Qualifying and maintaining a top flight status is often a yearly task unless you have a lifetime special status. As we approach the end of 2024, it’s worth checking if your eligibility requirements have doubled.
It is possible to earn status at any time throughout the year, and each loyalty program is different. So, as the year comes to an end, you may be wondering, “When does my flight status expire?” In this guide, we’ll discuss when airline status expires in several major US airline loyalty programs.
The basics of airline elite status
To fully understand when your elite flight status expires, you should consider two sets of dates:
- Eligibility period: How long should it take to achieve elite status
- Membership period: How long do you keep elite status once you get it
Most major US airlines use the calendar year as their eligibility period. However, there is one exception. Following American Airlines’ switch to Loyalty Points in March 2022, the Advantage eligibility period is now March 1 through Feb. 28 (or Feb. 29) of the following year.
Once you’ve qualified, another set of dates to keep in mind is the membership period. Membership terms vary slightly from airline to airline, but they define the period during which your elite status is valid.
If you’re just starting out, you may want to try to qualify earlier in your qualifying period. Doing so can increase how long you will enjoy your maximum benefits. Now, let’s take a closer look at the elite status expiration policies of several US airline loyalty programs.
Related: The best credit cards for special status access
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan special status typically expires on Dec. 31 following the calendar year in which you acquired your status.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the best news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts
For example, if you qualify for MVP Gold in Nov. 2024, your status will be valid until Dec. 31, 2025.
Related: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: How to earn and redeem miles
American Airlines AAdvantage
As mentioned above, American Airlines AAdvantage switched to Loyalty Points in March 2022. Now, Loyalty Points are how you earn American Airlines’ top status. Loyalty Points posted to your account for 12 months from March 1 of each year determine your status level.
The eligibility year begins on March 1 and ends on the last day of February. However, once you’ve earned advanced status with Advantage, your membership period ends on March 31 after the end of your academic year. So Loyalty Points you earn between March 1, 2024, and Feb. 28, 2025, will receive your status until March 31, 2026.
You may qualify for American elite status through the use of a credit card. So, some of the best American Airlines cards – including Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) — has become a priority for American Airlines elite members.
Related: The best use of American Airlines AAdvantage miles
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
Delta Medallion elite status is generally valid for 13 months following the calendar year in which you earned the status. For example, if you earn status in 2024, your status will expire Jan. 31, 2026.
Delta also has a Status Restoration Program that may be helpful if a qualifying life event causes you to lose status or receive a lower status. If approved, Restore My Status gives you your status from the previous Medallion year for three months, during which you must meet a certain Medallion Qualification Dollar threshold on eligible Delta flights.
Related: Last-minute strategies for achieving Delta Medallion elite status
JetBlue TrueBlue
JetBlue Mosaic status is valid through the end of the calendar year in which it is eligible. For example, if you achieve Moses status in November 2024, it will be valid until Dec. 31, 2025.
Related: How to get upgraded on JetBlue
Southwest Airlines Instant Rewards
Southwest offers the popular Companion Pass, but this perk is not a special status. However, Southwest offers two premium categories: A-List and A-List Preferred. I-List, A-List Preferred and Companion Passes are generally valid for the year in which you earned and one full calendar year thereafter.
If you have your eye on the Companion Pass, you should try to qualify earlier in the year to get close to two full years of free companion flights. However, Southwest sometimes offers promotional Companion passes or special promotional status with different expiration dates.
Related: The best credit cards for Southwest Airlines
United Airlines MileagePlus
United uses the term “program year” to refer to the timeline during which your United MileagePlus elite status is active. The program year with United Airlines continues until Jan. 31 of the following year. So, your situation is good for the year you get it, the whole next year and the month after that.
Related: Your guide to the United MileagePlus program
Bottom line
Achieving exclusive flight status can unlock many benefits. To get the benefits from the hard work required to get a position with an airline, you want to know when your status is valid and when it will expire. This information will help you maximize your status and prepare for the next year of eligibility.
Source link
