In the wake of Delta’s recent announcement of an overhaul to Delta Medallion Status, Alaska Airlines has put out a special status match offer targeting Delta’s frequent flyers.
From now until October 31, 2023, Delta’s elite members can match their status with Alaska Airlines.
However, unlike Alaska Airlines’s existing status matching program, which requires the completion of a challenge to maintain status, this limited-time opportunity comes without a flying requirement, as long as you have an Alaska Airlines co-branded credit card by the end of the year.
Alaska Airlines’s Targeted Status Match for Delta Medallion Members
Delta Air Lines recently announced an overhaul to its Medallion Status program, which hasn’t been particularly well received by the SkyMiles community. Some of the wholesale changes include increased status tier thresholds by 50–100%, as well as curbing Sky Club lounge access.
In response, Alaska Airlines has announced a targeted status match campaign, which specifically goes after Delta’s elite members who may be feeling upset about the recent changes.
The status match is available to Delta SkyMiles members with current Medallion Status that expires either on December 31, 2023, or on December 31, 2024.
If your Delta Medallion Status is set to expire in 2023, you’ll be matched to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status as follows:
- Delta Silver Medallion Status will be matched to Alaska Airlines MVP
- Delta Gold Medallion Status will be matched to Alaska Airlines MVP Gold
- Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion Status will be matched to Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75K
If you don’t yet hold an Alaska Airlines co-branded credit card, your status match will only last 90 days.
However, you can extend your status through 2024 simply by applying and being approved for an Alaska Airlines co-branded credit card by the end of 2023, or by completing a status challenge within 90 days.
Furthermore, for those who have Delta Medallion Status that’s valid through 2024, Alaska Airlines is going one step further and offering a status upgrade, structured as follows:
- Delta Silver Medallion Status will be bumped up to Alaska Airlines MVP Gold
- Delta Gold Medallion Status will be bumped up to Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75K
- Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion Status will be bumped up to Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 100K
As with the offer for Delta Medallion Status that’s due to expire in 2023, you’ll earn the boosted status for 90 days if you don’t have an Alaska Airlines co-branded credit card by December 31, 2023, or for the entirety of 2024 if you have an eligible co-branded credit card by December 31, 2023.
The best strategy to take advantage of this opportunity is to open an Alaska Airlines credit card by the end of the year, if you don’t already have one. Then you can enjoy Alaska Airlines status through 2024, and all the perks that come with it.
If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to open a new credit card, you’ll have to complete a status challenge by flying 5,000, 10,000, or 20,000 miles with Alaska Airlines within the first 90 days of having your status matched, to enjoy status through 2024.
How to Status Match from Delta to Alaska Airlines
If you’d like to apply for this special status match opportunity, you’ll need to complete the following steps, which shouldn’t take too long.
First, you need to have a valid Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number, which can easily be obtained by signing up for a free account.
Then, all you need to do is submit a screenshot of your Delta Medallion Status from your Delta account overview page, which should include your full name, current status, progress towards 2024 status, and number of miles flown.
From there, attach the screenshot and enter your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number on the status match landing page by October 31, 2023.
Once your proof of status gets reviewed, you’ll be matched to the equivalent Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan status, as outlined above.
Then, as long as you hold an Alaska Airlines co-branded credit card by the end of the year or complete a status challenge, you’ll be set to enjoy Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status through 2024.
Alaska Airlines Has Clear Intentions Here
There’s no doubt that this campaign is a strategic move by Alaska Airlines, as it clearly targets disaffected Delta members at a vulnerable time when many are reeling from the recent changes.
The targeted Delta status match is also unique, as there isn’t a status challenge requirement component to extend your status beyond 90 days, as long as you have a co-branded credit card by the end of the year.
Recall that Alaska Airlines has an ongoing, once-in-a-lifetime status matching opportunity for most airlines; however, they’re all tied to a 90-day status challenge to extend status.
By making it even easier for Delta passengers to make the switch, Alaska Airlines is removing a barrier that other passengers considering a status match would face.
However, keep in mind that the once-in-a-lifetime status match limit still applies, so you’d want to make sure you can get optimal use out of Alaska Airlines status in 2024.
This status match opportunity makes the most sense for travellers based in the Pacific Northwest and the West Coast, as Alaska Airlines’s network is strongest in this region.
It’s less compelling for those based in areas with weaker coverage by Alaska Airlines, such as the East Coast, as they may not be able to benefit much from having status with Alaska Airlines.
It’s worth noting that Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75K and 100K status come with Oneworld’s top-tier Emerald status, which is much stronger than the SkyTeam Elite equivalent.
Notably, Emerald status gives you access to all First Class and business class lounges operated by Oneworld member airlines, even when you aren’t flying in a premium cabin.
Otherwise, some perks that come with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP status include free checked baggage, priority airport services, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades, depending on your status.
A full breakdown of the benefits offered through Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status can be found on the Alaska Airlines website.
Conclusion
Alaska Airlines has launched a new lucrative status match opportunity for travellers with Delta Medallion Status. At a time when Delta has brought multiple negative changes to its loyalty program, Alaska Airlines is looking to capitalize on this opportunity by luring in disaffected passengers into its program.
With this opportunity, Delta Medallion Status holders can submit a status match request and enjoy Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan status for 90 days. The status will be extended through 2024, as long as they hold an Alaska Airlines co-branded credit card before the end of 2023.
With the wholesale negative changes to Delta SkyMiles Medallion Status, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more North American airlines offering similar lucrative status matches that specifically target SkyMiles members.
If you stand to benefit from the status match, be sure to send in your application by October 31, 2023, on the status match landing page.
