Earning sufficient points to attain the initial level of airline status can often seem like a costly challenge. At JetBlue Airways, for instance, reaching the first True Blue Mosaic One tier requires a direct expenditure of $5,000 with the airline or $50,000 on a JetBlue credit card. Attaining this status can lead to benefits and savings, which can extend beyond JetBlue and include multiple airlines.
For individuals who achieve such a status in one year but do not meet the criteria to extend it into the next year, a “status match” option is available. This allows rival airlines to attract these travelers by offering equivalent or lower-tier status for a limited period.
When Delta Air Lines revised its policy, restricting lounge access for status holders and thereby causing dissatisfaction among its customers, JetBlue introduced its Match to Mosaic program. This initiative was designed to attract discontented Delta customers by offering status matches. Initially, the offer was available to status holders of Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
Recently, JetBlue announced an expansion of its status-match program to include three low-cost carriers: Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. Individuals holding status with any of these seven airlines can now obtain three months of comparable status with JetBlue by providing proof of their current status.
This expansion allows customers to enjoy benefits with both their original and JetBlue or leverage the program to extend their status for an extra three months once their current airline status expires. According to a JetBlue statement to TheStreet, qualifying individuals will receive complimentary Mosaic One or Mosaic Two status for three months, with opportunities to maintain or advance their status to Mosaic Three.
JetBlue’s Mosaic One status can be earned by accumulating 10 Tiles, which equates to spending $100 on JetBlue flights or $1,000 on the JetBlue MasterCard credit card. Benefits at this level include early boarding, two complimentary checked bags, and free alcoholic beverages on flights where such amenities would typically be charged.
The Mosaic Two level provides customers with larger seats at the time of booking, while the highest benefits, like business class upgrades, are available at Mosaic Three and Four levels (the latter requiring 250 Tiles). Given their more limited offering of perks, low-cost carriers such as Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest only allow customers to match their status to the Mosaic One tier. In contrast, Delta, United, American, and Alaska customers can match to JetBlue’s Mosaic Two status, with the highest tiers obtainable solely through JetBlue directly.
The process for submitting proof and requesting a status match with JetBlue can take up to three months. Thus, individuals whose status is nearing expiration should submit their proof and request at least 90 days in advance to avoid any lapse in status.