This Southwest status-match Is available through December 31
Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

If you’ve read this story, you know that American Airlines is currently offering its frequent flyers the chance to buy back their elite status for ridiculous amounts of money and points. Based on the comments added on the story (see the bottom of the page), most readers won’t be buying back their status.

No matter what your plans are for next year, if you currently have status with AA or another U.S. airline, you should know about the Southwest status-match offer that’s available right now. “Until December 31,” writes LifeHacker, “Southwest will match your elite status on any other US-based airline with its own A-List Southwest status for free. Usually, you’d have to fly at least 25 one-way flights or earn 35,000 points just to earn the status.” A-List status includes priority boarding, a same-day standby option, access to priority check-in and security lines, and more.

Here’s the promotion’s homepage, where you can see more details and register. Importantly, if you take advantage of the Southwest status-match (see how below), you’ll get 90 days of A-List status and not a full year. If you pay for three roundtrip tickets or six one-ways within those 90 days, Southwest will extend your status for another 12 months.

How to take advantage of this Southwest status-match

For starters, you’ll need to be a Rapid Rewards (Southwest’s frequent flyer program) member to qualify. Membership is free, so if you’re not yet a member, you can sign up here. If or once you’re enrolled, you’ll need to send an email to southwest.statusmatch@wnco.com with the following info:

  • First name
  • Last name
  • Rapid Rewards number
  • Screenshot of current elite status with a U.S.-based carrier, other than Southwest Airlines

The promotion runs through December 31 of this year, so keep that deadline in mind.

 


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1 Comment On "This Southwest Status-Match Is Available Through December 31"
  1. Mike C.|

    Note on SWA status match. To keep a list, you not only have to fly, you have to BOOK the flight AFTER you are accepted on the match. So if you already have flight plans, cancel and rebook (no fee on SWA) after you get your match – usually very soon after sending in the info.

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