British Airways Status Match: Get Oneworld Perks, Including AA Lounge Access

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For the first time in a long time, a British Airways status match offer is open to residents in North America. Until May 7, 2024, U.S. and Canadian residents can match frequent flyer statuses to British Airways Executive Club. Here's what you need to know about Executive Club Silver and Gold status, plus how to take advantage of this offer.

Match to British Airways Executive Club, Pick Up Silver or Gold Status

British Airways' status match offer is simple. Apply here for Executive Club status by May 7, 2024 and prove your status with an eligible Star Alliance or SkyTeam airline. Check those boxes, and British Airways will award you Silver or Gold status for six months. Even better, there's no cost to apply, but there is a challenge to keep your tier past the trial period.

Related: Shortcuts to Airline Elite Status With Status Match or Fast Track Opportunities

Wondering which airlines and status tiers are eligible for this offer? Here's the complete roster:

While there's no cost to apply, there is a cost to extend your status. The status challenge aspect of this offer requires you to complete two transatlantic flights in business class (Club World) or first class during the six-month trial period. On top of that, there are three rules to the game:

• Your flight numbers must have a BA prefix but can be operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, or Finnair.
• The itinerary must include travel between North America, Canada, Mexico and Europe, including Norway or Switzerland.
• Only paid tickets that are eligible for earning Tier Points and Avios count.

Unfortunately, you can't book an Avios award to extend your status. You'll have to pull out your travel rewards card and pay for the flights.

However, if you complete the status challenge successfully, British Airways will extend your new status until the end of your next membership year.

Credit: Isaac Struna/Unsplash

Related: British Airways Announces Overhaul to Tier Point Collection Years

Perks of British Airways Silver and Gold status

Here's a snapshot of the benefits you'll enjoy courtesy of your Silver or Gold status:

• Silver
  • Earn 8 Avios per qualifying pound (GBP) spent
  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Free seat selection at booking
  • Added checked bag allowance
  • Business-class lounge access when flying British Airways or partner airlines
  • Oneworld Sapphire status
• Gold: All of the Silver perks plus:
  • Earn 9 Avios per qualifying pound (GBP) spent
  • First class check-in
  • Access to first class lounges
  • Expanded award seat availability
  • Oneworld Emerald status

One of the best aspects of British Airways Executive Club status — Silver and Gold especially — is the Oneworld-equivalent status you'll pick up automatically and the ensuing perks that come with it. For instance, if you're flying on a domestic American Airlines flight and your Executive Club number is affixed to your boarding pass, you can access Admirals Clubs and bring one guest. And yes, this holds true even on American Airlines basic economy tickets.

This — among other Loyalty Point-related reasons — is enough of a reason to at least consider holding elite status with British Airways. You can enjoy nearly identical perks as you would with American Airlines elite status but without the tougher restrictions. Ever tried to access an Admirals Club on a domestic itinerary as an AAdvantage^® Platinum elite (Oneworld Sapphire)? They won't let you in.

Final Thoughts

For those looking for a new airline frequent flyer program, British Airways Executive Club is ready to welcome you into the fold. All you need to do is hold elite status with an eligible airline and apply by May 7, 2024. You'll get Silver or Gold status for six months, but you can extend it by taking two transatlantic flights in a premium cabin.

And if you've decided that Executive Club is worth crediting your flights to, know that the British Airways Visa Signature^® Card can help you earn additional Avios on your spending and take 10% off British Airways flights. It's a solid wallet companion for soon-to-be-initiated Executive Club members.

British Airways Visa Signature^® Card

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British Airways Visa Signature^® Card

Annual Fee$95

Welcome Bonus Earn up to 100,000 Avios - 75,000 Avios when you spend $5,000 within 3 months of account opening, and 25,000 additional Avios when you spend $20,000 within the first 12 months of account opening.

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Why We Like ItEarning Rates

The British Airways Visa Signature^® Card is a great option for frequent flyers of British Airways and its partners. Cardholders earn 3 Avios per $1 on eligible British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and LEVEL purchases, 2 Avios per $1 on hotel accommodations, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. A standout feature is the Travel Together Ticket, received after spending $30,000 annually, which offers a two-for-one deal on Avios bookings, or a 50% discount for solo travel. Additionally, the card offers up to $600 in reward flight statement credits per year, no foreign transaction fees, and 10% off British Airways flights from the US.

• 3X Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL
• 2X Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations
• 1X Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases

AwardWallet Tip of The Day

Did you know that you can set an individual goal for each of your loyalty accounts? Progress towards that goal is displayed under your account balance. You can set goals in bulk or individually by selecting the account(s) and clicking Set Account Goals under the Actions menu.
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