Delta Offers Southwest Elite Members Rare Opportunity to Match Status

Status matches are pretty common and readily available between airlines and hotel loyalty programs. The thought is, give another company’s most loyal customers a taste of the benefits that your program offers and win them over. Southwest has made many changes recently and essentially upended any value that the carrier used to offer. The airline recently killed free bags for many and will soon rollout boarding groups, assigned seats, and more. Loyalists are mighty unhappy and Delta is swooping in with an offer for Southwest’s elite members to make a change. Through September 30th, Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred members can match their current status with Delta Air Lines.

Matches go up through Platinum Medallion on Delta Air Lines, which offers lots of benefits like free checked bags, priority check-in and boarding, preferred seats, and possibly the occasional upgrade. You can see if you qualify based on your holding A-List or A-List Preferred status here. You need to have been a SkyMiles member for 30 days prior to requesting a match and also have had to take one Delta flight (not in Basic Economy) within the past three years. Once status is granted, you have 90 days to meet a reduced threshold to keep it until January 31, 2027. Here are the requirements:

Terms & Conditions:

You are eligible to participate in our Status Match Challenge if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You have not enrolled, matched, or earned Medallion status through the Status Match program, promotional Medallion Status offers, or Complimentary Medallion Status anytime during 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025. This restriction on complimentary Medallion Status does not apply to the Million Miler program and select SkyMiles promotional campaigns.
• You currently have elite status with a qualifying airline, Go to footer note, that was earned through that airline’s published requirements (complimentary status or status earned through a promotion does not qualify).
• ou are able to present both 1) a valid, current elite physical or digital membership card or credential with your name on it and 2) a statement showing your earned elite status with an airline and the corresponding activity with that airline that made you achieve that Status, with your name on it (for both materials, you may upload a photo, screenshot of your app or computer screen or other file format as long as it clearly shows the required information, your elite status level and your name).
• You are a SkyMiles Member who 1) has been enrolled in the SkyMiles Program for at least 30 days prior to enrolling for the Status Match offer and 2) within the last 3 years as a SkyMiles Member have flown on at least 1 Delta-marketed flight on a fare class higher than Basic Economy.
• Unfortunately, if you do not meet the above requirements, you are not eligible for our Status Match Challenge.
• Make sure that you’re ready to begin the challenge before you submit your request, as your three-month complimentary status period will begin within 24 hours after you receive your enrollment confirmation email. Enroll here.
• Once your request is approved, you will be automatically enrolled in the challenge and matched to Platinum, Gold or Silver Medallion Status based on your current elite status with another airline. Your complimentary Status Match will last for 90 days beginning within 24 hours after you receive your enrollment confirmation email. If your request is not approved, you’ll receive an email notifying you of Delta’s decision. Use the Status Comparison chart, Go to footer note to see what Medallion Tier you qualify for.

Anthony’s Take: If you’re a Southwest elite member and annoyed with recent changes, now may be the time to jump to Delta. Check if you’re eligible and register if interested.

(Image Credits: Delta Air Lines.)