Virgin America (Vx) which claims to be A breath of fresh Airline is taking on United and American Airline by trying to steal their elite customers by offering them a FREE status match! Virgin America launched their own elite program earlier in an attempt to take on the legacy carriers and to lure business travelers onto their metal tubes and is now offering status matches to encourage people to make the leap.
The Virgin America elite program is fairly comparable to the legacy carriers, without as many perks, and offers their elite complimentary Main Cabin Express seats at booking & free upgrades to Main Cabin Select seats 12-24 hours before departure. The only downside to the program is even the most seasoned frequent flyer on VX still has to pay for the upgrade to one of the few first class seats on the plane, for first class doesn’t come free and upgrades are not complimentary.
The VX route map is still tiny compared to United and American, but if you fly up and down the west coast or from NYC, DC, or Boston (and other destinations) to San Fran or LAX often, VX could be a more comfortable and a hipper ride for you. Their network is slowly expanding each year and their partnership with Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic allows customers to earn and redeem points on each other airline opens up a world of possibilities—as long as you’re willing to pay steep fees.
To qualify for a status match email statusmatch@virginamerica.com with a copy or screenshot of your most recent mileage summary showing your name and current elite level. Or attach a copy of your membership card that identifies your name and current elite level in the United Air Lines or American Airlines frequent flyer program. You’ll be instantly matched (after a few days of processing) and will be able to enjoy the perks of Virgin America!
There is one catch though. The status match is only good through April 30, 2013. If you want to have your status extended through the 2013 program you must fly earn 8,000 status points for silver and 12,000 status points for Gold. This requirement is FAR below the 20,000 and 50,000 Status points usually needed for elite status.
