Corporate Status Match Question
 

I just starting a position for A Giant Multinational Corporation. American Airlines is one of their preferred carriers, and the travel information I have from the company says that they will match my Delta status (Delta is also a preferred carrier).

I'd like to know from someone with some experience with this type of arrangement:

For these types of status matches, do they fall in the "once in a lifetime" category, or is this an ongoing thing I can do every year? (I doubt I will have enough work travel to be mid/top elite on both carriers next year)

I am asking the question more generically than specifically for American Airlines, as there are other status match offers.

Unless you are a senior executive (e.g., CEO) it is probably only a one time deal. They want you to not be inconvenienced by moving your flights to the new carrier and then you are on your own.

I think it depends on the company and thier arrangement. In the mi9ddle of the year a few years ago, my company (a really big one), switched from United to AA, They automatically switched me to AA Plat (I was flying about 50k per year), Since I did not make my 50k on AA the first year, I spoke with my travel department and they were able to have me be Plat the next year as well. They did this for me and some of my co-workers, who also missed out due to the mid year change. Last year was no problem earning it flying and this year I am 5000 miles from EXP, which when I go to NY in a few weeks, will move me up!

I got a status match from AA in 2003 but didn't fly enough to requalify. They didn't match again for 2004. Waiting to find out if they'll match for 2005 but I doubt it

It depends. Many corporate travel planners can move mountains. If the corporate travel calls and pleads your case you are more likely to get the comp. Have you read up on the AA Plat challenge?

My coprorate travel stinks. They do nothing for us for status.

A friend of mine gets regular emails about status matches and they will fight for you.

I dug around and found out it is supposed to be a one-time thing. But, you have a point about corporate travel agents' powers -- my company has nearly a half-million employees, so I imagine they have some clout, if they decide to use it.