Matching Premier status -- how does it work?
 

Hi everyone.

I'm about to start a period of heavy (long distance) int'l travel on United and it would be great to have premier status (especially for economy plus!). I know that this is something that is earned, but I have heard that airlines will match your status if you are premier in another FF program. The thing is I am not anymore a premier member of any FF program. I recall that some airlines used to let you purchase premier status. I thought I could do this and then have others match. Does this still exist? If so any ideas?

I don't think that you can buy status but it wouldn't hurt, once you have taken a few trips, to send a letter to the program administrator and explain the situation. The addresses for the programs are in the status match thread. If they see that you have taken some trips and that you have some booked they might be willing to pony up a silver level for you.
Good luck!

I would also check out the United Forum on the Double Elite Qualifying Miles offer that may be able to put you on the "fast track" to earning Premier status since you only need 12,500 miles since October 15 to qualify for Premier next year.

It doesn't do much for you for the first few flights, but it may help you get there quicker.

The whole purpose of a "comp" is to match your status on another carrier, unless you are planning on doing a lot of paid premium class travel you'll be earning it the same way everyone does, if you have proof of a lot of paid business class or first class travel it would never hurt to get in touch with someone at Mileage plus.

The purpose of a comp is to get you to fly one airline instead of another. Period.

If the right person at an airline is approached with a credible story that you are going to start heavy-duty paid travel, will use UA if they give you status, and might not use them otherwise, you have a chance.

The catch is that you can't be the one to approach them with this. Everyone tries that. Too bad for the few who mean it, but no airline will listen.

If you can get a travel agent or corporate travel coordinator to contact his/her UA sales rep and ask him/her to make it happen, they can do wonders. Short of giving you a private 777, sales reps can pretty much call the shots.

Keep in mind, though, that a comp is pretty much a one-shot deal. If you have another acceptable way to earn status this time, you may want to save it.