Status Matching
Feb 13, 2006 | 6:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: UK
Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, United Premier Exec, Virgin Gold
Posts: 329
Status Matching
Just a quick question, in 2004 the UK *A had a status match when we were lonely silver members of Virgin, now we travel a lot and are fuly fledged gold members for over a year now. The only problem is they don't fly direct to ORD and a couple of other places.
We were matched with UA MP in 2004 but now they won't match our gold status.Is it worth trying another star alliance member by opening up an account with them say AC or US or just bite the bullet and remain with VS and stay away from UA. We wouldn't really use the advanrtages that much except lounge access and th added bonus mles for our trans continental flights.
Anyones opinion or siggesions are welcome.
We were matched with UA MP in 2004 but now they won't match our gold status.Is it worth trying another star alliance member by opening up an account with them say AC or US or just bite the bullet and remain with VS and stay away from UA. We wouldn't really use the advanrtages that much except lounge access and th added bonus mles for our trans continental flights.
Anyones opinion or siggesions are welcome.
Feb 13, 2006 | 9:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: FRA
Programs: AC SE 1MM, UA PP, Hilton LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium Elite, Avis PC
Posts: 3,127
Does it have to be a nonstop service to ORD? Otherwise just stick with the VS program and just use DL or CO to / out of ORD via their hubs.
Last edited by ACflyerDE; Feb 13, 2006 at 9:03 pm
Feb 14, 2006 | 1:50 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: LH, SPG
Posts: 296
Well, as far as I know, status matches are used to entice high-yield customers to switch from one program to another. Why would otherwise, for example, LH allow a passenger lounge access just because he flies BA often?
If you abused it once with UA (got the match but remained with your regular airline) it's no surprise they won't match your status again.
That said, you can probably get a *G match from another airline - but if you're not going to maintan the status it does not make too much sense. Which airline you should go with is up to you. If you fly a lot in business/first class then LH's M&M is a pretty good program, but for economy UA is a better bet, etc.
If you abused it once with UA (got the match but remained with your regular airline) it's no surprise they won't match your status again.
That said, you can probably get a *G match from another airline - but if you're not going to maintan the status it does not make too much sense. Which airline you should go with is up to you. If you fly a lot in business/first class then LH's M&M is a pretty good program, but for economy UA is a better bet, etc.
Feb 14, 2006 | 2:57 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold
Posts: 6,939
As you can see in this "master" thread UA will just match you just up to Prem Ex. They won't match you to 1K. Besides this, the question is what you expect UA should do for you e.g. matching you every year, but flying with other carriers most of your time? Normally status match is a one time thing and form my point of view this is okay. I mean it is a great tool if you really want to switch or separate your flights between to airlines or alliances.
Finally you can try US DM. They'll match you up to chairman (which is top tier).
Chears
t.
Finally you can try US DM. They'll match you up to chairman (which is top tier).
Chears
t.
Feb 14, 2006 | 3:16 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: UK
Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, United Premier Exec, Virgin Gold
Posts: 329
Thanks for the advice guys.
It wasn't that we were abusing the offer it just happens that VS trumped *A on the routes we wanted to fly when the UCS came into being.
It would be great if they just bit the bullet and joined the *A so that we can get the benefits of a good alliance in europe.
It wasn't that we were abusing the offer it just happens that VS trumped *A on the routes we wanted to fly when the UCS came into being.
It would be great if they just bit the bullet and joined the *A so that we can get the benefits of a good alliance in europe.