Think everyone in first class paid for those tickets? Wrong! Most of the folks you pass in the first class cabin are there through upgrades, which are prioritized on an upgrade list based on their elite status. You have to fly an incredible amount of miles to earn elite status the regular way, which eliminates all but frequent business travelers for the most part. But there is a loophole... elite status challenges and matching programs. 
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​Airlines like American, United and Delta offer programs where you can qualify for elite status if you gain a certain number of points within a short period (usually 3 months) for a small fee ($100-$200). 

American

American's elite qualifying points are calculated based on the total miles flown and the fare paid (i.e. up to 3 points for business or first class tickets) but your most basic discount economy fare is 1 point per mile flown. If you are going on a long flight or have a bunch of flights coming up, call AAdvantage customer service to see if the mileage you fly will be enough to qualify for a elite status challenge and be sure to enroll in the challenge before taking these trips!
  • American Airlines Gold Status: 7,000 elite qualifying miles in 90 days
  • American Airlines Platinum Status: 12,500 elite qualifying miles in 90 days 
  • Note: the only way to reach Executive Platinum is through flying, not a challenge 

Delta

Once you have elite status with American (or another airline like United or Alaska Airlines), you can enroll in Delta's SkyMiles Medallion Status Match Challenge. Depending on the level of status you have with another airline, you then have a 90-day window to fly a certain level of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MSQs).  
  • Delta Silver: 6,500 MQMs or 8 MQSs 
  • Delta Gold: 12,500 MQMs or 15 MQSs
  • Delta Platinum: 18,750 MQMs or 25 MQSs

United

United also offers an elite status challenge as well as a match program within 90 days. To match a status with another airline, it requires: 
  • Premier Silver: 7,000 miles or 8 segments 
  • Premier Gold: 12,500 miles or 15 segments 
  • Note: you cannot achieve Platinum status on United via a status match program. Like American, the top tier can only be achieved through flying. 
Periodically, United will offer Premier Silver Challenges where after enrolling in the program and flying 10,000 miles you can reach this level. Check with Mileage Plus customer service to inquire and enroll in your Silver status challenge. 

Other Airlines

The bottom line is that many airlines offer status challenges but they are rarely publicized. Further, once you gain elite status on a major airline, many other airlines will follow suit if you contact them and request a status match. Be sure to contact your preferred airline and get the latest details as these change every year, and with a little negotiation, you are hacking your way to elite status! 

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