However, they are only valuable to travelers who wouldn't have received that benefit any other way, such as by earning elite status with the airline. (wisebread.com)
That's a boost in earning elite status in frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programs. (rewardexpert.com)
However, if you fly often and want to have status on multiple airlines, then status match is the easiest way to earn elite status on multiple airlines. (ordinarytraveler.com)