Virgin Atlantic has a long-running status match program. In simple terms:
- Top-tier status with selected airlines can be matched to Virgin Atlantic Gold
- Mid-tier status with selected airlines can be matched to Virgin Atlantic Silver
- You must have a future Virgin Atlantic flight booking
- The status used for matching must still be valid at the time of travel
- Once a match is approved, you cannot apply again within five years
A limited-time offer specifically for British Airways members was just launched:
- Valid until February 23
- The matching threshold is lowered by one tier
- British Airways Silver and Gold can be matched to Virgin Atlantic Gold
- British Airways Bronze can be matched to Virgin Atlantic Silver
- The above two restrictions are removed
In fact, Virgin Atlantic’s usual matching criteria are extremely demanding. For example, Cathay Pacific Diamond, United Airlines Premier 1K, or Lufthansa HON Circle are normally required to obtain Virgin Atlantic Gold. So while this promotion is described as “easier”, the BA Bronze → Virgin Silver and BA Silver → Virgin Gold matches are actually quite well aligned in status level.
The flight booking can be either an award ticket or a cash ticket. However, to match to Gold, you must fly in Premium Economy or Upper Class. The cost is actually quite reasonable, as Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy redemptions start from just 10,500 points one-way (on the London–New York route). After a successful match, your account will be upgraded a few days before the flight, and the status will be valid for twelve months.
Virgin Atlantic Gold corresponds to SkyTeam Elite Plus. When flying airlines such as China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines, China Airlines, Air France–KLM and Delta, you can enjoy benefits including free seat selection, priority check-in and boarding, additional baggage allowance and access to business class lounges.
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