Report: Delta Now Investigating If Your Elite Status Is "Real" When You Request A Match

Delta SkyMiles has been known to status match a ham sandwich. No matter what proof of your current status with another airline you’d send in, they’d approve temporary SkyMiles status and a challenge to keep that status. That’s part of how they work to poach the best customers of their competitors.

At Delta Boulevard, the matches may be tighter. Delta just contacted British Airways to verify my elite status for a status match, based on a report that stated "Delta just contacted British Airways to verify my elite status for a status match"

@garyleff @OneMileataTime @xJonNYC

Delta just contacted BA to verify my elite status for a status match. I do hold valid BA status but this still concerns me, how is this not illegal with UK privacy law. BAs terms don’t mention this anywhere. This seems extremely questionable

— Xavier (@Xavier38220123) December 31, 2022

If you are an elite with another airline, it will be easier for you to move over to another airline. It can be a good idea to transfer your elite status to another airline if you are in that situation.

It is easy to take a screen shot or use a. PDF editing tool for airlines. Status can be higher than what the member actually has. Some elite members change their name. They could add flight or hotel stay activity to meet minimum requirements.

People sometimes title their files "Delta screen shot copy version 2 edited.png" and then hit submit, but a smart program checks for correct fonts, image quality, and even file names.

There are many long workarounds, like Best Western to MGM. A credit card is all it takes to get hotel status. Star Alliance Gold status can be obtained with a credit card.

When you ask for a match, United Airlines will check with a competitor to confirm your elite status. They think it's better to stop fraud than it is to help competitors. Ten years ago, Hyatt and Starwood hotels had the same arrangement.

You can take elite status with one airline and get another airline to give you status as well. You can either get the status straight up or you have to fly a certain amount in order to get it. It's not uncommon for...

In general.

Platinum card holders are being encouraged to match their status with Delta SkyMiles by receiving targeted offers. They will give you a level higher than what you have at the moment.

In airlines.

The SkyMiles program was changed this morning. Skymiles award tickets for travel on Delta will be a permanent feature of the program. Customers who buy the most expensive tickets will be rewarded.

In airlines.