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If you don't have a lifetime elite status, the process of getting elite status is a yearly endeavor. It is important to check that your status qualification requirements are squared away.

One question you might have as the year comes to a close is, "When does my airline status actually expire?"

In this guide, I will discuss when airline elite status ends for each of the major U.S. airlines.

Airline elite status basics

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Two sets of dates are needed to fully understand when your elite status ends.

  • Qualification period: How long you have to earn the elite status.
  • Membership term: How long you keep elite status once you earn it.

The qualification period was a calendar year. There is one outlier. The qualification period for AAdvantage is from March 1 through February 28 of the following year.

There are many ways to earn elite status. If you want to earn Gold status with Delta Air Lines this year, you need to accumulate 50,000MQMs or 60MQMs by the end of the year. If you are based in the U.S., you would need to earn $6,000 MQD during the same time.

The membership term is one of the dates you need to understand. The period during which your elite status is valid is described by this. Your membership usually starts when you qualify, runs through the rest of the year and continues for the following year. Some carriers don't use a calendar year qualification period.

You should try to qualify early if you are starting from scratch. You can maximize your benefits by doing this.

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You can get airline elite status with credit cards.

Alaska Airlines

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Your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status usually ends on December 31st of the following year.

If you reach your gold qualification in October of 2022, your status will be valid through the end of the year.

One of the best frequent flyer programs is the Alaska mileage plan.

American Airlines

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The American Airlines AAdvantage program switched to loyalty points in March of 2022. The new way to get AAdvantage status is through this. Your status is determined by the Loyalty Points that are posted to your account.

The qualification year begins on March 1 and ends in February. The status counter will be reset on March 1, 2023, and will last through February 29, 2024.

You can get American elite status from credit card spending alone. Some of the best American Airlines cards, including the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard® and American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp SM Card, will become more important for American Airlines loyalists.

Double dipping your elite bonuses with an American Airlines credit card is related.

Delta Air Lines

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The status is usually valid through January 31st of the following year. Delta had elite status in the past.

Status is set to expire on January 31, 2023 for those who earned it in the 2020 or 2021.

Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion travelers have deadlines for choosing Choice Benefits. The deadlines are the same as when your status ends.

Reclaim My Status is a Delta benefit that can help you return to status. Basic requirements must be met in order to be eligible.

There is no miles for you. The basic economy rules of Delta will be changed again.

JetBlue

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One tier of elite status is called Mosaic. The Mosaic status is valid through the end of the year.

A tier called Mosaic+ was introduced by the airline. The Mosaic+ benefits will only be valid until December 31, 2022. There is a chance that more permanent changes will be rolled out by the airline.

Only a few airlines allow you to earn top status without flying. Mosaic status could be earned with enough spending on your business card.

The information for the business card has been collected by a third party. The card issuer did not review or provide the card details on this page.

Airline elite status is still worth it?

Southwest Airlines

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The Companion Pass isn't an elite perk. Southwest offers two tiers: A-list and A-list preferred.

The Companion Pass is valid for one full calendar year after you earn A-list, A-list preferred and A-list.

If you want to get close to two years of free companion flights, you need to qualify early in the year. Southwest occasionally gives promotional Companion Passes or promotional elite status with different expired dates.

3 TPG staffers reveal their favorite perks.

United Airlines

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The term "Program year" refers to the time in which your elite status is valid. There is a program year with United Airlines that lasts through January of the next year. All of the next year and a month into the next year are good for your status.

PlusPoints, which are awarded at the United Platinum status level and above, are used to confirm upgrade. The PlusPoints will be extended for six months.

I just got airline elite status for the first time, and I will never go back.

Bottom line

It is possible to earn airline elite status. It is important to know when your status is valid and when it is set to expire to enjoy the benefits of hard work.

This will help you get ready for the next year of qualification.

It is important to know how long you will keep your status. To get the most up-to-date information, log in to your account and read any notices from the airline.

The additional reporting was done by Ryan Smith.