status-match

# Status Match Reference When a user wants to switch loyalty programs or shortcut to elite status, the question is rarely "can I match?" but "should I match?" The answer depends on three things this skill makes explicit: how often the program lets you do it, what it costs (free vs paid concierge), and whether a credit card already grants the tier you want. **Reference data:** [`data/status-match.json`](../../data/status-match.json). Refresh cadence is 90 days because rules change occasionally but not weekly. ## Critical Rule: Lifetime Restrictions Punish Wasted Matches **Many of the best status matches are once-per-lifetime or once-every-3-years.** A match wasted in the wrong year because the user doesn't have travel coming up is gone forever. Always read the `lifetime_warning` field before recommending an application. The biggest offenders: | Program | Restriction | |---------|-------------| | **Alaska Atmos Rewards** | **ONCE PER LIFETIME** (literally; from terms: "one status match for the lifetime of their account") | | **Flying Blue (paid concierge)** | **ONCE PER LIFETIME** ("Only 1 match is allowed per person") | | **United MileagePlus** | **ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS** (failed challenge can extend lockout to 5 years) | | **Delta SkyMiles** | **ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS** (per official terms) | | **AA AAdvantage Instant Status Pass** | **ONCE EVERY 2 YEARS** | | **Hyatt Globalist Challenge** | LIKELY once per lifetime (community-confirmed; not in published terms; Hyatt has discr...