How I got a Status Match Wrong

Cathay Pacific Plane

Before I go into the explanation, let me first explain what a status match is. A Status match is asking another airline to match your status on your existing airline to the equivalent status of the new airline. This happens for a particular time, typically 120 days or less where you would have to complete a few flights to keep the status for the remainder of the year.

I first got introduced to Status matches in 2015 out of unjustified anger. I say unjustified because in the moment, I told myself I was right when in reality I was being very entitled. I was on a Wednesday afternoon flgiht from London Heathrow to New Yorks JFK and there were 7 people on the flight in total. Me being me, I asked to upgrade to first class and was told to use a systemwide upgrade. My initial reaction was why would I use an upgrade for an empty flight and dispelled the notion. I asked the flight attendant and was denied as well.

At that point I had been flying American Airlines exclusively for about 22 years and felt what was the point of loyalty if you can't feel appreciated outside of what the rules allowed and so I did my first status match. I matched my Advantage Gold to Delta Airlines for Medallion Silver and never looked back. Don't get me wrong, I still fly American but it's no longer my first option.

Recently, I had a few Star Alliance flights coming up and figure I'd try out there program to see the perks there. I have not finished the match but it's safe to say, I won't either. I status matched by Delta Platinum to United Premier . Both American and Delta allows you to get status instantly and book flights and conduct business in their worlds but United requires you to fly one flight on United to activate the challenge within 90 days and then grants you status for 120 days to complete 15 flights and other requirements.

Where I missed up, I didn't take a United flight until flight 7 which was a flight to Houston and the earlier flights did not count. Instead of having seven flights flown, I now had one which three months to go. I knew I wouldn't be flying that much so I dispelled the notion of finishing. I'm pretty much a never say never person but after being denied credits for a few flights I decided it wasn't work the hassle. The star Alliance has a few things they need to iron out before I can dream about this. There were two flights I wouldnt be credited for despite booking directly with the airline. The boarding passes don't carry my status which always end up being told to board later even tho I'm with the designated group. My lounge pass says i'm gold but the ticket doesn't and the airline staff think's am skipping and it turns into this thing.

I wanted to see what was out there but I do feel i should stay home where I belong at Sky Team. For those fed up with your current airline, this is a great option to try some competitors and not lock in unless you want to.

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