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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:
| Airline | Match to Executive Club Silver | Match to Executive Club Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | 50K | 75K, Super Elite |
| Air France/KLM | Gold | Platinum |
| Delta | Gold | Platinum |
| Lufthansa | Senator | Hon Circle |
| Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) | Gold | Diamond, Pandion |
| United Airlines | Premier Gold | Premier Platinum, Premier 1K |
| Virgin Atlantic | Silver | Gold |
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.
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.
- Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
- Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
- 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
- Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
- Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It's fast, easy and secure!
- Member FDIC
- 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
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