Gifting airline status isn’t unique to Italy’s ITA Airways. Just ask the US3 (i.e. American Airlines, Delta, and United).
For the past 15 years (save for maybe 2020 or 2021), I’ve had varying levels of airline status. Back then, the US3 rolled hard with distance-based mileage accruals, as did most of the world. You also had carriers like Aegean Airlines, which offered *G (Star Alliance Gold) as long as you could locate Greece on a world map. O.K., it was slightly more challenging than that.
The highest I ever made it was two consecutive years of United 1K; I distinctly remember an amenity being Regus (co-working space) membership for a year. However, Regus’ customer service was abhorrent, so I don’t recommend them.
Whereas I’ve been on the US3 roller coaster for around the same amount of time, depending on where I’m based, my status level has generally been Silver/Gold for DL/UA, and Gold for AA.
But then in 2022, ITA Airways’ Volare program manifested, causing a simultaneous sigh amongst SkyTeam lounge agents worldwide.
With my Executive Volare status coming to a close this month, I must bid farewell to lounge access.
However, I recalled reading that Executive flyers can try out gifting Premium (just below Executive) airline status to one other Volare member:
Premium still includes international lounge access (in theory), among other goodies, so that’s a pretty neat service.
Having learned more about this benefit with ITA Airways, I was curious to know how it worked with the US3.
Let’s find out a little more.
American Airlines
Firstly, you will need to have Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum status.
Then, you can you redeem Loyalty Points — one (1) eligible AA mile = one (1) Loyalty Point
— to start gifting airline status.
The lowest status that you can gift is AA Gold, which would allow for a free checked bag, better seat selections in economy, and to add one’s name to the ever-growing list of complimentary upgrades for domestic and some short-haul international flights.
American Airlines also has “status for a day” options, wherein it can be offered to folks who don’t have any AA status, or those with a lower status than the donor. (now that I think about it, I’m sorry for writing “status” so much, but it’s all too apt in this context)
n.b. the AA Flagship Lounge in LAX isn’t half-shabby.
Delta
Delta gets down to brass tacks. Delta Platinum can gift two Silver Medallion statuses for 2025, and Delta Diamond can gift two Gold Medallion.
United
United’s website copy faffs about, so here’s the skinny.
Once you reach Premier Platinum, you will get 40 PlusPoints deposited into your account. PlusPoints only have meaning once your United status hits Premier Platinum, no sooner.
Getting Premier 1K® adds another 280 PlusPoints.
Anyway, United is rather coy and political about gifting airline status, but just know that it is possible to do so once you’re Premier Platinum or higher.
ITA Airways lets you reward someone with status for a year at the touch of a button. For the US3, you have to weave through the claptrap to get it done.
Bottom line: if you wanted to show a family member or a friend that flying in the U.S. isn’t all hullabaloo and Hudson News, gifting airline status might be a nice way to do it.
Leave a Reply