Virgin America Extends Elite Offer to American, Southwest, United Fliers
By: Darren Booth 
In a bid to attract coveted elite frequent fliers from other airlines, Virgin America on Tuesday extended its status match program.
Virgin America first introduced the program last November. Certain American and United road warriors holding elite status were matched to Virgin's Silver or Gold Elevate status. (Read more: Virgin America Woos Elite American, United Fliers)
The program was scheduled to end April 30. But Virgin has extended it until June 30 and is inviting Southwest Airlines elites to participate.
Travelers who fly at least 25,000 miles annually on American or United will be matched to Virgin America Elevate Silver status. Those who fly 75,000 miles or more on United—or 100,000 miles or more on American—will be given Elevate Gold status. (Read more: How Flying, Just For the Miles, Can Pay Off)
For Southwest fliers, those who hold A-List or A-List Preferred status—25 or 50 qualifying one-way flights annually—will be matched to Elevate Silver status. Southwest Companion Pass holders—100 or more one-way flights annually—will be given Elevate Gold Status.
The matched status upgrade will be valid until June 30. Travelers can extend their status through the end of 2013 by accumulating either 8,000 status points for Silver, or 12,000 status points for Gold by June 30, 2013.
Elite Perks
Under the match promotion, Elevate Silver members on Virgin America receive 25 percent bonus reward points per flight, priority check-in, boarding and security, complimentary Main Cabin Express seats (those near the front of the coach cabin), one free checked bag and other perks.
Elevate Gold members receive 100 percent bonus reward points per flight, priority check-in, boarding and security, complimentary Main Cabin Express seats, three free checked bags and additional perks.
Additionally, both Silver and Gold members are able to purchase upgrades to first class ahead of other travelers. (Read more: Road Warrior Tested: Virgin America First Class)
How to Accumulate Points
Members of the Elevate frequent flier program have three ways to earn status points in the program:
- Flights on Virgin America earn five points per $1 of base airfare.
- Flights on Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia earn points based on the number of miles flown and the class of service in which you travel.
- You can also earn points with purchases on the Virgin America Visa Signature credit card.
For full details on the status match program, click here.
