United Airlines makes a points change travelers will like

Those with airline status know just how fast the perks start to accrue once one has breached the first tier of the loyalty program.

At most airlines, the first “silver” tier usually will earn one small perks such as free checked bags and priority for upgrades, while the highest levels of status can come with everything from lounge access to free same-day changes and priority boarding.

Collecting the points needed to reach new tiers or maintain status also tends to snowball as each new rung means any dollar one spends with the airline is multiplied by a higher number.

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Have status with another airline? Here is how you can match it with United

Those who have reached status with one airline will often find that they can, at different times of the year and on different conditions, match it with another airline.

In October 2024, JetBlue Airways  (JBLU)  held an annual promotion in which it offered status-holders with Spirit  (SAVE) , Southwest Airlines  (LUV) and Frontier  (FRON)  three months of status with its own airline.

With 2025 now underway, United Airlines  (UAL)  is holding its annual status match promotion for its MileagePlus program in which travelers with elite status with a competing airline can apply to match it at United. 

Applicable status matches include Alaska Airlines  (ALK)  MVP, American Airlines  (AAL)  Gold (what the Texas-based airline calls Gold is the first tier equivalent to Silver with United) and Delta  (DAL) ‘s Medallion Silver to United’s Premier Silver.

Related: Another airline just launched an all-you-can-fly pass

Higher statuses with a given airline can also be matched to United’s Premier Gold and Platinum while international airlines eligible for the promotion include British Airways and Australia’s Qantas Airways  (QUBSF) .

United promises top-tier flyers ‘a way to quickly reach comparable status’

To participate, status holders need to fill out a form through United’s website and, upon confirmation, take a United or United Express flight within 90 days for approval of status that will last 120 days from activation.

Those who want to extend status beyond those four months will be able to earn it by spending on Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) or Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) during the 120-day window at a number smaller than what would be required if starting from scratch — 5 PQFs or 1,700 PQPs on United flights to keep Silver, 10 PQFs and 3,400 PQPs for Gold and 15 PQFs or 5,000 PQPs from Platinum.

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“We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to participate in our 2025 MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge, offering top-tier flyers of many other airlines a way to quickly reach comparable status in the MileagePlus program,” United writes of the promotion on its website.

The form will be available until June 30, 2025 while those with status from an airline not included on United’s list can also fill it out to be considered for a match. The form asks for one’s full name, frequent flyer number with the applicable airline as well as the status level and its expiration date that can also be added as a single screenshot. 

United is promising form processing within five to seven business days of submission.

Related: Veteran fund manager issues dire S&P 500 warning for 2025

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