antinseattle

Do other airlines match status with WN RR A/A+? I had a couple flights going to Mexico, was looking at Air Tran, and Air Trans elite status. Quick email, and my Air Tran account became elite status for next year. Do other airlines match WN A/A+ status, if requested? AS, AA, UAL, etc?

Thank you

soccerref750

Remember WN owns AirTran now, so you really got an "internal" status match. I don't believe any legacy carriers match WN status or vice versa, because the programs are very different in nature (revenue vs mileage).

italiancal

So are we matched for status from Southwest to Airtran or do we need to request it ?
Last year I received a card and email with information regarding the match status but this year I have not received anything yet....

antinseattle

Mine wasn't elite with A Tran, until I requested it. Sent email to Air Tran CS with my RR number. I assume its same in reverse. air Tran no, to WN CS.

I've read on FT, it's a one time match, and good for a year, but that could have changed(?)

nsx

Some have reported that it's one time only. Others have been matched a second time on request.

Even if you don't fly AirTran routes, as an elite you are permitted to transfer your AirTran credits to anyone else's account. That allows you to top off family members' credits to 16 with your credits or with your RR2 points.

lukerrie

I am an A-Lister and wanted to status match to Delta. They matched me to Silver Medallion. In their email they stated that they only match Southwest to Silver Medallion.

nsx

If I recall correctly, UA has also matched to the lowest or second tier.

Low-tier status is not very valuable these days. You might be better off asking for a fast-track challenge for higher tier status.

TSparky

As an A+ I tried Delta and UA 2 years ago. Delta refused. UA gave me a challenge to gold (take so many flights in 90 days). I sent them a screen shot of my RR account showing level and # of flights flown.

diver858

Most carriers (and hotel programs) have some form of status challenge http://www.flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Challenge_(AA) which requires a minimum amount of travel over a limited period of time, some also require a fee.

US is one exception, where it is possible to buy status outright - no travel required http://www.usairways.com/en-US/divid...preferred.html It has been suggested that this option will not survive the merger with AA.

italiancal

I followed your suggestion....send an email to Airtran to ask to match the Southwest status and to my surprise...next day I already got a positive response.... ^ ^ That is great....
I will fly more Airtran this year...

RoadWarrior707

Alaska Air recently awarded me a one-time MVP status based upon my 2013 A-List status with Southwest.

I began by communicating through the AS website with the following message: "Do you match status with other Airlines? I am "elite" A-List with
Southwest but am trying Alaska Airlines for the first time in late May. Thanks."

I received this reply, which I answered with all of the requested materials:

"...We offer a program called "Tier Match" that is designed for travelers who currently carry elite status with another carrier's frequent flyer program a one time opportunity to receive comparable status within the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. To qualify,
please send us a copy of your current elite card, a copy of your most recent
mileage statement showing elite status with Southwest, and a copy of your
driver's license. When you receive your tier match, your status on Alaska
Airlines will be upgraded through the end of 2013. You may simply reply to
this email with your documents attached..."

13 days later I received this reply:

"Congratulations and welcome! You have been upgraded to MVP status in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. We sincerely appreciate your business and are excited to extend all the benefits of your new status (i.e. MVP)."