Flying Blue Expands Status Match — How to Leverage Your Elite Status for 12 Months of SkyTeam Perks

Air France–KLM Flying Blue's status match offer has been out for a long time. But if you haven't taken advantage of it, now might be a good time. The offer is open to elites of nearly two dozen different airlines and was just expanded to residents of even more countries (although sadly, not the U.S.) — but it does come with a cost.

Here's how to match — what it costs and why you should, assuming you live in an eligible country — so you can take advantage of this potentially lucrative offer.

How to Match Your Airline Status to Flying Blue

You can status match to Flying Blue if you're an elite member of one of nearly two dozen airline programs. What's more, the list of eligible programs varies depending on which country you reside in.

However, here's the general list of airlines you can match from and the statuses you can match to:

After filling out the application, paying the necessary fee, and successfully matching, you'll pick up Flying Blue elite status for 12 months. To apply, click on this link — or use this one instead if you happen to be matching from British Airways Club.

Credit: Flying Blue

Unfortunately, you can't match all the way up to Flying Blue Ultimate status. And matches to Platinum aren't available to residents of every country the offer is extended to in the first place. Notably, matches from U.S.-based frequent flyer accounts are ineligible. However, matches from Canada are.

Moreover, there's a fee to apply, so this offer isn't free. And this offer isn't open to each and every resident of North America, so bear this in mind before you start filling out an application.

Terms and conditions of the Flying Blue status match

Generally speaking, the Flying Blue status match terms and conditions are straightforward. You need to hold a government-issued ID to prove you reside in an eligible country and submit real proof of your current airline status. Click here to see the full terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements.

You'll also pay a fee to initiate a match to Flying Blue. The fee depends on which country you reside in and what level of elite status you match to. Click here to view the complex application fee table.

And there's no specified end date to the offer in the terms — only a broad statement that it may end without notice. So, if you want to take advantage of this offer, consider applying sooner rather than later.

Flying Blue Elite Status Benefits

Elite status with Flying Blue comes with a host of benefits. Here's a look at what you can enjoy by matching to one of the three eligible tiers:

Silver status

• Earn 6 Flying Blue miles per euro spent.
• Complimentary seat selection 24 hours before departure.
• Free standard seats.
• Check an extra bag for free on SkyTeam flights.
• SkyTeam Elite status.

Gold status

• Earn 7 Flying Blue miles per euro spent.
• Access SkyTeam lounges and bring one guest.
• SkyPriority airport access.
• Complimentary seat selection three days before departure.
• Free standard seats.
• Check an extra bag for free on SkyTeam flights.
• SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

Air France business class. Credit: Air France

Platinum status

• Earn 8 Flying Blue miles per euro spent.
• Access SkyTeam lounges and bring one guest.
• SkyPriority airport access.
• Complimentary access to all seat options.
• Check an extra bag for free on SkyTeam flights.
• Dedicated customer service line.
• SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

Each tier has a SkyTeam elite status equivalent. This means you can enjoy reciprocal perks on other SkyTeam airlines, such as Delta. And that's part of what makes this status match interesting. If you want elite perks on Delta, but find it difficult to earn Medallion elite status organically, you can match your current airline status to Flying Blue. Potentially, it's an easier and cheaper way to enjoy benefits on Delta flights.

Related: Do Flying Blue Miles Expire?

Final Thoughts

After applying, paying the application fee, and getting approved, you can net Flying Blue elite status for 12 months. For the traveler seeking a new airline to give their business to, this is a great opportunity. But don't delay — the offer may get pulled at any time.

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