Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France and KLM, has introduced an exclusive status match opportunity for British Airways Executive Club status holders based in the United Kingdom. This limited-time offer allows eligible BA members to match their existing tier status to comparable Flying Blue Silver, Gold, or Platinum status levels. If you are new to the concept of Status Match, we suggest start here
Market Context and Timing
The launch of this status match program comes at a strategic time, following British Airways’ significant overhaul of its Executive Club program. In late 2024, BA announced major changes to their elite status qualification system, shifting from a distance-based model to a revenue-based program. This controversial move has made it notably more challenging for frequent flyers to earn and maintain status, particularly affecting those who regularly book economy fares or travel on longer routes.
They appear to be capitalizing on this opportunity, offering affected BA elite members an alternative program that may better suit their travel patterns. While Flying Blue also uses a revenue-based earning system, their status match program provides an immediate pathway for BA members to maintain premium benefits without having to requalify under BA’s new criteria.
How to Apply
The application process is quick and straightforward, typically taking just 60 seconds to complete. Here’s what interested British Airways Executive Club members need to know:
Requirements
- You must be a current British Airways Executive Club status holder
- Must be a resident of the United Kingdom with valid government-issued ID
- Must have a Flying Blue membership (free to join at flyingblue.com)
Application Steps
- Visit StatusMatch
- Provide basic personal information
- Enter your Flying Blue membership number
- Confirm UK residency
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Pay the applicable fee: £99
Processing and Timeline
- Applications are reviewed within 3 business days
- Upon approval, new status is reflected in your Flying Blue account within 5 business days
- Matched status is valid for 12 months from the date of approval
Status Mapping & Benefits
British Airways Executive Club tiers will map to Flying Blue levels as follows:
- BA Bronze → Flying Blue Silver
- BA Silver → Flying Blue Gold
- BA Gold/Gold Guest List/Premier → Flying Blue Platinum
The status match provides UK-based British Airways Executive Club members access to Flying Blue’s comprehensive benefits program. Here’s a comparison of key benefits across tiers:
Flying Blue Silver
- ✈️ SkyTeam Elite status recognition
- 💰 Earn 6 Miles per Euro spent
- 🎫 Free standard seat selection
- ⚡ Priority check-in and baggage drop-off
- 🧳 One extra checked bag on SkyTeam flights
- 💺 Free seat options 24h before departure
Flying Blue Gold
- ✈️ SkyTeam Elite Plus status recognition
- 💰 Earn 7 Miles per Euro spent
- 🎫 Free standard seats + selection 72h before departure
- ⚡ SkyPriority access throughout airport
- 🧳 One extra checked bag on SkyTeam flights
- 🛋️ SkyTeam lounges worldwide with guest access
- 💺 Free seat options 72h before departure
Flying Blue Platinum
- ✈️ SkyTeam Elite Plus status recognition
- 💰 Earn 8 Miles per Euro spent
- 🎫 Free seat selection at booking
- ⚡ Highest priority service level
- 🧳 One extra checked bag on SkyTeam flights
- 🛋️ All lounges worldwide with guest access
- 📞 Exclusive Platinum Service Line
All tier benefits are valid across Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam partner flights where applicable. Additional benefits may apply based on route and carrier.
Our Take
With British Airways’ recent program changes, this Flying Blue Status Match presents a timely opportunity for UK-based frequent flyers to maintain their premium travel benefits. For a one-time fee of £99, eligible BA Executive Club members can secure up to 12 months of equivalent or enhanced status with Flying Blue, opening doors to an extensive network of benefits across Air France, KLM, and the entire SkyTeam alliance.