Southwest Airlines Elite Status and Companion Pass Extensions
Following the news and updates around the COVID-19 pandemic, many airlines were forced to suspend or reduce their daily operations. We have the latest information from airlines and hotels all around the world. Many frequent flyer programs are extending qualification for their elite statuses and more.
Frequent Flyer Program Updates and Extensions
With many borders closed, global movement restricted and uncertainty around when services will continue many frequent flyer programs are helping their members and giving some extra perks.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Mileage Plan is offering 50% bonus elite qualifying miles for Alaska Airlines flights between March 7 and May 31, 2020. Registration is required before your first eligible flight. This opportunity is available for all flights operated by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. However, you will not have the option to earn the 50% bonus elite qualifying miles on partner flights. You can register here.
Delta Airlines
Delta SkyMiles announced the extension of the Medallion status for 12 months through January 31, 2022. Also, all elite qualifying miles earned in 2020 can be transferred to 2021. Delta will extend by six months club memberships and global and regional upgrade certificates. According to Delta, extended Medallion Status will be automatically added to SkyMiles accounts on February 1, 2021. Also, all other updates will happen automatically, with no additional action needed.
From the official announcement:
When you're ready to fly again, we want to ensure that you continue to enjoy and experience the travel and benefits you know and love. Knowing that coronavirus has impacted travel for many, and even more so for our most loyal Medallion Members, we are extending your 2020 Medallion Status an additional year through January 31, 2022; and all Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) from 2020 will roll over into 2021 - an industry leading move.
United Airlines
Similarly to Delta, United Airlines extend all MileagePlus member tiers for 12 months. This will not be including Global Services. Also, most paid subscriptions will be extended by 6 months. If you have the current 2020 Premier status, it will be extended to January 31, 2022. Also for the 2021 status year, United is reducing thresholds for Premier qualification by 50% for each status level, to make reaching an even higher tier easier. However, you will still need a minimum of four flight segments on United or United Express. These changes will update automatically with no action needed from your part.
From the official announcement:
Throughout these unprecedented times, we remain committed to doing what is right and fair for all of our MileagePlus® members and are pleased to share the steps we are taking to reciprocate the trust and loyalty that you have placed in United. These steps include not only Premier status updates but also an extension of current memberships and subscriptions. The updates will happen automatically over the next few weeks — there's nothing you need to do.
Air Canada
Air Canada will extend Altitude member tiers by 12 months because of the coronavirus pandemic. Altitude members will have their current status extended through the end of 2021. All members will also have the opportunity to gift status to a loved one. The best part of all, donating Aeroplan Miles to select medical charities will count towards Altitude Status until April 30th. This is limited to a maximum of 25,000 Altitude Qualifying Miles.
From the official announcement:
While you're at home, you can still earn Aeroplan Miles, progress towards Altitude status, and make a difference with your miles. From now through April 30, 2020, for every five Aeroplan Miles, you donate to a charity engaged in fighting the COVID-19 crisis, you'll receive one Altitude Qualifying Mile – up to a maximum of 25,000 AQM – all of which count towards 2021 status for you and a loved one.