This may have been true in 2003, at first blush it appears to not be the case any more. I just received this by email:

To: Mr.
Preferred Guest Number: *******

Dear Mr. ,

Thank you for your recent email concerning your Starwood Preferred Guest account. I welcome this opportunity to assist you.

I must apologize, however we do not status match with Airline memberships. We do status match with our direct competitors (Marriott Rewards Platinum status, Hilton HHonors Worldwide Diamond status, Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond status). If you have any of these please send a copy of your membership card and most recent membership statement to the fax number or address below. Once we have received this information, we will process your Starwood Preferred Guest membership accordingly.

Fax: 512-997-9046

Address: Starwood Preferred Guest Program
P.O. Box 143986
Austin, TX 78714-3986

We appreciate your patronage of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. If you have any further customer service questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Best Regards,


Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide