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To borrow a quote from an iconic 1980s movie, “Life moves pretty fast.” But sometimes, it slows down. And “if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Whether it be a growing family or a need to take some time away, some airlines understand that. And almost a dozen are willing to offer elite status extensions to help you get ready for when life speeds back up again.
Here's a look at the policies of almost a dozen airlines that offer status extensions for life events.
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Which Airlines Offer Status Extensions for Life Events?
At present, 11 airlines have published policies on extending elite status because of a life event. Which events qualify will vary, however.
Aegean
If you're a new mother or father with Silver or Gold status, Aegean will extend your Miles + Bonus tier status until your new child turns one. Even better, there's no limitation on the number of times you can apply for Aegean's status extension. Members are encouraged to apply once for each child. To apply, you'll need to contact Aegean through its email contact form and provide a birth certificate, plus a few more details.
Aer Lingus
You can pause your Aer Lingus AerClub membership because of a new baby or adoption; you also can pause if you have a serious illness.
To qualify for a membership pause on the grounds of a new family addition, you'll need to hold Silver, Platinum, or Concierge status. Complimentary status holders aren't eligible. To apply, submit documentation of the birth or adoption through the carrier's contact form. Aer Lingus will approve up to two applications in a five-year period.
Additionally, Ireland's flag carrier also extends status due to serious illness. You'll need to hold one of the aforementioned status tiers and submit detailed documentation through the contact form. Specifically, Aer Lingus will need to see a doctor's note communicating that you can't fly for at least 16 weeks. And, like with parental leave, you can pause your AerClub membership twice every five years.
Air Canada
Aeroplan elites expecting a new baby or addition to the family through adoption or foster can request a status extension while on a leave of absence from work. The offer extends to status holders who earned status organically and not through a “special offer” or from the “Aeroplan Elite Status for a friend” benefit.
To apply for Parental Leave, you'll need to provide proof of leave from your employer and a copy of the birth certificate, adoption, or foster paperwork to Elite.Parents@aircanada.ca.
Air France/KLM
Air France and KLM's joint loyalty program, Flying Blue, offers a comprehensive suite of “Flying Blue Family” benefits. Alongside staple perks like mileage pooling, award discounts for children, and a no-expiry policy on miles for kids and teenagers, Flying Blue also offers parental leave.
Assuming you have Silver or Gold elite status, you can email Flying Blue's customer service team to inquire about an extension. There are few public details on parental leave, but extensions should be valid for up to one year after request.
Alaska Airlines
Dubbed “Elite Leave,” Alaska Airlines allows you to extend your Mileage Plan elite status for another year during maternity, paternity, or adoption leave. Once you return from leave, reach out to elite.flyer@alaskaair.com and provide necessary details and proof to extend your status.
Note, however, that a status extension doesn't come with all the bells and whistles of re-qualifying for status. For example, if you re-qualify for MVP Gold 100K through Elite Leave, you won't earn the choice benefits for that year. Additionally, eligibility for this offer is reserved for those who earned Mileage Plan status organically and not via status match or gift.
Avianca
New mothers with Avianca LifeMiles elite status can enjoy a 12-month extension. To apply, you must hold status at the time of birth and submit a birth certificate to Avianca's contact center. You can take advantage of this Elite Maternity offer a maximum of three times. Note that this benefit doesn't extend to members who have been invited to elite status.
British Airways
Bronze, Silver, or Gold Executive Club members can utilize British Airways' Status Hold benefit. After emailing baby@ba.com, you can put your BA status on pause for one year during maternity, paternity, or adoption leave. Additionally, British Airways will credit your account with 1,000 Avios after you add your new child to your Household Account.
The offer is limited to two applications in a five-year period and only to those who haven't received complimentary Executive Club status.
Delta Air Lines
If you lose your Medallion status or fall down a tier due to encountering a life event, Delta's Reclaim My Status program will make you whole again. As to what Delta counts as a “life event,” there are a few things, but note this list might not be all-inclusive:
- Becoming a new parent
- Changing jobs
- Going back to school
- Experiencing a medical issue
- Taking time off to care for a friend or family member
When you're ready to resume traveling, Delta encourages you to reach out with documentation of your previously-earned Delta elite status and verification of the life event. After approval, Delta will offer you complimentary status for three months. To keep it past those three months, you'll need to earn enough Medallion Qualification Dollars to extend your status. Even better, if you earn the MQDs necessary, your status won't expire until January 31, 2026.
Here's a look at the number of MQDs you'll need to earn to retain your status past the trial period:
- Silver: $1,250
- Gold: $2,500
- Platinum: $3,750
- Diamond: $7,000
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian will extend your Pualani Gold or Platinum status if you go on maternity or paternity leave. The extension is good for one year. Additionally, Hawaiian will extend the status of those with a medical condition or on continuous military deployment for more than 12 weeks.
To apply, fill out the carrier's Elite Status Extension form, provide justification for the extension, and submit supporting documentation. To note, the offer only applies to those who weren't granted or gifted complimentary elite status.
Iberia
If you hold Iberia Plus status, you won't lose it while on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave. Iberia will extend your status for one more year after you email proof of leave to baby@iberia.es. The offer applies to those who earn status based on the published qualification requirements.
Qantas
Qantas elite members taking off at least six consecutive months of work to care for a new baby, foster child, or adoption can take advantage of a Status Hold benefit. If your application is approved, Qantas will put your status on hold for up to 18 months.
On the benefit website, Qantas notes that provisions for leave will differ outside of Australia and New Zealand. If you reside elsewhere and hold Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Platinum One status, contact the carrier's frequent flyer service center to discuss options and eligibility.
Virgin Australia
Silver, Gold, and Platinum Velocity Frequent Flyer members can pause their elite status for six months to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. You can apply for a pause anytime while the child is under two years old. And once your pause ends, you'll keep your existing elite status for an additional 12 months unless you earn a higher tier.
To apply, reach out to Virgin Australia's membership contact center and ask about a “membership pause.” Over a 24-month period, you can pause your Velocity elite status once.
Final Thoughts
When life happens and your family grows, almost a dozen airlines stand at the ready to extend your hard-earned elite status. Loyalty programs will also extend your status for other life event-related reasons, like switching jobs or going on military deployment.
And even if you don't see your airline of choice on this list, that doesn't mean the carrier lacks a policy for extending status because of a life event. It's always worth checking with your airline directly to see what options you have to extend or pause your status whenever the time comes.
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