SkyTeam member Virgin Atlantic offers a status match for its loyalty program, Flying Club, on its website. The basic requirements are rather easy. All you need is an open booking for a long-haul flight with Virgin Atlantic ( VS) flight number (a codeshare booking is enough), a Flying Club account (registration is free) and a corresponding tier level at one of eleven airlines. The status is matched 72 hours before departure and remains valid for 12 months. We outline further terms and conditions below.
After applying for the match, you will be upgraded to the Flying Club Silver tier 72 hours before departure.
You can also participate in the status match with an economy-class ticket for a VS flight. However, then your status will remain at Silver (=SkyTeam Elite) for the following year. To gain Flying Club Gold (=SkyTeam Elite Plus), you need a corresponding tier at another airline and a premium economy or business class ticket. The ticket can be paid in either money or points.
Important: You cannot be matched to Flying Club Gold if you previously held any status with your Flying Club account. Also, you can only apply for this status match every five years. The site also notes that people currently holding any SkyTeam status with any other SkyTeam member are not eligible for the match.
Procedure
The procedure is as straightforward as it gets. You need to set up an account at the flying club, book a qualifying flight and fill out the status match form after booking. To fill out the form, you need proof (like a screenshot of your membership account) of your current status with another airline.
Eligible round-trips in premium economy start at €797 (~£696):
Eligible Programs
On its landing page, Virgin Atlantic differentiates between a top-tier status (that can be matched to Flying Club Gold) and a second-tier status (that can be matched to Flying Club Silver). As of February 2025, the following statuses are matched:
| Airline program | Top tier (match to Gold) | Second tier (match to Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 50K, 75K, Super Elite | 25K, 35K |
| Air India Flying Returns | Gold, Platinum | Silver |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | Executive Platinum, Concierge Key | Platinum Pro |
| British Airways Executive Club | Gold | Silver |
| Cathay Pacific Marco Polo | Diamond | Gold |
| Emirates Skyward | Gold, Platinum | Silver |
| Iberia Plus | Platino | Oro |
| Lufthansa Miles&More | HON | Senator |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | Gold, Platinum | Silver |
| South African Airways Voyager | Gold, Platinum | Silver |
| United Mileage Plus | Premier 1K, Global Services | Premier Platinum |
Gold members need to earn 1,000 tier points within 12 months to keep their status for an additional year. Silver members require 400 points to keep it. You can find information on earning tier points here. A business class roundtrip from London to New York and back earns roughly 400 tier points. Feel free to use our status calculator to get more information.
Perks & Benefits
Here is an overview on the most important perks and benefits for Virgin Atlantic Flying Club tier holders:
Flying Club Silver
- Free seat selection 7 days prior to departure (everyone on the booking)
- Additional hold luggage
- Premium check-in
- Priority boarding
- 30% more Virgin Points (=award points)
- SkyTeam Elite perks:
- Additional hold luggage (1 piece) on most SkyTeam flights
- Priority check-in, boarding, and luggage handling on SkyTeam flights
Flying Club Gold
- Free seat selection at time of booking (everyone on the booking)
- Additional hold luggage
- Upper Class (=Business Class) check-in
- Priority boarding
- Lounge Access (+ one guest)
- Revival Lounge access in Heathrow
- 60% more Virgin Points (=award points)
- SkyTeam Elite Plus perks:
- Additional hold luggage (1 piece) on most SkyTeam flights
- Priority check-in, boarding, and luggage handling on SkyTeam flights
- Security fast lane on SkyTeam flights (if available)
- Lounge Access on international SkyTeam flights (+one guest)
You can find a comprehensive list of all perks here.
Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange
Comment (1)
the worst status match ever seen. senator = silver , says it all!