A life event can cause disruption in your travel, causing you to no longer qualify for elite status. Let’s check out a few programs offering leniency.

It’s more economical for an award program to cater to members who have proven their worth (by acquiring elite status) than pursue an average member. That’s why you’ll see some award programs offer exceptions to elite members who need to take a brief pause. Plus, the goodwill generated by such a policy might help keep that member (and others in the family) loyal to the company.

Airlines offering leniency for a life event

Below are the rules for some major airlines that have a published policy to extend status if you have a significant life event.

Air Canada

• Details are found on the list of elite benefits under the category “Elite Status Extension for Parental Leave”.
• To apply, send an email to Elite.Parents@aircanada.ca with your personal details and documentation.
• Only those welcoming a new child qualify for this benefit. Expect to provide proof.
• It is not clear if there is a limit to the number of times you can apply for this benefit.
• Status will be extended for a year.

Alaska Airlines

• Details on Alaska’s “Elite Leave” can be found on their website.
• To apply, send an email to elite.flyer@alaskaair.com with your name, date of birth, Mileage Plan number, and documentation.
• Only those welcoming a new child qualify for this benefit. Expect to provide proof.
• It is not clear if there is a limit to the number of times you can apply for this benefit, but you cannot apply for it two years in a row.
• Status will be extended for a year.

British Airways

• Details can be found on British Airways’ conditions of use.
• To apply, send an email to baby@ba.com with your personal details and documentation.
• Only those welcoming a new child qualify for this benefit. Expect to provide proof.
• There is a limit of two approved applications per five year period.
• Status will be extended for a year. Your child will also receive a welcome bonus of 1,000 Avios if enrolled within six months.

Delta Airlines

• Details on “Reclaim my Status” are on Delta’s website, including how to apply.
• Reasons include a new child, change of jobs, a medical event, going to school, or other life events. Expect to provide proof.
• Participation is allowed once every three years, but exceptions might be given (for example, if you’ve had multiple child births during that span).
• Status will be extended for 90 days. During this period, if you meet reduced qualifications, status will be extended for a year.

Hawaiian Airlines

• Details on Hawaiian’s Elite Status Extension can be found on their website.
• Simply fill out the webform on their site to apply.
• Reasons include a new child, medical procedure, or military service. Expect to provide proof.
• It is unclear if the status extension is limited to a certain number of times.
• Status will be extended for one year

United Airlines

• Contact MileagePlus directly to apply.
• Rules are not officially published, but reports indicate this can include medical, family, or other reasons. Expect to provide proof.
• You are allowed one “Premier status exception” every five years. This is actually buried in the terms for status matching (footnote 1). You cannot take advantage of an exception if you’ve also had a status match within five years.
• Status will be extended for a year.

Hotel programs offering leniency for a life event

Only one hotel program (Hilton) knowingly provides leniency if you’re unable to meet the requalification rules. And while not officially falling in the same category, Marriott does allow all elites a soft landing to the level below your current level. That can help you maintain some status even if you made no effort to requalify.

Hilton Honors (Diamond Only)

• Call the Diamond line to request an extension.
• Any reason is covered, but the extension is once-in-a-lifetime.
• To apply, you’ll need to satisfy the following conditions:
  • Three years of Hilton Diamond status (can be non-consecutive), and
  • At least 250 nights or 500,000 base points earned since joining Hilton Honors.
• Status will be extended for a year.

And others?

There might be other programs that offer an extension of elite status other than the ones listed above. I’ve seen reports of specifically other airlines that might offer a benefit. But without clear publicized results, expect this to be granted on a case-by-case scenario. That might be a hard pill to swallow if denied for an extension, but the worst they can do is say no if you ask. You miss every shot you don’t take.

If you choose to reach out to companies and inquire if they offer an extension, it’s best to remain cordial. I don’t believe in threats (“I’ll take my business elsewhere”) to get what you want. At that point, you might be more trouble to the agent than you’re worth.

Have you taken advantage of an extension of elite status before?

Suggested reading:

• How to Travel with Kids
• What to Know When You Book Infant Tickets
• Use the Right Free Night Certificates Before Checking In