For nearly a year now, Star Alliance member TAP Air Portugal has offered a status match opportunity to elite status members of several popular airline loyalty programs. ... Status matches are a way for airlines and their associated loyalty programs to entice prospective customers to shift their spending.

Can you status match airlines?

A status match is when a new airline gives you immediate reciprocal status based on your elite status level with your current airline. A status challenge is when there are additional requirements that need to be completed prior to you receiving the new status.

Will American match my United Status?

American Airlines does not status match at all — it offers only a status challenge. And it requires you to pay a fee up front for participating in that status challenge. You might wonder who would pay for such an opportunity.