With Southwest Airlines’ recent announcements — particularly the major blow of “Bags Fly Free” coming to an end — many long-time loyal customers, including myself, are now rethinking our loyalty. What once was a budget-friendly, customer-first airline has started to feel more like Spirit or Frontier, with added fees for seat selection, changes to the boarding process, and a devaluation of Rapid Rewards. It’s clear they’re heading toward a nickel-and-dime approach, and that’s pushing many of us to explore other options.
Enter American Airlines, seizing the perfect moment to lure in Southwest loyalists with a limited-time status match offer that’s honestly hard to ignore.
Here’s the Deal:
American Airlines is offering Instant Status Matches to Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members — but only for a limited time.
- Offer valid: Submissions must be received between March 12, 2025 and June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Match levels:
-
- Southwest A-List → AAdvantage Platinum®
- Southwest A-List Preferred → AAdvantage Platinum Pro®
These matches come with very nice perks: free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary upgrades (subject to availability), and even lounge access in some cases.
But there’s more — after registration, you’ll need to earn Loyalty Points within 4 months to keep the benefits:
- 13,000 Loyalty Points → AAdvantage Gold®
- 25,000 Loyalty Points → AAdvantage Platinum®
- 42,000 Loyalty Points → AAdvantage Platinum Pro®
- 67,000 Loyalty Points → AAdvantage Executive Platinum®
Important: You’re not eligible if you’ve participated in the Instant Status Pass™ in the past 2 years, or if you already hold equivalent/higher status with AA.
To find out more and apply for your status match, please click here.
My Experience with AA Status Match
I personally took advantage of a similar offer in 2023, matching to Platinum Pro and even scored a complimentary upgrade on my flight to Cancun. From there, I strategically earned Executive Platinum and maintained it organically. The flexibility of Loyalty Points, especially with AA’s updated system, made it easier than ever.
Easy Ways to Earn Loyalty Points (Without Flying!)
One of my favorite ways to earn Loyalty Points is through online shopping portals — and yes, it’s as easy as it sounds. By simply starting your shopping through the AAdvantage Shopping Portal, you earn miles for every dollar spent at your favorite stores.
If you’re new to AA’s shopping portal, you can:
- Sign up using my link: Join Here
- Get 1,000 bonus miles when you make a $75+ purchase by April 6, 2025 (LIMITED TIME OFFER)
New to shopping portals? Check out my guide on earning miles without ever stepping foot on a plane (insert link to your post).
Status Match for United, Delta, and JetBlue Members Too!
Not with Southwest? No problem. AA is also matching status from United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, and JetBlue TrueBlue. Matches vary by airline, and details can be found here.
Final Thoughts
With Southwest’s changes, now is the perfect time to explore your options and take advantage of status with a carrier like American Airlines, which is aggressively courting disenchanted flyers. If you’re planning to jump ship, this status match could be your ticket to elite perks without missing a beat.
Let me know if you decide to match — I’d love to hear your experience or help you strategize how to earn Loyalty Points fast!
