How to make sure that an airline matches your elite status

Last year, I flew 7,000 miles on Alaska Airlines, but I'm currently on top of the airline's "Gold 75k" status, a distinction reserved for pbadengers traveling at least 75,000 km from the previous year. It's a designation that earned me first clbad upgrades on at least half a dozen flights this year, as well as checked baggage and priority boarding – and I did it through matching statutes.

Status matching occurs when one airline gives you the same level of status that you (or perhaps a lower level) on another. Each airline offers a different version of the program. Some match your free status simply by knowing that you have it, while others offer a "status challenge" in which you have to fly their airline with a certain amount for a given period to earn this honor.

Last year, I flew enough to get status from United, American and Delta, getting their first, second and third levels, respectively. I did not have status in Alaska, but they recently launched a direct flight from San Francisco to my hometown. So I chose to apply for a match.

In Alaska, it's very simple to match your status. Fill out an online form requesting the match, download proof of your other status, and wait a few weeks. Unlike other airlines, there are not huge obstacles to overcome. You have just applied.

Once you are approved, you will get all the benefits of someone who has achieved high status in Alaska using the airline. Although airlines generally do not advertise that it is possible to obtain a status match, this is an option offered by many popular companies.

Here's how to do it on some of the majors in the United States:

Alaska: Go to this page and fill out the form.

American: American requires that you complete a "status challenge" in order to obtain Gold or Platinum status from the airline. You will also need to spend a little money (usually around $ 200) to take up the challenge (7,000 for gold and 12,500 for platinum). To organize a challenge yourself, you must call AA and speak to an agent at 888-697-5636.

Delta: Delta also offers status matches via a challenge program. You can register here on the airline's website. Next, you will need to earn 12,500 miles within 90 days of becoming Gold and 18,750 within 90 days for Platinum.

South West: Southwest will give you the additional A-List status for 90 days when you send your status information to another airline. To keep it, you will need to make three qualifying roundtrip flights within 90 days.

United: United offers status matching for its Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. When you apply, the status level is badigned to you for 90 days. During these 90 days, you will need to take a status challenge to maintain this status.

Important to note: most airlines will only match your status once in your life, or once every two or three years. When you ask for this status match, make sure this year counts.

That said, if you're like me and if you take a direct flight to a destination where you go often, you've just started with an airline that you do not fly to often, it might be worth asking for match. In the case of Alaska, I have enjoyed his status for free since the beginning of the year, but I have already obtained this status (although it is a lower rank) for next year.