Certain (far from all) airline credit cards (usually the more expensive ones in terms of annual fees) may either waive (make unnecessary to do) or lower the spend requirement for airline status.

So if you're not into CCs at all, or you just don't like expensive CCs, there's usually no way around minimum spend when it's required for status. (Not every airline requires it yet, but AA, DL, and UA all do now.)

It was some time ago when I first moved to Asia that I tried UA, as a CO PLT. Thought that UA would be better as they were updating some of their TPAC seating, etc. Never got one international UPG and paid much more for the upgradeable fares on UA, while, I had great success with AA in UPG's but didn't like the stop in NRT to get to SE Asia. It was better when AA started flying to PVG and PEK, and I was living in China. Domestic UPG's were more frequent on UA but still not the high percentage I experienced on AA. And, the EXP desk has always been great, well until Dougie screwed it up recently, filling it with USAir agents who don't know what...well let's be nice. I could always count on even non-refundable tickets to get busted to vouchures to use later if my plans changed.

Maybe these complaints are beyond your expectations or elite level that you could earn, but it does show what you may expect.

ah thanks for that. even if its beyond my level, it's good to know. that's why i love this site.

my biggest problem with AA stemmed from what i know now as "red coats". i had a horrible experience due to them but thanks to the folks on this forum, i learned a little more about that whole mess and how to deal. that's something that probably affects UA as well.





thanks for the explanation. no, i don't do ccs at all...i guess i should enjoy this while i have it.

Hey guys,

I need some advise. I am currently Executive Platinum on american for the last years.. I am not going to make it this year unfortunately...

What can i do to match my elite status ??
United? or Delta? I Do have not flown any other airlines.

Please advise.. I travel from Florida to Cali and vegas mostly

http://www.statusmatcher.com/report/55158

http://www.statusmatcher.com/report/55119

http://www.statusmatcher.com/report/54793

which one should i try.. ? I am more interested in first class upgrades than anything else...

also..

Is it possible to match my exec platinum to Delta... have Delta Platinum or united 1k for a year... then match back to AA? for 2018??

DL nor UA will grant you top tier on their airlines just because you are top tier on AA, and vice versa. At most, maybe one level before. Also it wont be a match, but rather a challenge, therefore you will need to fly X within certain time frame in order to get the status. The odds of going EXP (AA) match to 1K(UA) then match to Diamond (DL) and match back to EXP (AA) are .00067% at best. When you add the cost of challenge and the flights needed, might as well try to get EXP anyway. As to which one is easiest for upgrade, read around the forum to get an idea. The topic has been discussed numerous times and the results are varied across the board among the legacies, however, the general consensus agrees that if you want to be in first, its best to pay for it than deal with the upgrade roulette.

yes .. i saw Exec plat was match to Platinum on Delta.. It states the Execplat would equate to premiere platinum on united...with 18k to fly"give or take" in 90 days ... very easy..

.00067% is this scientific? so you are saying there is a chance!!

No , just to clear it up.. I would only choose one to challenge and would make it no problem.. just wondering what would be best United to Delta?

It's not publicized on UA's status match site, but usually ExPlat's get matched to 1K, with something like 35k miles during the 90 day period to keep the status. My fiance was given this challenge a few weeks ago.

Air Berlin to Star Alliance
 

Was anyone successfull in matching Air Berlin status to any Star Alliance airline recenlty (this year)?

I have Emirates Gold status and I applied for a status match to Turkish Airlines but they didnt accept it. I sent every document you guys wrote but it didnt happen. Can anyone help me. Turkısh Airlines told me that they dont do that anymore?

Well as I explained to you in the TK match thread, share their reply here.

Which of the Star Alliance frequent flyer programs are currently offering a status match? I have quite a lot Star Alliance flights coming up next year and it would be great if I can use their lounges. Right now I'm AA Plat, AZ Alata, HHonors Diamond and Accor Plat.
- UA is offering a challenge, but you have to fly 12,5 to get Gold status.
- TK requires only one Int. TK flight, but in that case I have to match from AZ Alata where I have no activity.
Do I have other oppertunities to get Star Alliance Gold?

No Star Alliance match. You could try Copa ConnectMiles or Avianca Brasil Amigo but you're out of luck.

You don't need an activity on AZ, just send screenshot of your account and photo of card.