Considering British Airways' generous status match? I flew American Airlines with BA status

23.04.2024 - 23:51 / thepointsguy.com / John F.Kennedy / Airlines

British Airways is offering a generous limited-time status match offer for U.S.-based members of its loyalty program, British Airways Executive Club.

BA is a member of the Oneworld alliance, partnering with airlines such as American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. BA status when flying these airlines can be even more valuable than holding elite status with American's or Alaska's own program.

So, what do you receive when flying American Airlines in economy class with British Airways status? Plus, is it worth making the switch from another loyalty program? Here's what my experience was like.

Related: Complete guide to airline status matches and challenges in 2024

U.S.-based members holding the following status levels will be able to match to British Airways' Executive Club Silver status:

Additionally, U.S.-based members holding the following status levels will be able to match to British Airways' top-tier Executive Club Gold status:

To participate in this status match, customers must apply online and provide valid proof of eligible frequent flyer status.

Once approved, applicants will be upgraded to the matched tier for six months. You can extend this period for up to a year by booking two eligible flights or one round-trip flight, per the terms and conditions outlined on britishairways.com.

Eligible flights include BA-marketed business- or first-class flights originating in North America, Canada or Mexico and landing in Europe, Norway or Switzerland; they must be operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Aer Lingus, Iberia or Finnair.

This offer is available through May 7.

Related: Receive Admirals Club lounge access with generous new British Airways status match for US travelers

I hold British Airways Gold status and booked a flight from London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), flying on American Airlines in economy class.

The first perk was offered when I booked the flight. When entering my British Airways Executive Club number upon booking, my elite Oneworld status was immediately recognized, allowing me to select a Main Cabin Extra seat at no extra cost.

While the same width as the regular economy seats, these seats offer extra legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, and free beer, wine and spirits.

Since British Airways is a member of the Oneworld alliance, BA Silver status is equivalent to Oneworld Sapphire, while BA Gold status is Oneworld Emerald. This means you can use the benefit anytime you see the blue or green discs on a sign like the one below.

This means with either status, I could use the priority check-in at Heathrow Airport.

Even better, I observed a green disc at the Flagship First check-in counters, so I could check in with my