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Friends,

As I have received a number of questions about American (and now Delta) offering status matches for frustrated Southwest frequent fliers, it felt appropriate to write on the topic.

If you are in the same boat, I hope this helps you. If you are wondering what on earth airlines status even is, read this first.

635 words—let’s get going.

My family moved into a new house today, so no links tonight because we are unpacking boxes. Fear not: links will be back soon!

I did my first “status match” as a seventeen-year-old when I turned my AAdvantage Gold to Continental Silver. All it took was faxing Continental OnePass my American credentials with a letter that effectively said ‘Continental planes are beautiful please love me (also I fly with American with frequency)’ and, voilà, I had silver status on Houston’s airline.

When my (first) first class upgrade actually happened on Continental a few weeks later while flying from Dallas to Atlanta via Houston, I though I was pretty cool. I was not, but airline-world can be cool (sometimes).

If you fly frequently and/or chase having airline ‘status’—then this post is for you.

Maybe your go-to airline tweaks their perks, raises prices, or quietly becomes…less likable. That’s when the idea of switching loyalty from one carrier to another enters your mind. But leaving behind earned status can feel like starting over—and no one likes starting from scratch.

That’s where a status match comes in.

A status match is when another airline gives you temporary elite status based on what you already have somewhere else. It’s a marketing tool, but it can work in your favor—especially now, as competitors try to win over disenfranchised Southwest flyers. The idea is that by giving you comparable perks, they’ll win you over. Sometimes, this includes a short “challenge” period where you prove you can fly (or stay) enough to keep the perks longer-term. Other times, it’s just a straight-up match.

So when should you do one?

That depends on what you want.

Are you planning to switch loyalty for good? A status match can help make that smoother—giving you perks like upgrades, lounge access, or priority boarding from day one.

Or maybe you’re not switching at all—but you’ve got one big trip coming up with another carrier. A status match might be worth it just to make that one trip better (more space, fewer bag fees, maybe even a glass of champagne). And that’s okay.

But don’t status match just because you can.

Most airlines only let you do it once every few years. You don’t want to burn your shot unless there’s a clear upside. And if you do a challenge, be realistic: will you fly enough to keep it?

Quick story: last year, I status matched my British Airways Gold to Air France KLM Platinum. Then British Airways totally gutted their tier program a few months later—so the match was a big win. YMMV, but it is nice to have options.

Big Picture: Status matches are a savvy tool in your travel toolkit—but like all good things, timing and strategy matter. If you’re curious whether it’s worth it for you, I can help you think it through.

Happy flying.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

Be well today. -Tommy

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.