It’s an age-old business practice. If you want to find a really good customer, lure a loyal customer away from another business. Frequent flyers have been the beneficiaries of this practice since the advent of elite status programs that offer special benefits to their best customers–airline and hotel loyalty programs have been offering status matches for almost as long as the status programs have been around.

If you were a Gold member with Airline X, all you had to do was show your Gold membership card to Airline Z, and Airline Z would match your status in Airline X. Over time, the process has evolved to be a bit more complicated. Sometimes, it’s still as easy as showing your membership card, but more often now, there are a few more steps you need to take before you get that Gold card. And there are some programs that historically do not match status.

Why would someone want to get their status matched? Seems like a stupid question, right? They get the benefits of elite status (upgrades, priority boarding, free checked bags, etc.) in a new airline–who wouldn’t want that? But before you approach the other airline or hotel to match your status, there is something you should ask yourself: Do you plan on becoming a customer of the airline or hotel that you’re getting a status match in?

If you aren’t actually going to travel with an airline, what good will getting a match really do you? Not much at all. And most programs only allow you to get your status matched just once. If you’re not going to act Windrose Films ually do some extensive travel on the new airline or stay often at the hotel group, it might be best to wait until you know you’ll be doing business with them before asking for a status match.

With all of the interest in status matches, you would think that all of the programs would include a status match question in their Frequently Asked Questions list, but this is not the norm. It takes some digging to find the information.

Once you determine that you do plan to travel with the airline or stay at the hotel, you’ll need to do some homework before approaching them for a status match. This is where this article will come in handy for you. You’ll do best when you know the status match policies and have your ducks in a row before approaching a program.

General Guidelines

Most programs will match elite status to gain the business of a proven frequent flyer. But it’s not a given, and most programs do not publish their status match policies on their website, although some do (and we’ll mention those links below). Most programs consider status matching as a one-on-one conversation between the traveler and the loyalty program. And they take it seriously as Douglas Clapperton, Marketing Communications Specialist, Thai Airways pointed out, “Status matching with Royal Orchid Plus is not a give-away, we do evaluate the customer quite thoroughly.”

Before approaching the program, gather the information you’ll need to convince them that matching your status is a good idea. This will include your membership level and number of miles or points in the program you’d like to match and proof of future business in the airline or hotel you want to gain elite status in is also beneficial–this is best shown with actual bookings and a note as to why you’re seeking status. You can send a copy of your latest account balance showing your elite status, a copy of a current elite card and/or a screen shot of your latest account balance indicating that you are an elite member.

Keep in mind that airlines will generally not status match another airline in their alliance. For example, US Airways Dividend Miles will not match United MileagePlus status because they are both Star Alliance members. You can work around this scenario by being matched to a program in another alliance, say Delta SkyMiles in the SkyTeam alliance, and then match your Delta status to United MileagePlus. And if the program you would like a status match with does not match your status, you can consider getting matched to another program within the same global alliance.

As mentioned above, with most programs getting a status match is a bit more difficult than merely flashing your elite card. We’ll show you what to do for each program below. Another way to fast track to elite is through completing a “challenge”. In the early days of status matches, all you had to do was show your elite status in another program to get a status match, but through the years, the programs began to be more restrictive and one of the ways they chose to deal with status matches is through offering a status challenge. Information about status challenges is published more often than status matches and the criteria is carefully stated so members know exactly what they must do to gain elite through the challenge. Usually, you must complete a set amount of travel within a set time frame to gain elite status. There are still other programs that allow members to fast track to elite like US Airways Dividend Miles’ Trial and Buy Up programs and some programs offer elite status to their credit cardholders.

But regardless of what we write here, or what you hear from the experiences of other frequent flyers, it never hurts to ask. If you can show the airline that you, and possibly your company, will bring them a lot of business, it’s worth a shot to ask for a status match, or to ask to be matched to a status higher than they typically allow. As one milepoint member, MSPeconomist says, “Status matches are granted at the discretion of the airline, so anything can happen if one convinces someone with decision-making authority that a status match would be sufficiently valuable for business … the status match may be approved even if it otherwise violates the rules.”

Along with the case-by-case status matches we are detailing here, some programs give elite status to a select number of employees of companies with corporate travel contracts or for various other reasons. Delta, for example, has handed out elite status to politicians. We won’t delve into that here, but let’s just say, money talks in all things related to business and elite status is no different. If you have a corporate travel desk at your work, you can always ask them to intervene on your behalf to possibly be gifted elite status.

Programs have also been known to status match apples to oranges–meaning, a hotel program will match a member’s elite status of a frequent flyer program. These are generally special, limited-time offers with the promotion details outlined for members.

If you have elite status based on owning a credit card and are seeking to match the status, it will be more important to prove that you’re going to stay at the hotel or fly the airline in the near future than just flashing your elite card. Just because one program gives you elite status when owning a credit card, you can’t expect another will match. One way to look at it is that they will match “earned” elite status. The account statement you fax to the program should have some recent activity as well as show your elite status. Furthermore, keep in mind what FlyerTalk member M0hamad stated, “… a status match is not a right but a privilege.”

Speaking of earning status, there are many elite members who “earned” their status the hard way, by flying or staying in hotels, who are not happy with those who “earned” their status with another program and a phone call and email. But all is fair in love and war–and frequent travel programs.

And a final note before we get into further details. These policies are based on the most recent information possible, but the airlines and hotels can change their policies at any time. When it comes time for you to ask for that status match or challenge, it would be wise to go to your favorite frequent flyer online community to read of the latest developments from the programs you’re wishing to get a status match from. Armed with this information and what we’re presenting here, you’ll be well on your way to getting that Gold or Platinum membership card #2 in your wallet.

The Programs That Won’t Play

Unfortunately, not all airlines offer a status match. The following are known not to match any other frequent flyer program: Aeroplan, Air France/KLM, ANA, AirTran Airways, British Airways (except corporate/revenue-based), Emirates, EVA Airways, Icelandair, JAL, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines, to name a few. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards generally does not status match, but they did a status match with the airline Southwest is acquiring, AirTran Airways.

Another program, Amtrak Guest Rewards, does not match elite, no doubt because they are the only rail program in the U.S. so the competition is slim. Avis is also known not to status match. According to their customer service representative, “Avis First can only be earned.” Avis competitors, Hertz and National will match status of other car rental programs.

The Programs That Will Play

Alaska Mileage Plan
Alaska Mileage Plan makes it easy to status match for a one-time offer. And like most programs, Mileage Plan will not match its highest elite level.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
American AAdvantage: Gold to MVP; Platinum to MVP Gold; Executive Platinum to MVP Gold. Delta SkyMiles: Silver to MVP, Gold to MVP Gold, Platinum to MVP Gold, Diamond to MVP Gold. United MileagePlus/Continental OnePass: Premier/Silver to MVP, Premier Exec/Gold to MVP Gold, Platinum to MVP Gold, Premier Exec 1K MVP Gold. US Airways Dividend Miles: Silver to MVP, Gold to MVP Gold, Platinum to MVP Gold, Chairman to MVP Gold
How to ask:
Submit your status request via email to [email protected] with a copy of your most recent mileage activity statement along with a copy of your elite card. Include a copy of your Drivers License and your Mileage Plan membership number. You can include a brief note explaining why you are requesting a status match such as a recent relocation, change in flying pattern, unhappy with current airline and more, but it’s really not necessary. If you want to go old school, mail the items listed above to: Alaska Airlines Customer Care, PO Box 24948 — SEAGT, Seattle, WA 98124-0948.
Rules and conditions:
Alaska will not match to their highest elite level, MVP Gold 75k. Will status match only once in a lifetime, but we’ve heard that’s not a hard and fast rule. Once matched, you’ll have the status through the membership year which is the calendar year. So, obviously, it’s good to match as early in the year as possible to enjoy the benefits until Dec. 31.

American AAdvantage
American AAdvantage no longer offers status matches. Now, elite members of other programs who want AAdvantage to match their elite must participate in a status challenge. Elite status challenges used to be offered for free, but now, members must pay for the privilege–this certainly ensures that anyone doing the status challenge is serious about wanting the status.
Status match available:
No.
Status challenge available:
Yes. Published, with some conditions.
Programs and status levels:
AAdvantage Gold and Platinum status match challenges are available, but not Executive Platinum challenges.
How to ask:
Call American AAdvantage at (800) 882-8880 to request an elite status challenge. The fee for a Gold challenge varies from $100 to $140 while the fee for a Platinum challenge varies from $180 to $240.
Rules and conditions:
You’ll have three months to earn the specified elite qualifying points (EQP) needed to upgrade your status through flying American Airlines–5,000 EQP for Gold and 10,000 EQP for Platinum. Elite qualifying points are awarded for each segment based on booking class, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 per elite qualifying mile earned. The more expensive the fare, the faster you’ll earn points. Challenges begun before June 16 of a given year earn status for the remainder of that year and the first two months of the following year (8-14 months total); challenges begun on or after June 16 grant status for the remainder of that year, the following year, and the first two months of the year after (14-20 months total). You can challenge again if you lose your status, but members may not qualify for elite status through a challenge more than two times in a five-year period.

Best Western Rewards
Best Western Rewards not only allows status matches, but they have been using the program as a selling point to lure new members. The “Status Match, No Catch” program is well documented. Members can even be matched to Best Western Rewards’ highest elite level, Diamond, as long as they can prove a similar membership level in another program.
Status match available:
Yes. Published.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Will match level to level.
How to ask:
Visit goldcrownclub.bestwestern.com/offers/statusmatch.asp for full information. You will be asked to download a status match form and to send the form to the address listed on the form or you can email Best Western Rewards’ customer care team at [email protected] or call (800) 444-7646 and request an upgrade for your membership with Status Match … No Catch by providing proof of elite status in another hotel loyalty program.
Rules and conditions:
The Status Match, No Catch offer is open to members who reside in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Members in other areas should contact Best Western Rewards service center to find out if they will consider a status match on a case-by-case basis.

Carlson Hotels Club Carlson
Club Carlson does not have a published status match policy but they do sometimes match status. Each request will be closely regarded and they have been known to sometimes decline requests so a convincing case for matching is essential.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Club Carlson will match Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Priority Club and Starwood only. The top level in any of these programs will match to Club Carlson Elite Gold and the second level to Silver Elite.
How to ask:
Provide Club Carlson with proof of your current elite status in another program, either a copy of your current loyalty card or current statement showing your status. You can email [email protected] or fax (402) 501-9166. Include your Club Carlson membership number with your request.
Rules and conditions:
Carlson’s Concierge Elite cannot be matched.

Choice Hotels Choice Privileges
Choice Privileges does not publish their status match policy, but they will consider requests on a case-by-case basis. Choice has also crossed the aisle in the past and airline programs have had special offers in their communications where Choice Privileges would match their elite level.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Case-by-case.
How to ask:
Get in touch with Choice Privileges customer service by calling (888) 770-6800. Be prepared to show proof of elite status in another hotel loyalty program along with your Choice Privileges membership number. It would be wise to explain why you want the status match and how you plan to now stay in Choice hotels.
Rules and conditions:
N/A.

Czech OK Plus
Czech OK Plus has a published “Card Match” program for members. Like most programs, you cannot be matched to an elite program from the same alliance, in this case, you cannot be matched to a program in the SkyTeam Alliance but the program has made status matching easy for members.
Status match available:
Yes. Published.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Will match other programs on a case-by-case basis.
How to ask:
Book a flight on Czech Airlines, fill out the Card Match application form, send the form and a scan of your existing card in an email attachment or hand in the form and copy to a Czech Airlines office.
Rules and conditions:
No SkyTeam airlines will be matched. When status is matched, there will be no match above Gold. Visit www.insideflyer.com/link/?5738

Delta SkyMiles
Delta SkyMiles is another program that used to offer simple status matches, but has now converted to a published challenge program.
Status match available:
No.
Status challenge available:
Yes. Published.
Programs and status levels:
American AAdvantage: AAdvantage Gold to SkyMiles Silver; Platinum to Gold and Executive Platinum to Platinum. United MileagePlus: MileagePlus Premier to SkyMiles Silver, Premier Executive to Gold and 1K to Platinum. Continental OnePass: Matches across the board–Silver to Silver, Gold to Gold and Platinum to Platinum.
How to ask:
There is a form to complete at the link below. Along with the form, members who want their status matched must provide a legible copy of your current elite card or current statement from another airline program showing your elite status and send via email to [email protected] or fax to (404) 773-1880.
Rules and conditions:
If you meet the criteria to participate, you will receive Platinum, Gold or Silver Medallion status for 90 days, based on your current elite level with another airline. The 90-day period will start when a member’s request has been processed. To retain your matched Medallion status for the remainder of the current and following program years, you’ll need to earn a specific number of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) within 90 days of enrolling by flying Delta or Delta Connection. The number of MQMs or MQSs required is based on your matched Medallion level: 8,000 MQMs or 10 MQSs for Silver, 16,000 MQMs or 20 MQSs for Gold and 26,000 MQMs or 35 MQSs for Platinum. The highest SkyMiles elite level, Diamond, can only be reached when accruing 125,000 MQMs in a year. If you challenge and then complete 26,000 MQMs to achieve Platinum, you still need to accrue 99,000 more MQMs to get Diamond.

Frontier EarlyReturns
Frontier EarlyReturns offers an unpublished one-time status match with a challenge to retain the status for the remainder of the elite status year. To qualify to be matched, members must fly a designated number of one-way flights during a two-month qualifying period.
Status match available:
No. Trial challenge only.
Status challenge available:
Yes. Unpublished trial challenge.
Programs and status levels:
N/A.
How to ask:
Send an email to [email protected]. In the subject line, include your name and your EarlyReturns membership number in the subject line. Attach proof of elite status with the other airline such as your elite membership card or last statement.
Rules and conditions:
If approved for the trial status match, your status will be matched to either Summit or Ascent and you’ll receive the status challenge requirements including the number of flights you will need to make within the two-month trial period so you can retain status for the rest of the year. The opportunity is offered only once per individual.

Gulf Air Falconflyer
Gulf Air Falconflyer does not publish their status match program but it is possible to get a status match.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
N/A.
How to ask:
Write to Gulf Air Falconflyer at [email protected] and attach a legible copy of a valid frequent flyer elite membership card. Don’t forget to also provide your Falconflyer number. You will receive your new Falconflyer elite card by mail.
Rules and conditions:
N/A.

Hertz #1 Gold
Hertz currently has a status match program through Jan. 31, 2012 where they will match your status with Avis or National.
Status match available:
Yes. Published.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Avis and National.
How to ask:
Send an email to [email protected] with the following: your Hertz Gold membership number, your first and last name as it appears on your Hertz account; your address as it appears on your Hertz account and your phone number and email address. In addition, you must attach a scanned image showing proof of status with Avis or National—either a monthly statement indicating your membership status; copy of a credentials letter (membership kit); copy of a welcome letter or your member card with expiration date. Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?5699 for complete information.
Rules and conditions:
Hertz Status Match is available for members in the U.S. and Canada only.

Hilton HHonors
HHonors members can fast track to Gold via four stays or nine nights via the MVP program at https://www.hiltonhhonors.com/landingpages/mvp.aspx – HHonors also offers an instant match to Gold with proof of another program’s Platinum status with a fast-track status challenge to earn HHonors top status, Diamond. One such challenge follows: Members must complete 21 qualifying nights within the 90-day period of their choice to reach Diamond status. It normally takes 36 qualifying nights in a 12-month period to earn Gold or 60 nights to earn Diamond. The offer is valid at all U.S. Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels and Hilton Garden Inn hotels and select U.S. Hilton Grand Vacation Club locations, Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels. If you are interested in a status challenge, you should contact Hilton HHonors. Some members have reported being able to fast track to Diamond status with 21 qualifying stays in 90 days.
Status match available:
Yes, to Gold. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Programs and status levels:
N/A.
How to ask:
Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?3775 to sign up for the MVP status challenge to Gold, or call Hilton HHonors customer service at (866) 424-4276. To take the Diamond challenge, send an email to [email protected] along with your Hilton HHonors account number and proof of Platinum status in another hotel program.
Rules and conditions:
Follow conditions set out by Hilton after you have signed up for a status challenge.

Hyatt Gold Passport
Hyatt Gold Passport has a trial status match offer. You will receive a trial Diamond membership for 60 days with proof of top-tier status with a competitor’s program. During that 60 days, you must complete 12 nights to maintain Diamond status through February of the following year. You will also receive 1,000 bonus points on your first six eligible nights within 60 days, up to a maximum of 6,000 bonus points. Up until 2010, Hyatt was generous with simple status matches, but decided to offer members a challenge instead. And not all members were unhappy with this decision, including Loyalty Traveler’s Ric Garrido, “I do not lament the passing of Hyatt Gold Passport elite matches. Hyatt Gold Passport was overly generous since April 2009 in fast-tracking anyone who asked to join Gold Passport’s elite ranks.”
Status match available:
No. Trial only.
Status challenge available:
Yes–trial membership challenge. Unpublished.
Programs and status levels:
The following programs/status levels can get a trial Diamond membership: Hilton HHonors Gold VIP or Diamond VIP, Marriott Rewards Gold or Platinum, Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum and Priority Club Platinum.
How to ask:
Call Hyatt Gold Passport customer service by May 31, 2012 at (800) 228-3360 to ask for the Diamond Trial Offer. Mail a statement of your account activity with a competing hotel program, including proof of elite status to Hyatt Gold Passport, PO Box 27089, Omaha, NE 68127-0089, along with your Hyatt Gold Passport number (and it doesn’t hurt to include proof of upcoming Hyatt stays). You may also email [email protected] or fax to (402) 593-9449.
Rules and conditions:
Follow conditions set out by Hyatt after you have been approved for a trial Diamond membership.

InterContinental Hotels Group
Priority Club Rewards
IHG Priority Club Rewards has an unpublished, straightforward status match policy available and members can get the ball rolling toward a status match by calling Priority Club.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
The following programs have been matched by Priority Club Rewards: Starwood Preferred Guest, Marriott Rewards, Hilton HHonors, Hyatt Gold Passport, Wyndham Rewards and Best Western Rewards.
How to ask:
Call Priority Club Rewards at (888) 211-9874 to start the process and to learn what you need to do to be status matched. You will then need to fax or email proof of your status in another hotel loyalty program and include your name and Priority Club membership number. The email address is [email protected] and the fax number is (800) 725-8232. Priority Club will determine the status you can match to.
Rules and conditions:
N/A.

Marriott Rewards
Marriott has been known to status match; however, the information is not published. The program seems to take status matches very seriously and there is no guarantee that you will be matched. Marriott Rewards offers trial memberships, a Taste of Gold or a Taste of Platinum, with a status challenge to retain elite.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
Yes. Unpublished, but available when contacting Marriott Rewards.
Programs and status levels:
N/A.
How to ask:
Start by contacting Marriott Rewards at [email protected] or by calling (800) 321-7396 and asking for a status match. They will probably offer the Taste of Gold or Taste of Platinum status challenge. To retain Gold status, the member would need to have 12 paid nights beginning with the date the upgrade is processed for three months. Once you have stayed the 12 nights, the status will be extended through the following membership year. For Platinum, you must have 18 nights. If you are unable to stay the 12 or 18 nights during the trial period, your account will be returned to your original status. Marriott does not ask for proof of elite status in another program, only that you are ready to meet the challenge. If you do not think you will meet the 18 nights, or 12 nights, it’s better not to sign up.
Rules and conditions:
If you do not meet the stay challenge, you cannot apply again until the time period of the challenge is over.

National Car Rental Emerald Club
The Emerald Club will match a new customer’s loyalty club status from any major car rental rewards program during the reoccurring One Two Free promotion in the fall. But even though the information is published only in the fall, members can contact National anytime during the year to request a match.
Status match available:
Yes. Published only in the fall during the One Two Free promotion.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Emerald Club will match Avis Preferred First or Hertz #1 Gold Five Star to Emerald Club Executive and Avis President’s Club, Avis Chairman’s Club or Hertz #1 Gold President’s Circle to Emerald Club Executive Elite.
How to ask:
Visit statusmatch.emeraldclub.com or contact Emerald Club customer service at 1-800-Car-Rent.
Rules and conditions:
N/A.

Red Lion R&R Club
Red Lion R&R Club will match any hotel loyalty program status through an unpublished status match program.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Any hotel, level to level.
How to ask:
Contact the Red Lion member service center at (888) 606-0563 or [email protected]. Be prepared to fax or attach a copy of the latest loyalty program statement and/or current membership card of the program you would like Red Lion to match.
Rules and conditions:
N/A.

Starwood Preferred Guest
Starwood Preferred Guest made changes to their status match policy in 2011. As of April 1, 2011, members can no longer get a simple status match. Now, members must take part in a three-month stay challenge and will receive the status only after meeting the challenge.
Status match available:
No.
Status challenge available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Programs and status levels:
N/A.
How to ask:
Contact the Starwood Platinum Concierge department at [email protected] to ask for the Platinum challenge. You can take part in the Platinum Status Challenge for a three-month block that you choose and you then must stay 18 eligible nights within these three consecutive months to get the Platinum status.
Rules and conditions:
It has been reported by members that should a member not successfully complete a Stay Challenge, they may request another challenge. But you can only achieve status once by doing the challenge. You may select the three months you prefer, including retroactively counting nights already stayed for the first two months of the three-month window. Award nights will not count toward elite during a status challenge. You cannot register for a Platinum Status Challenge after successfully meeting a prior status challenge. You can expect the status to show up in your account three to five days after meeting the stay requirements.

Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) will consider status match requests on a case-by-case basis; and like other programs, ROP will not status match a carrier in their same alliance—in this case, the Star Alliance. Requests for status matches can come from field offices as well as individuals, especially those who have recently relocated to Thailand, or those who expect to use Thai on a frequent basis.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Non-Star Alliance carriers.
How to ask:
To start, get in touch with your corporate travel manager to ask on your behalf, or contact Thai Airways via email at [email protected] or by calling your local Thai Airways office.
Rules and conditions:
N/A.

United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus has a published status match/challenge program in which MileagePlus members will receive a status match for 90 days to either Premier or Premier Executive status, based on the elite level you hold in your current frequent flyer program. To keep the elite status for the balance of the program year, members must reach certain mileage thresholds, depending on the status level you wish to have. You must travel on United, United Express, Continental, Continental Express, Continental Micronesia or Continental Connection. To retain Premier status, you must fly 10,000 paid flight miles or 15 flight segments. To retain Premier Executive, you must fly 17,500 paid flight miles or 22 flight segments. If you qualify through this promotion after July 1, your benefits will be valid through January of the following year. Like most programs, MileagePlus does not status match to their top tiers.
Status match available:
Yes. Published.
Status challenge available:
Yes. Published.
Programs and status levels:
Will match other programs on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you are matching Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion, you’ll receive MileagePlus Premier status. If you are matching Gold or Platinum Medallion, you’ll receive MileagePlus Premier Executive status.
How to ask:
Email [email protected] or fax (605) 341-6140, Attn: Elite Status Match or mail to Elite Status Match, PO Box 6121, Rapid City, SD 57709-6121 the following: Your MileagePlus account number, your name, complete current mailing address and email address, a copy of your most recent mileage summary or membership card that clearly identifies your current elite status in your current frequent flyer program.
Rules and conditions:
Follow the instructions clearly stated on the MileagePlus website and you will receive a confirmation email when your request is approved, and the status match will be processed in approximately 7-14 business days.

US Airways Dividend Miles
US Airways has decided to get out of the status match game altogether. They do not offer a status match or challenge, and only offer ways to fast track to elite–regardless of elite status in any other programs. The airline offers two options to allow members to fast-track to elite: Trial Preferred and Buy Up to Preferred.
Members who opt for the Trial Preferred option, which is similar to a status challenge, must pay a fee according to the Preferred level and then will have 90 days in which to earn enough miles or segments to retain the status for the rest of the program year.
Status match available:
No.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Not applicable.
How to ask:
Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?5823 to sign up for Trial Preferred and visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?5822 for the Buy Up to Preferred program.
Rules and conditions:
Trial Preferred is a 90-day period to try out elite status and to earn enough miles/segments when flying US Airways to retain elite for the program year. Silver Preferred is $200 and you need 7,500 miles or 10 segments; Gold Preferred is $400 and you need 15,000 miles or 20 segments and Platinum Preferred is $600 and you need 22,500 miles or 30 segments. The program is available only to non-Preferred members and members can enroll in the Trial Preferred program only once in any consecutive 12-month period.

Another fast-track to elite option for Dividend Miles members is the Buy Up to Preferred program where you can purchase Preferred qualifying miles or segments. The fees range from $249 when buying between one and 1,999 miles or one to two segments up to $3,999 for 100,000 Preferred qualifying miles or 120 segments–that is enough to get you top Chairman’s status. You are buying Preferred qualifying miles only, not miles that you can actually redeem for awards.

If paying $3,999 plus tax to get one year of Chairman’s Preferred status with its upgrades and other benefits is worth it to you, by all means, spend the money. But we’re guessing that Dividend Miles has had very few takers of that proposition.

Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia ran a popular tier match promotion for the six weeks following a relaunch of the program in August 2011. Now, it’s possible for members to get a status match, but the information is unpublished and each status match request is looked at individually.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
If you are a Silver, Gold or Platinum member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, chances are you will be upgraded to the equivalent status in Velocity. Other program matches are also possible.
How to ask:
Start by getting in touch with Virgin Australia via email at http://www.virginaustralia.com/us/en/help/contact-us/ or at 13 18 75 in Australia, 0800 230 875 in New Zealand or +61 2 8667 5924 if calling from outside Australia or New Zealand.
Rules and conditions:
N/A.

Voila Hotel Rewards
Although the status match program is currently unpublished, relatively new kid on the block Voila Hotel Rewards will match the status of other hotel loyalty programs.
Status match available:
Yes. Unpublished for now.
Status challenge available:
No.
Programs and status levels:
Will match other programs on a case-by-case basis.
How to ask:
According to Peter Gorla of Voila Hotel Rewards, “Usually, members just say something like: ‘I’m an elite Hilton member, can you match’ and we do. Voila Hotel Rewards will generally match when requested but is considering publishing the criteria later this year.