We’ve heard a lot from disgruntled Southwest loyalists over the past couple of weeks (the majority of which we can’t print here). The company has been trying to rejigger much of its business model over the last year through seat assignments, premium economy-ish class and massive employee layoffs. Then, earlier this month, things kicked into high gear when the airline announced that it was going to be slashing earnings on paid fares, charging for bags and ending no-expiry travel credits. That’s a lot not to LUV.
The resulting customer dissatisfaction isn’t lost on other airlines. Competitors are looking lustily at potentially erstwhile Southwest elites and View from the Wing noticed the latest example of this when American Airlines modified its “Instant Status Pass” promotion for Delta, United, JetBlue and Southwest members last week.
Previously, Southwest A-list and A-list Preferred members could only be matched to AA Gold and Platinum, respectively. Now, for a limited time, they will be matched one level higher, meaning that A-List Preferred will receive AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.
The Deal
- For a limited time, Southwest elite members can receive a higher instant status match to American Airlines:
- A-List members will be matched to Platinum status instead of Gold
- A-List Preferred members will be matched to Platinum Pro status instead of Platinum
- Valid for submissions received until 6/30/25
- Once registered, the member must earn at least 25K Loyalty Points in four months to continue with Platinum benefits or 42K to continue with Platinum Pro benefits.
Terms and Conditions
- If approved, the member will be registered for the Instant Status Pass promotion and enjoy 4 months of status with American Airlines while meeting a Loyalty Point goal every 4 months to keep status and move on to the next phase.
- Once registered, the member must earn at least 13,000 Loyalty Points in the first 4 months of the promotion to continue with AAdvantage Gold® benefits, 25,000 Loyalty Points to continue with AAdvantage Platinum® benefits, 42,000 to continue with AAdvantage Platinum Pro® benefits, or 67,000 Loyalty Points to continue with AAdvantage Executive Platinum® benefits.
- Members who have registered for the Instant Status Pass™ promotion in the last 2 years are not eligible for this offer.
- Members who already hold the equivalent or higher AAdvantage® status are not eligible for status matching.
- Please allow at least 4 weeks for AAdvantage® Customer Service to review your submission.
- This offer is only valid for Delta SkyMiles®, United MileagePlus®, JetBlue TrueBlue® and Southwest Rapid Rewards® members who met the full status qualification requirements. Matched, transferred, lifetime or promotional status holders are not eligible for this offer.
American AAdvantage elite benefits
| AAdvantage elite status | Gold | Platinum | Platinum Pro | Executive Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyalty Points Required | 40K | 75K | 125K | 200K |
| Mileage Bonus | 40% | 60% | 80% | 120% |
| Preferred Seating | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Main Cabin Extra Seating | Upgrade at Check In | Y | Y | Y |
| Domestic First Class Upgrade | 24 hour window | 48 hour window | 72 hour window | 100 hour window |
| Upgrade on Alaska Airlines | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Free checked bags | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| OneWorld Status | Ruby: Access to biz class check-in, preferred seating | Sapphire: Access to OneWorld Business Class lounges | Emerald: Access to OneWorld First and Business Class lounges | |
Quick Thoughts
AA’s Instant Status Pass promo is a bit lame in my humble opinion. First, it gives you status for four months. Then, if you complete the Loyalty Points requirements, you get to keep that status for…another four months.
American has effectively divided the Loyalty Points requirements for each level of status by 3 and that’s the requirement for each four month period. You then have to hit that qualification level every four months in order to maintain status. If you don’t, you lose it. Eventually, your status will be “extended” through the end of of the membership year if you meet three successive four-month qualifications.
That said, it will be useful to some folks. The one “AAdvantage” that Southwest elites have is that they get a meaningful status to fly with while they’re trying qualify. Both Platinum and Platinum Pro offer complimentary first class upgrades (good luck getting them on longer flights, though), complimentary main cabin extra seating, free checked bags and mileage bonuses (60% for Platinum, 80% for Platinum Pro).
This promo could be worth taking a bite at, both for folks who only want status for a short period and for those who actually are looking for another airline to call home. It will require some organization, though, as it effectively removes thinking about the qualifying requirements as a yearly goal and turns it into one that has to be achieved every four months.
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I used my A-list status to apply. The notes say to please allow up to 4 weeks for AA customer service to review status match app. In reality, how long has it historically taken to get the match? I hope it’s much faster than 4 weeks, LOL!