Originally Posted by
flamingcheetos
Does the initial status match actually get you *A gold lounge access? United's site says it's not guaranteed, but I've never used a status match so I wouldn't know.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/app...omoCode=TB8230- Premier membership materials will be not issued for the 90-day Offer Period. You may enjoy Premier benefits on United- or United Express-operated flights by providing your account number when making reservations or at check-in. During the 90-day Offer Period, you may not have access to all reciprocal Premier benefits with United's partner airlines, including access to Star Alliance lounges.
When I did the status match/challenge in 2016 to Platinum I did get access to Star Alliance lounges. My boarding pass said *G and there's no real way for the agents at those lounges to identify that I was on a challenge and not a bonafide *G.