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 (April 2025)

Program Apply End Date Read More
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan (For HawaiianMiles Members) Apply Now Ongoing Details
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan (Other Airlines/Challenge) Apply Now Ongoing Details
American Airlines AAdvantage Apply Now Ongoing Details
United MileagePlus Apply Now June 30, 2025 Details
Etihad Guest Apply Now Ongoing  
Royal Jordanian Royal Club Apply Now Ongoing  
Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Apply Now Ongoing  
Air Astana Nomad Club Apply Now Ongoing  
Flying Blue (UK) Apply Now Ongoing  
Flying Blue (Iberia) Apply Now Ongoing  
Flying Blue (For Miles&More Members) Apply Now Ongoing  

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.

SAS EuroBonus tiers.

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.
  • Don’t wait too long, many offers are limited-time.
  • 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!

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