Making the most of your current airline status

In 2014 I had earned Platinum Medallion status on Delta Airlines, but unfortunately due to doing too much of my flying on award redemptions and flying other airlines, I wasn't able to requalify even for Silver in 2015.

So, before my status expired in February, I did a status match to Air Berlin, who quickly matched me to topbonus Gold, which is Oneworld Gold. This allowed me access to lounges internationally when I recently flew Japan Airlines or any other Oneworld airline (in addition to Priority Pass access my Amex Platinum gives me).

Other perks include extra baggage, priority baggage, priority waitlist, priority boarding, and Main Cabin Extra when flying other OneWorld airlines.

Now may be a good time to match your expiring status!