Virgin America to honor elites from American, United

Elite level frequent fliers on American and United Airlines won't have to worry about losing their status if they fly on Virgin America, at least for the next few months.

Virgin America has announced that from now until April 30, qualifying elite level fliers from United and American's frequent flier programs will be able to request matched status to Virgin America's Elevate Gold and Elevate Silver Status levels. They'll be able to do so without giving up their status, points or miles in their current program.

After April 30, they'll be able to retain their status with Virgin America through the end of 2013 by earning sufficient points on Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Australia.

Among the perks they can enjoy: Priority check-in and boarding, free checked bag allowances, and complimentary upgrades if space is available.

But there are some limitations. From now until April, matched members won't get 25% off discount codes. Nor will they receive reciprocal benefits on Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia. And they'll only get one complimentary pass to the highly-rated Virgin America lounge at LAX.