. travel credit card holders.
Cost: $499 for Elite Gold through December 31, 2025.
Benefits: Free carry-on, seat selection, priority boarding, family pooling, upgrade eligibility.

Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles

Apply Here → HawaiianMiles website.
Eligibility: Reciprocal elite status with Alaska MVP tiers. Case-by-case matches for members of other airlines.
Requirements: Proof of current elite status + recent flight activity with Hawaiian Airlines.
Validity: Typically valid for one calendar year from the upgrade date.
Notes: Not publicly listed—apply via contact form.

JetBlue TrueBlue

Apply Here → JetBlue’s website.
Eligibility: Status holders from Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and United.
Match Duration: 3 months of Mosaic 1 or 2.
Extension Requirements (within 3 months):
- Mosaic 1: Earn 10 Tiles
- Mosaic 2: Earn 25 Tiles
- Mosaic 3: Earn 40 Tiles
How to Earn Tiles:
- 1 Tile per $100 spent on JetBlue flights, packages, or Paisly.
- 1 Tile per $1,000 spent on JetBlue credit cards.
Perks: Priority boarding, 2 free checked bags, free drinks, dedicated support, EvenMore® Space, Mint Suite perks.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Apply Here → Southwest website.
Eligibility: Status with any major U.S. airline.
Process: Email proof to [email protected]. Receive 90 days of A-List status. Fly 3 round-trips or 6 one-ways in 90 days to keep status for 12 months.
Conditions: Flights must be paid fares (not awards). No previous Southwest promotional status in last 12 months.

United Airlines MileagePlus

Apply Here → United’s website.
Eligibility: Many airline elites, including Star Alliance partners.
Deadline: June 30, 2025.
Process: Apply by June 30, 2025. Receive Silver, Gold, or Platinum for 120 days. Complete 1 “activating flight” to begin challenge. Earn PQFs and PQPs in 120 days:
- Silver: 4 PQFs + 1,000 PQPs
- Gold: 8 PQFs + 3,000 PQPs
- Platinum: 12 PQFs + 4,000 PQPs
Validity: Complete before July 1 → status valid through Jan 2026. Complete after July 1 → valid through Jan 2027.
Notes: Match allowed once every 5 years per MileagePlus account.

Ongoing United MileagePlus Status Match Offer.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Apply Here → Virgin’s website.
Eligibility: Members of Air Canada, Air India, American, BA, Cathay, Emirates, Iberia, Lufthansa, SAA, United, and more.
Match Tiers: Silver: Requires any future booking. Gold: Requires Premium or Upper Class booking.
Match Validity: 12 months.
Extension: Silver: 400 Tier Points. Gold: 1,000 Tier Points.
Restrictions: Must not have status with a SkyTeam carrier (e.g., Delta). No match if previously matched in the last 5 years.

Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles

Apply Here → statusmatch.com
Status Available: Match up to Gold or Platinum tiers
Alliance: SkyTeam
Notes: Valid for members based in Asia-Pacific. Requires proof of existing status. Application via dedicated form.

Ongoing Vietnam Airlines Status Match Offer.

Etihad Guest

Apply Here → statusmatch.com
Match Tiers: Silver or Gold
Process:
- Upload proof of current elite status
- Provide Etihad Guest account info and residence
Perks: Lounge access, bonus miles, priority boarding, extra baggage
Cost: Usually free; fees may apply depending on promo cycle

Royal Jordanian Royal Club

Platform → statusmatch.com
Alliance: oneworld
Notes: Ongoing match offer. Status tier granted depends on the submitted documentation. Benefits align with oneworld Sapphire and Emerald levels.

Ongoing Royal Jordanian Status Match Offer.

Air Astana Nomad Club

Platform → statusmatch.com
Offer: Nomad Club Gold or Diamond status
Region Focus: Central Asia, Russia, and select Europe routes
Application: Quick form with screenshot of current status

ITA Airways Volare

ITA Airways is leaving SkyTeam on April 30, 2025 and transitioning to Star Alliance as part of the Lufthansa Group acquisition. It is expected to eventually migrate to the Miles & More loyalty program (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian).

Apply here → Volare’s website (requires login)
Deadline: April 22 – June 10, 2025.
Eligibility: Open to elite members from select frequent flyer programs (largely oneworld carriers + Emirates). You must not have participated in a previous ITA Airways status match.
Validity: Matched status valid through December 31, 2025.
Process: Apply by logging into your Volare account, uploading a copy of your passport and current elite card.
Status Tiers & Benefits:
- Plus: Priority check-in/boarding/luggage, extra baggage, Club seat selection, +10% points bonus.
- Premium: All Plus perks + Fast Track, lounge access (member only), +20% points bonus.
- Executive: All Premium perks + free Wi-Fi, golf luggage, gift Premium status to another, +30% points bonus.
SkyTeam Perks (Still Active): Until full alliance switch, elite Volare members retain bilateral benefits on Air France, KLM, Delta (no lounge), Virgin Atlantic, MEA, Saudia (no lounge).

How to apply to ITA Airways Volare status match offer.

Ongoing ITA Airways Volare Status Match Offer.

Miles & More Status Match for Volare Members (Separate Offer): ITA Volare members who earned status through flights or Amex ITA co-branded cards in 2024 can match to Lufthansa’s program. The status will be valid through February 2026.

Status Mapping:

Volare Plus → Miles & More Frequent Traveller (Star Alliance Silver)
Volare Premium or Executive → Miles & More Senator (Star Alliance Gold)

Avianca LifeMiles

Apply Here → LifeMiles’ website.
Eligibility: Must reside in Colombia, Ecuador, or Central America (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama). Must hold elite status in one of the following programs: LATAM Pass, American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, Aeromexico Rewards, Iberia Plus, Flying Blue, British Airways Executive Club, Air Europa SUMA.
Process: Complete the online form provided by Avianca. Upload the following documents: photo of your elite frequent flyer card (showing name, tier, and validity), government-issued ID or recent (last 3 months) proof of residency in an eligible country.
Validity: Approved members receive 4 months of elite status. To extend through the end of the year, complete a qualifying mileage challenge.

LATAM Pass

Apple here → statusmatch.com
Eligibility: Open to LATAM Pass members only (free to register). Residents of all countries except Brazil may apply. Delta SkyMiles, GOL Smiles, and TudoAzul members are excluded. Only airline elite status is accepted (not hotel or lounge memberships).
Process: Register as a LATAM Pass member (if not already). Visit latam.statusmatch.com to apply. Submit documents: proof of elite status, ID/passport, and residency.
Fees:
- $199 USD – standard global rate.
- $98 USD – residents of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, France, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland.
- $80 USD – residents of Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and the U.S.
Approved Match Validity: Until March 31, 2025 (date may update in future rounds).
Limitations: Match allowed once per person. Black Signature tier not available via status match. Approved participants are not eligible for future LATAM status matches.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

For Lufthansa Miles & More Members

Apply Here → flyingblue.statusmatch.com
Eligible Programs: Lufthansa Miles & More (Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle)
Eligible Countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway.
Process: Log into or create a Flying Blue account. Upload proof of your current Miles & More elite status. Pay the applicable tier-based fee
Validity: 12 months.

For British Airways Members

Apply Here → flyingblue.statusmatch.com
Eligible Programs: British Airways Club
Eligible Countries: United Kingdom, Spain.
Process: Log into or create a British Airways Club account. Upload proof of your current elite status. Pay the applicable tier-based fee.
Validity: 12 months.

For Clube Iberia Plus Members

Apply Here → flyingblue.statusmatch.com
Eligible Programs: Club Iberia Plus.
Eligible Countries: Spain, United Kingdom.
Process: Log into or create a Club Iberia Plus account. Upload proof of your current elite status. Pay the applicable tier-based fee.
Validity: 12 months.

Ongoing Flying Blue Status Match offers for Lufthansa, British Airways and Iberia.

Lufthansa Miles & More

For Iberia & British Airways Members

Apply Here → lufthansa.statusmatch.com
Offer: Status Match for Iberia Plus and British Airways Executive Club members
Eligibility: Open to members of Club Iberia Plus and British Airways Club.
How to Apply:
1. Visit the official Lufthansa status match page.
2. Fill out the application form.
3. Upload proof of elite status (membership card, account screenshot, etc.).
4. Your status will be processed by StatusMatch.com and reflected in your Miles & More account within 10 business days if approved.
Validity: 12 months.
Benefits (by tier):
- Frequent Traveler (FT): Priority check-in, extra baggage, Star Alliance Silver benefits.
- Senator: Lufthansa and Star Alliance lounge access, priority services, Star Alliance Gold benefits, and additional baggage.
Cost: Paid offer.

Ongoing Lufthansa Miles & More Status Match Offer.

For Volare Members