Do you hold elite tier status with an airline, hotel or other loyalty program? If so, you might want to think about leveraging it using status matching.

Quite simply put, existing loyalty status puts you in a position to undertake ‘status matching’ to take advantage of holding elite membership with multiple loyalty programs. This can be particularly useful if you’re unlikely to re-qualify for the subsequent year.

Many airlines and hotel chains are willing to match your existing loyalty program status with competitors if you approach them. This is particularly true if you can demonstrate that you’ll be predisposed to using their product frequently in the future.

While it’s possible that you may be refused, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask!

We’d suggest you send through a quick email advising the competitor why you feel you should be awarded a match.

Your email should include extensive documentation that will help to convince them of your value as a customer and entice them to offer you a status match. As a rule, you should look to include the following information:

·       The membership number / membership tier for the scheme you’re requesting a status match against. Make sure that you include a screenshot of your membership card or your online account

·       Any screenshots / details of your flight history and / or hotel accommodation you’ve embarked on. This is very important, as it helps to demonstrate your value as a future customer. The more information you can provide, the better

·       Details of any upcoming travel you have booked with airline or hotel competitors

For an up to date report on which programs match and which ones deny, we like to check out Status Matcher. This website lists out comprehensive field reports across airline, hotel and car rental loyalty programs, as well as tips from users on strategies to obtain a successful ‘match’. It’s updated regularly with member reports on the success, or otherwise, or status matching.

These reports cover status matching attempts for numerous airline and hotel schemes

Readers should keep an eye out for lucrative hotel and airline status match programs that are frequently carried out. (sometimes these are targeted, whilst often, they are open to everyone). Either way, it can’t hurt to try your luck to send in a request for a match.

Not all programs allow a match, but if you have five minutes to send a request, it’s worth a try. When you consider that status matching can open up opportunities like room or flight upgrades, early check in / late check out, lounge access and other privileges, the benefits really stack up.

If you’re interested in further information about ways to obtain and retain elite status, check out www.thechampagnemile.com.au 

With up to date news and information about airline and hotel loyalty programs, it’s a great place to start.

This article was written by Adele Eliseo, Publisher of The Champagne Mile