What is airline “status matching”? How to transfer awards

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by alex mitchell

If you want to fly in style, you don't have to flap your wings.

If you're a frequent flyer and looking to change your airline allegiance, and given the recent spate of heart-stopping incidents in the skies, who can blame you? Is it possible? Don't allow yourself to be tied down to a position with a particular airline.

Most of the leading flyers now offer a seamless way to match your new customer's standing with your competitors.

According to the experts at ThePointsGuy, all you usually need is a photo of your membership card and a statement of your current program.

Airlines typically don't advertise these opportunities to match reward points, and some wait until a customer travels a certain number of miles first. In some cases, it may take a little more effort, such as calling or emailing a representative.

For a wealth of detailed information, ThePointsGuy also recommends visiting statusmatcher.com.

Meanwhile, here's a look at how the process works for some of the most popular airlines for American travelers.

alaska airlines

According to ThePointsGuy, you have 90 days to request a match against major competitors such as Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. To maintain elite status, he must fly a set number of miles after three months.

american airlines

The leading domestic conventional airline launched a program called Instant Status Pass two years ago to attract loyal customers from its main competitors, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Easy to apply here.

delta

Delta's Match and Challenge status is more global than most airlines, including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Virgin Airlines. Those who are currently eligible and meet the new program requirements will be able to continue their status through January 2026.

frontier

The company is not currently offering its advertised Status Match program to new customers, but those interested can join a waiting list.

jet blue

According to ThePointsGuy, JetBlue, the worst-ranked airline in 2023, previously had a matching system for Delta loyalists, but it's now gone with the wind. JetBlue currently does not have a public match system.

southwest

Southwest Airlines works with customers at all levels of status with other domestic airlines. Please email southwest.statusmatch@wnco.com to begin the process.

spirit

The program being promoted by the low-cost carrier is currently not accepting new applications, but instead allows you to join a waiting list.

united airlines

This year, United rebooted its match system, which now includes four months of free status once flyers accumulate enough points to maintain their registration.