When does the airline elite status expire?
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s worth checking that your status qualification requirements are in order. It’s important to check your status requirements as we near the end of the 2024. As the year comes to a close, you may be wondering, “When will my airline status expire?” In this guide, we’ll discuss when airline elite status expires for several major U.S. airline loyalty programs.
Airline elite status basics
To fully understand when your airline elite status expires, you should consider two sets of dates:
Qualification period:
How long you have to earn the elite status
- Membership term: How long you keep elite status once you earn it
- Most major U.S. airlines use a calendar year as their qualification period. There is one notable exception. Once you have qualified, it’s important to know the membership term. The membership term varies slightly between airlines, but it describes the time period in which your elite status will be valid. This will allow you to enjoy the benefits of your elite status for as long as possible. Now, let’s take a more detailed look at the elite status expiration policies of several U.S. airline loyalty programs.Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status typically expires on the Dec. 31 following the calendar year you earned your status.
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For example, if you qualify for MVP Gold in November 2024, your status will be valid through Dec. 31, 2025.
Related: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: How to earn and redeem miles
American Airlines AAdvantage
As mentioned above, American Airlines AAdvantage switched to Loyalty Points in March 2022. The Loyalty points are the way to earn American Airlines elite level. Your status tier is determined by the Loyalty Points you have accrued in the 12 month period starting on March 1 each year. Once you have achieved elite status, your membership will last until March 31, following the end of your qualification year. Credit card spending can qualify you for American elite membership. As such, some of the best American Airlines cards — including the
Citi(r) / AAdvantage(r) Executive World Elite Mastercard(r)
(see rates and fees) — have become increasingly more important for American Airlines elite members.
Related: Best uses of American Airlines AAdvantage miles
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
Delta Medallion elite status is typically valid for 13 months following the calendar year you earned the status. If you achieve status in 2024 your status will end on Jan. 31, 2026. If approved, Reclaim My Status gives you back your status from the previous Medallion year for three months, during which you must meet a specific Medallion Qualification Dollar threshold on qualifying Delta flights.
Related: Last-minute strategies for earning Delta Medallion elite status
JetBlue TrueBlue
JetBlue Mosaic status is valid through the end of the calendar year after which you qualify. For example, if you earn Mosaic status in November 2024, it’ll be valid through Dec. 31, 2025.Related: How to get upgraded on JetBlueSouthwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Southwest offers the famed Companion Pass, but this perk isn’t an elite status. Southwest Airlines does have two elite levels: A-List, and A-List preferred. A-List, A-List Preferred and the Companion Pass are generally valid for the year in which you earn them and one full calendar year afterward.
KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
If you have your eye on the Companion Pass, you should try to qualify as early in the year as possible to get close to two full years of free companion flights. However, Southwest occasionally offers promotional Companion Passes or promotional elite status with different expiration dates.
Related: Best Southwest Airlines credit cards
United Airlines MileagePlus
United uses the term “program year” to refer to the timeline in which your United MileagePlus elite status is valid. United Airlines’ program year runs from Jan. 31 to the next year. Thus, your status is good for the year you earn it, all of the following year and a month into the next year.
Related: Your guide to the United MileagePlus program
Bottom line
Earning airline elite status can unlock many perks. You want to reap the rewards of the hard work you put in to earn status with an airline. This information will allow you to maximize your status, and prepare yourself for the next year when you can qualify for status.
