Switching Airline Loyalty Programs: How and When to Do It
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I used to be a Delta devotee. Now I only fly American Airlines. While it's not always ideal to do so, sometimes switching airline loyalty is necessary. Personally, my shift was due to the geographic factors and flight availability.
Here are a few of the factors that might influence your decision to make the leap, along with a checklist for what to do when switching airline loyalty programs.
Deciding to switch
Several factors could contribute to your decision to switch airline loyalties:
There may be a decrease in the availability of desirable routes from your preferred airline, due to a move on your part or route changes by the carrier.
You may not be satisfied with your current loyalty program — maybe you're not getting good value from your miles, or you're getting less-than-stellar experiences as an elite member.
You want to take advantage of airline rewards credit cards, and your preferred card just isn’t compatible with your current airline. Maybe you want a card with a heftier bonus or faster mileage-earning potential.
If you haven’t racked up a large number of miles with your current airline loyalty program, switching airlines shouldn't be too big of a deal. That’s because you won’t have to worry about forfeiting a large amount of miles (you can’t transfer miles between airlines).
Other considerations
If you have elite status with your current airline, you may be hesitant to switch loyalties, even if it makes more sense for you in the long run. The good news: You may be able to keep your elite status benefits through a status match.
Putting it simply, status matching is when an airline matches your elite status with another program, to tempt you to switch loyalties. But not all airlines offer a straightforward status match. Some offer a status challenge, meaning you’ll get elite benefits during a limited period of time. In that case, to maintain your status beyond that period, you’ll need to fly a certain amount of miles with that airline.
Delta Air Lines is one carrier that offers a status challenge. Qualifying elite flyers receive a status match for a three-month period, which will be extended when certain requirements are met.
Southwest Airlines offers a status match — granting A-list status to those who provide proof of elite status with another frequent flyer program. A-list status can be extended for another 12 months by completing three round-trips or six one-way flights within 90 days.
» Learn more: Which airline has the most valuable rewards?
Making the switch: A checklist
Thinking of making a switch? Consider this below before making the leap.
Current mileage balance: Consider the amount of miles you currently have and if you can properly utilize them prior to switching. (You don't have to use them right away, necessarily, though often they'll expire after a period of inactivity on that airline.)
Status match: Determine if the airline you want to switch to offers a status match and what the stipulations are.
Timeline: What is your desired timeline? Are you switching with an end goal in mind, say to earn enough miles for a luxury trip abroad, or is the switch a more immediate need? For example, you relocated and the airline with which you have loyalty doesn’t service that area. If your timeline is more flexible, you’ll have a better chance of getting the most bang for your already accumulated miles.
Other perks: Before making the switch, research the airline’s branded rewards cards. Often, these cards’ welcome bonuses are an excellent way to jump start your mileage balance.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best airline credit card for you Snag these hotel loyalty perks, even if you’re disloyal Earn more points and miles with these 6 strategies
on Chase's website
1x-5x
Points60,000
Pointson Chase's website
1.5%-6.5%
Cashback$300
2x-5x
Miles75,000
Miles