Virgin Atlantic improves its British Airways status match

As we covered a few weeks ago, Virgin Atlantic has decided to take the fight to British Airways for your 2021 bookings by offering a status match to Executive Club members.

You can find full details, and apply, on this page of the Virgin Atlantic website.

There has now been a change made to how the match works which makes it even better.

When the match was launched, your status was upgraded immediately. Virgin was being very efficient and your account was upgraded to Gold or Silver within 48 hours.

The snag was ….. not everyone wanted their account upgraded immediately. If you have a Virgin Atlantic flight in September, you may prefer to wait until 1st September to be upgraded and start your 12 month period of Gold or Silver. If nothing else, it makes requalification easier.

Virgin Atlantic now gives you two choices when you apply. You can either:

• ask for your status to be upgraded immediately, or

• ask for it to be upgraded on the 1st of the month of your next Virgin Atlantic flight

How does the Virgin Atlantic status match work?

Here is a reminder of what you need to do:

• you must have an existing Virgin Atlantic booking, or make one by 28th February

• your flight can be for any future date

• cash OR REDEMPTION bookings count

What match will I get?

This is how it works:

• British Airways Executive Club Bronze members will receive Flying Club Silver status, but only if they make a Premium or Upper Class booking

• British Airways Executive Club Silver members will receive Flying Club Silver status with any booking

• British Airways Executive Club Gold members will receive Flying Club Gold status with any booking

Remember that cash OR POINTS bookings are valid for a match.

Hang on …. Virgin Flying Club Silver status doesn’t include lounge access

This is true. However, Virgin has thought of this.

Everyone who matches to Flying Club Silver will receive a pair of Clubhouse lounge passes once Terminal 3 reopens. (These are also being sent to existing Flying Club Silver members, so no-one loses out.)

This means that, for example, a BA Executive Silver member who books an Economy flight on Virgin Atlantic WILL be able to use the impressive Clubhouse lounge in Heathrow Terminal 3.

What are the benefits of Virgin Atlantic Silver status?

Look at the Flying Club website here.

The key benefits are:

• 30% bonus Virgin Points on every flight
• use of Premium Economy check-in desks where available
• priority boarding
• free seat assignments in Economy Light
• 7% off Virgin Holidays bookings

What are the benefits of Virgin Atlantic Gold status?

Look at the Flying Club website here.

The key benefits are:

• 60% bonus Virgin Points on every flight
• Clubhouse access when flying Virgin or Delta, with a guest
• Revivals (arrivals) lounge access at Heathrow
• use of Upper Class check-in desks
• priority boarding
• free seat assignments in Economy Light
• free exit row seating in Economy Classic
• additional baggage allowance
• 10% off Virgin Holidays bookings

Can I use my status on other airlines?

Yes.

You will receive reciprocal benefits on Delta, Air France and KLM flights.

There are also benefits when flying Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia if you are Flying Club Gold.

Virgin Atlantic is not in a major airline alliance, however.

How long will my status last?

Virgin Flying Club status runs on a rolling 12-month basis. Your status will last for a year from the date you are upgraded, which is why you might want to take the new option and wait until nearer your flight to be upgraded.

How do I apply for my match?

You need to visit this page of the Virgin Atlantic website.

You will need to upload a photo or screenshot of your British Airways Executive Club membership card, as well as details of your upcoming Virgin Atlantic booking.

You need to apply by 28th February.

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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (January 2025)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):

You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.

Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points. 

(Want to earn more Virgin Points?  Click here to see our recent articles on Virgin Atlantic and Flying Club and click here for our home page with the latest news on earning and spending other airline and hotel points.)