Matching from status to status, with multiple airlines
 

I've had a brief look through, but can't really see anything along these lines, so I thought I'd post/ask! (Mods - if there is currently a thread on/about this, please go ahead and merge).

I was wondering if anyone has been interested enough, or had enough free time, to see how many FF clubs they can join, with the club matching elite status with other airlines.
There isn't really any 'end' point to this concept, apart from seeing perhaps how many one could get in a year perhaps...

The idea/aim of this is to have say Platinum or Gold with one airline, and then get another airline to match it. Then, using the multiple status's, 'bounce' it backwards and forwards to see how many could be gotten (it has to be for free, and not paid for)
Of course, there are airlines that will only do a fast-track to elite, and not match directly, and some airlines will not match at all.

If anyone would be interested in this, or have any tips/advice they might want to share, all will be welcome!
I'm keeping a listing of what will be matched as well, so that people will be able to know this.

I've seen a "only status match once" limitation mentioned here on the forum, meaning that you should consider asking for it only when you are prepared to use it, as once the status lapses, you'll only get it back by earning it. I was assuming that would be a lifetime limitation for a specific name, address, and FF account number.

I got a status match at the end of last year, and one of my goals for this year is to maintain it, and my original status on the first airline, by year's end.

I've had status matched twice: from DL to AA around 1997, and from AA to BD a few years ago. Both times were legit, in terms of changing needs and travel patterns (plus DL's making their program worse with the change to SkyMiles a bit earlier.) I wouldn't do it as a game, because I might need that match later on and because enough treating them that way could ruin legitimate matches for everyone. I've seen one example* of a benefit being taken away because people gamed the system. We don't need any more.

If people want to find out what matches are possible and get tips on obtaining them, the main thread on that topic is here.

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*AA's eliminating the exchange rate of 2,500 miles per 500-mile segment upgrade for people who could demonstrate inability to use them. That was fair for those in that situation, in the sense that you needed up to six of them to upgrade a flight that could otherwise be upgraded for 15,000 miles. Now, it's 500 miles per.

risky business. Matching is there when you need it most. When you have a lot of travel lined up then there is the beauty of matching. My company has agreements will all bigs to match to any level so I am one of the few lucky ones. Just waiting for the day/year when I have a lot of travel lined up and I will match left and right.

I'd have to agree with Efrem. I was comped back at UA last year based on my AA status, and although I don't see a need to request a status match to another carrier this year, I want to keep my options open, in the event of program changes, in the years ahead. I have no plans to fly Continental or Delta this year, but 5-10 years down the line they could look attractive.

All understood. I thought it might be so, but couldn't find anything to suggest it. Many thanks for all of your comments and feedback on it :)