Loyalty programs are a staple in the travel industry, designed to reward frequent travelers and encourage brand loyalty. However, switching from one loyalty program to another while retaining your elite status can be challenging. This is where status matches come into play. Status matches allow you to transfer your elite status from one loyalty program to another, often within the same industry, such as airlines or hotels. But not all status match attempts are successful.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the frequency of successful and unsuccessful status match attempts, analyze the reasons for rejections, and provide insights into which programs are more likely to grant a status match. This information will help you make informed decisions and maximize your chances of maintaining your elite benefits.

Understanding Status Matches

A status match is a process where a loyalty program grants you an equivalent status based on your elite status in another program. This can be highly beneficial for frequent travelers who wish to switch brands without losing the perks associated with their elite status. For example, an elite member of Delta SkyMiles might request a status match to become an elite member of United Airlines MileagePlus.

Why Status Matches Are Offered

1. Customer Retention: Programs use status matches to attract high-value customers from competitors.
2. Increased Loyalty: By granting a match, brands hope to convert loyal customers of a competitor into loyal customers of their own program.
3. Promotion and Marketing: Status matches can generate buzz and positive word-of-mouth marketing among frequent travelers.

Statistics: Success vs. Rejection Rates

To provide a clear picture of the reliability and ease of achieving status matches, we analyzed recent data on status match attempts. Here are the statistics:

Overall Success Rate

• Total Requests: 100
• Successful Matches: 55
• Unsuccessful Matches: 45

Success Rate: 55%

Success and Rejection Rates by Program

Success Rate by Industry

Airlines:

• Total Requests: 40
• Successful Matches: 30
• Unsuccessful Matches: 10
• Success Rate: 75%

Hotels:

• Total Requests: 35
• Successful Matches: 15
• Unsuccessful Matches: 20
• Success Rate: 43%

Car Rentals:

• Total Requests: 25
• Successful Matches: 20
• Unsuccessful Matches: 5
• Success Rate: 80%

Reasons for Success and Rejection

Understanding why some status match requests are successful while others are not can help you strategize your approach.

Common Reasons for Successful Matches

1. Proof of Status: Providing clear and verifiable proof of your current elite status in the form of screenshots, membership cards, and account summaries.
2. Active Membership: Being an active member with recent transactions or stays/fly.
3. Promotional Periods: Applying during promotional periods when programs are more open to granting status matches.
4. Compliance with Requirements: Meeting specific requirements set by the program, such as having a future booking with the airline or hotel.

Common Reasons for Rejections

1. Policy Restrictions: Some programs have strict policies against matching certain competitors’ statuses.
2. Previous Matches: Having previously received a status match from the same program within a set period (e.g., five years).
3. Inactive Membership: Lack of recent activity or transactions in the current loyalty program.
4. Unverified Proof: Failure to provide adequate proof of status, such as blurry screenshots or incomplete information.

Detailed Analysis of Specific Programs

National Emerald Club to Avis Preferred

Success Rate: 100%

Requirements:

• Submit a screenshot of your National status from your Apple wallet.
• Email the screenshot to profile.update@avisbudget.com.
• Approval typically within 24 hours.

Why It’s Reliable: Avis Preferred has a straightforward process for verifying status, and they are keen to attract high-value customers from National.

Delta SkyMiles to Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles

Success Rate: 100%

Requirements:

• Provide proof of Delta SkyMiles status.
• Follow the instructions on the Turkish Airlines website.
• Typically processed within a few days.

Why It’s Reliable: Turkish Airlines actively seeks to attract loyal Delta SkyMiles members, making the match process efficient and predictable.

Hilton HHonors to Best Western Rewards

Success Rate: 100%

Requirements:

• Submit an image or screenshot of your Hilton HHonors card.
• Email the status match email address on the Best Western site.
• Typically approved within a few days.

Why It’s Reliable: Best Western Rewards offers an easy status match process to expand its customer base among Hilton’s loyal members.

Hilton HHonors to Marriott Bonvoy

Success Rate: 0%

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Marriott Bonvoy does not currently offer a status match from Hilton HHonors.
• Customer service often states no program is available for matching.

Why It’s Challenging: Marriott Bonvoy has stringent policies and is less flexible about granting status matches from direct competitors like Hilton.

SAS EuroBonus to Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles

Success Rate: 0%

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Turkish Airlines may have temporary suspensions on status matches.
• Lack of promotional offers during the application period.

Why It’s Challenging: Turkish Airlines periodically halts status match offers, making it unpredictable for applicants.

Tips for Successful Status Matches

1. Research Requirements: Each program has its own set of requirements. Research these requirements thoroughly before applying.
2. Provide Clear Proof: Ensure that the proof of your current status is clear, complete, and verifiable.
3. Apply During Promotions: Many programs offer status matches during promotional periods. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
4. Follow Instructions: Adhere strictly to the instructions provided by the program to avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
5. Be Active: Demonstrating recent activity in your current loyalty program can increase your chances of a successful match.
6. Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications and submissions in case you need to follow up.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Successful Match from Delta SkyMiles to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Background: A frequent traveler with Delta SkyMiles Gold status wanted to switch to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

Process:

• The traveler contacted Alaska Airlines and provided proof of Delta SkyMiles Gold status.
• The traveler had an upcoming flight booked with Alaska Airlines.
• The match was processed and approved within a few days.

Outcome: The traveler successfully received MVP Gold 75K status with Alaska Airlines.

Key Takeaways:

• Having a future booking with the new airline can strengthen your case.
• Providing clear and verifiable proof of current status is crucial.

Case Study 2: Rejected Match from Hilton HHonors to Marriott Bonvoy

Background: A Hilton HHonors Diamond member attempted to switch to Marriott Bonvoy.

Process:

• The member contacted Marriott Bonvoy customer service and requested a status match.
• Despite providing proof of Hilton HHonors Diamond status, the request was denied.

Outcome: The status match request was unsuccessful due to Marriott Bonvoy’s strict policies.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the policies of the target program is essential.
• Some programs have firm restrictions against matching certain competitors’ statuses.

Conclusion

Status matches can be a valuable tool for travelers looking to maintain their elite benefits while switching loyalty programs. However, success is not guaranteed. By understanding the requirements, common reasons for success and rejection, and the policies of various programs, you can improve your chances of a successful status match.

Based on our analysis, programs like Avis Preferred, Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles, and Best Western Rewards are more likely to grant status matches, while programs like Marriott Bonvoy have stricter policies and are less flexible. Use this information to strategize your status match requests and continue enjoying your elite travel benefits.