With airBerlin going to the wall, airlines are out there to capture the business. oneworld has confirmed four of its members will be offering a status match.
They are:
Let’s go through the offers:
British Airways
You’ll get Bronze – oneworld Ruby. If you complete four flights before 31st December, you also get 9000 bonus Avios –
You’ll need to email to take advantage of the offer – see https://www.britishairways.com/de-de/executive-club/offers/air-berlin-tier-match-offer?source=R01X&hpsource=T03AXairberlinoffer#search-1
Finnair
Finnair will match you to Finnair Plus Silver (oneworld Sapphire), and a challenge for Gold. Oh, and Miles and More Members are welcome to challenge too.
Full details at https://www.finnair.com/finnair-plus-tier-match
Iberia
Iberia are offering a like for like status match at http://www.iberia.com/de/iberia-plus-tier-match/ for both Miles and More and airberlin Topbonus members. Ruby members get moved to Plata, Saphire members/Miles and More Senators get moved onto Oro. New sign-ups get a 1,000 Avios too!
Royal Jordanian
Royal Jordanan will match premium members, with the top-tier being matched. There are some heavy terms and conditions at https://www.rj.com/en/Royal-Plus/RJA-Status-Match
A Status match is always a good thing when your airline is in the pan – but the trick to taking advatnage of a status match is to choose an airline that matches your flying pattern.
From the offers given:
- Finnair has the best chance if you want a fast-track back to oneworld emerald
- Both Iberia and Finnair are offering great matches
- Royal Jordanians is a bit tougher and wordier – but you can keep your status… after your first flight with them
- British Airways continues it’s “To Scrimp, To Save” offer by only offering a Bronze status match and a few thousand Avios.
Of course, there’s nothing to stop you signing up for all of these (much like I did when BMI Diamond Club went to the wall), and seeing which of status match works for you.
What’s important is to find a frequent flyer programme that suits your needs… and not the airlines.
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As I read it, BA will instantly give you Bronze status if that’s your AB status tier (AB Silver) and if you fly 4 BA segments by the end of the year you’ll get an additional 9K Avios miles, not that you must also fly four BA flights before getting Bronze (as you write). Unclear if BA will match to other higher tiers if that’s your AB status. BTW do any of these require your account be registered to a German mailing address?