British Airways Is Offering Status Matching With Delta, United, and More — When to Apply

10.04.2024 - 14:49 / travelandleisure.com / Airlines

British Airways is making it easier for passengers in the United States to fly in style with a new limited-time status match offer.

The airline is welcoming members of eight different airline loyalty programs to status match for free, British Airways shared with Travel + Leisure. Eligible customers who apply by May 7 will receive either British Airways’ Silver or Gold status for six months with the ability to extend that to a full year with the purchase of two qualifying flights.

The eligible airlines include Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines, Air France/KLM, Scandinavian Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.

Travelers who hold gold status with Delta, for example, can receive British Airways Silver status, while Delta Platinum members can receive British Airways Gold status. The same goes for United Airlines Premier Gold members, who are eligible to receive British Airways Silver status, or United’s Premier Platinum and Premier 1k members, who are eligible to receive British Airways Gold status.

American Airlines customers already receive benefits when flying with British Airways since the airlines are both members of the Oneworld Alliance.

Beyond the six month period, travelers can extend the status match when they book two qualifying flights or one roundtrip flight. To qualify, the flight must be a business or first class ticket originating in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, marketed by British Airways, and operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Aer Lingus, Iberia, or Finnair.

To request status matching, customers must apply online and upload proof of their existing airline status. Customers will then be notified if they are eligible via email within about five business days.

Airlines all around the world offer status matching as a perk, allowing travelers to test a new loyalty program before fully committing to that airline.

Beyond status matching, British Airways is offering a spring sale with big savings on international trips to London, Madrid, India, and beyond. To take advantage, the sale must be booked by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 23.