11 Ways to Unlock Secret Airline Lounge Access This Season

6. Request a status match or challenge

Status-match programs give travelers a short window of elevated privileges—including lounge access in some cases—when they switch to a new airline or alliance. Airlines periodically invite customers to match existing status from another carrier; these promotions can offer temporary elite tiers or a challenge requiring a set number of flights to retain status. To pursue a status match, gather proof of your current elite level such as screenshots of your profile or recent boarding passes. Then follow the airline’s published application steps and meet any documentation deadlines. Be mindful that matched status may be time-limited and may not include full lounge access immediately; some matches grant lower-tier benefits that require additional qualifiers for lounge privileges. Search travel forums and specialty sites for active match programs because availability changes often. If you frequently fly with a new carrier, a well-timed status match can act as a lower-cost pathway to lounge access while you build longer-term loyalty. Expect to show both the matched confirmation and your day’s boarding pass at reception.