Summary
- Virgin Atlantic expands its status match program, offering elite status to members of four new airlines.
- Three of the new airlines are Star Alliance members, while the fourth is in talks to join oneworld member Alaska Airlines.
- Members of eligible programs can apply for a status match on Virgin Atlantic’s website, which can bring benefits such as lounge access and priority boarding on SkyTeam carriers.
UK carrier Virgin Atlantic quietly expanded its status match program this month, offering frequent flyers at four new airlines the opportunity to earn elite status at the SkyTeam carrier based on their existing airline loyalty.
What’s new?
Four new carriers have appeared on the Virgin Atlantic status match page for the month of July. Three of the airlines are members of the Star Alliance, while the fourth is currently in talks to join oneworld member Alaska Airlines.
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program members can now use the status match to earn elite perks on SkyTeam flights in addition to Star Alliance-operated ones. Applicants for the status match must have a booking for a Virgin Atlantic flight, with the elite status being awarded 72 hours before departure.
Photo: Jonathan E. Hendry | Simple Flying
Air India’s Flying Returns program has also joined the list. Another Star Alliance carrier, Air India, has recently revamped its loyalty program with new features and benefits for frequent travelers.
Related
Air India’s Revamped Loyalty Program Makes It Easier To Earn Star Alliance Status
The tier progression requirements have been reduced by 40%, alongside improvements to the program and additional perks for frequent flyers.
Singapore Airlines routes out the list of Star Alliance members eligible for the status match program. The airline’s KrisFlyer program members can enter the Flying Club at one of the top two levels based on existing elite status, earning additional benefits like lounge access for Gold members.
Photo: Terry K | Shutterstock
Hawaiian Airlines and its HawaiianMiles loyalty program also join the list of eligible transfers. The carrier is currently unaffiliated with any alliance, allowing frequent flyers to enjoy status benefits on a range of additional airlines. The status match opportunity comes as Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines, a oneworld Alliance carrier, are set to merge, placing the future of the HawaiianMiles standalone loyalty program into question.
Related
How Would A Potential Merger Between Alaska And Hawaiian Airlines Impact Frequent Flyers?
A merger will bring together two great loyalty programs – as part of oneworld.
How does it work?
Members of one of the eligible programs can apply directly on the Virgin Atlantic website using a dedicated form. To earn Flying Club Gold status (which equates to SkyTeam Elite Plus), applicants must also have a future revenue or redemption flight booked with Virgin Atlantic or one of its codeshare partners in either Premium or Upper Class and not have held a Flying Club status previously.
Related
A Complete Guide To Elite Status In The SkyTeam Alliance
The program offers two tiers of Elite and Elite Plus, with good benefits at both levels.
Those applying for a match to Flying Club Silver Status (SkyTeam Elite) still need a forward booking on a Virgin Atlantic-coded flight but can be flying in any class. The complete list of eligible airlines is below:
|
Frequent Flyer Program |
Silver Status Match |
Gold Status Match |
|---|---|---|
|
Air Canada Aeroplan |
25K or 35K |
50K, 75K, or Super Elite |
|
Air India Flying Returns |
Silver |
Gold or Platinum |
|
American AAdvantage |
Platinum Pro |
Executive Platinum |
|
British Airways Executive Club |
Silver |
Gold |
|
Cathay Pacific Marco Polo |
Gold |
Diamond |
|
Emirates Skywards |
Silver |
Platinum or Gold |
|
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles |
Pualani Gold |
Pualani Platinum |
|
Iberia Plus |
Oro |
Platino |
|
Lufthansa Miles & More |
Senator |
HON Circle |
|
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer |
Silver |
Gold |
|
South African Airways Voyager |
Silver |
Gold or Platinum |
|
United MileagePlus |
Premier Platinum |
Premier 1K |
Several airlines have also been removed from the list. Scandinavian Airlines’ SAS EuroBonus has vanished in advance of the airline’s expected accession into the SkyTeam Alliance. El Al no longer appears on the list following the two carriers launching a codeshare agreement last month. Pakistan International Airlines has also been dropped from the list of eligible airline programs.
Photo: Virgin Atlantic
The upper tiers offer significant advantages for passengers traveling on SkyTeam carriers. Flying Club Silver members enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and an extra complimentary bag. Gold members have additional benefits, including lounge access and access to a private security channel at London Heathrow.