United Mileage Plus has made some changes to its status match offer. Prior to Jan. 1, 2011, the program did not status match up to the 1K status; the highest level they would match was Premier Executive. Now, elite members of other programs can be matched to United’s 1K status after satisfying the requirements of earning 35,000 paid, qualifying miles or 40 segments on qualifying flights within a 90-day timeframe.

To be matched to Premier Executive, you must fly 17,500 paid, qualifying miles or 22 segments on qualifying flights within a 90-day timeframe. Before this year, you could be matched to Premier Executive status with flying 15,000 qualifying flight miles or 20 qualifying flight segments.

Qualifying flights must be operated by United, United Express, Continental, Continental Connection or Continental Express. United will match elite status with American AAdvantage, Alitalia, Czech Airlines, Eva Airways and Delta SkyMiles under these requirements.

Bottom line: Elite members who take up the status match challenge will have 90 days of United elite status upfront while working toward earning enough elite qualifying miles or segments to keep the 1K or Premier Executive status. Call United Mileage Plus customer service at (800) 421-4655 to learn more.