Called up AA to see if I could get status match as I have flown primarily on United due to living in Chicago and destinations I frequent have more UA than AA flights. However, company's preferred airline is AA and I have recently noticed higher fare differences which in turn put my booking through the company site as "non compliant" when fare difference is too high.

So, AA rep told me they are accepting status matches right now in 2011 without any challenges, etc. and sent me an email with instructions on where to email or fax a copy of my UA most current membership level. 6 days later I now have AA platinum through Feb 2012.

You do have to requalify with standard flight or mileage amounts to maintain your level, but I was not asked to do a challenge.