When does airline elite status expire?

Qualify and maintain the airline elite status usually an annual effort unless you have one Lifetime elite status. As we approach the end of 2024, you need to check that your status eligibility requirements have been met.

You can earn status at any time of the year, and every loyalty program is different. So as the year ends, you may be wondering, “When does my airline status expire?” In this guide, we’ll discuss when airline elite status expires for several major US airline loyalty programs.

Basic information about airline elite status

To fully understand when your airline elite status expires, you should consider two sets of dates:

• Qualification period: How long does it take you to achieve elite status?
• Membership term: How long you retain elite status after earning it

Most major US airlines use one calendar year as the qualifying period. However, there is one notable exception. Following in the footsteps of American Airlines Switch to Loyalty Points in March 2022, the eligibility period for AAdvantage is now from March 1 to February 28 (or February 29) of the following year.

Once you’ve qualified, the other set of dates to understand is the membership term. Membership terms vary slightly by airline, but they describe the length of time your elite status is valid.

If you are starting from scratch, you may want to try to qualify early in your qualifying period. Doing so can maximize the time you enjoy your elite benefits. Now, let’s look in more detail at the elite status expiration policies of several US airline loyalty programs.

Related: Best credit cards for achieving elite status

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status typically expires on December 31 following the calendar year you achieved your status.

For example, if you qualify for MVP Gold in November 2024, your status will be valid through December 31, 2025.

Related: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: How to Earn and Redeem Miles

American Airlines AAdvantage

As mentioned above, American Airlines AAdvantage moved to Loyalty Points in March 2022. Loyalty Points is now how you earn American Airlines elite status. Loyalty points posted to your account for 12 months starting March 1 of each year will determine your status level.

The status review year begins March 1 and lasts until the last day of February. However, once you achieve elite status with AAdvantage, your membership will last until the 31st. March after your qualifying year ends. So, the Loyalty Points you earn from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025 will keep you in this status until March 31, 2026.

Maybe Qualify for America’s elite by spending with a credit card. So, some best American Airlines cards – including Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see exchange rates and fees) — is becoming more and more important to American Airlines elite members.

Related: The best uses of American Airlines AAdvantage miles

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Delta Medal elite status typically valid for 13 months following the calendar year in which you achieve this status. For example, if you gain status in 2024, your status will expire on January 31, 2026.

Delta also has one Reclaim my status program can be helpful if a qualifying life event causes you to lose status or have lower status. If approved, Reclaim My Status will give you back your status from the previous Medal year for three months, during which time you must meet the specific Medal Qualifying Dollars threshold on the Eligible Delta flights.

Related: Last-minute strategies for achieving Delta Medal elite status

JetBlue TrueBlue

JetBlue mosaic status valid through the end of the calendar year after which you qualify. For example, if you achieve Mosaic status in November 2024, that status will be valid through December 31, 2025.

Related: How to upgrade on JetBlue

Southwest Airlines Fast Rewards

Southwest offers popular locations Companion cardBut this privilege is not an elite status. However, Southwest offers two elite classes: List A and List A are preferred. A-List, A-List Preferred, and Companion Passes are generally valid for the year in which you earn them and one full calendar year thereafter.

If you have your eye on the Companion Pass, you should try to qualify as early in the year as possible to get almost two full years of free companion flights. However, Southwest occasionally offers it Promotional companion card or promotional elite status with different expiration dates.

Related: Best Southwest Airlines credit card

United Airlines MileagePlus

United uses the term “program year” to refer to the timeline that you United MileagePlus elite status is valid. The program year with United Airlines runs through January 31 of next year. Therefore, your status will be good in the year you earn it, also the following year, and one month in the following year.

Related: Your guide to the United MileagePlus program

Bottom line

Income airline elite status Can unlock many perks. To benefit from the hard work required to earn status with an airline, you want to know when your status is valid and when it will expire. This knowledge will help you maximize your status and prepare for the next year of status eligibility.