Virgin Atlantic has announced a new bonus offer for British Airways customers. The airline’s new program will see loyal British Airways Executive Club members get points for Virgin’s Flying Club on Virgin flights. But will the offer be enough to poach some BA customers?

Virgin’s new offer will undoubtedly be exciting for many British Airways frequent flyers. Starting today, and valid on all flights booked on or before February 28th, Virgin will offer Flying Club status matching that of British Airways. This means any BA Executive Club member will now be able to enjoy the benefits of Virgin’s Flying Club. The offer match is as follows:

  • British Airways Executive Club Bronze members can earn Flying Club Silver status with any Premium or Upper-Class booking. 
  • British Airways Executive Club Silver members can become Flying Club Silver status with a ticket booked in any cabin.
  • British Airways Executive Club Gold members will receive Flying Club Gold status with a ticket booked in any cabin - a step up from the airline’s current status match program, which requires Gold Card members to book flights in either Premium or Upper Class.

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Booking your seat

This new deal could well see some British Airways members booking flights on Virgin to secure Gold status with the Flying Club. Because the offer for Gold Club members applies to any cabin, you could technically secure Flying Club Gold status for a year by booking an economy seat.

British Airways, Airbus A380, Flight Hours
The deal will see British Airways club members receive the equivalent benefits at Virgin's Flying Club. Photo: Getty Images

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“I’m delighted that by simply buying a ticket, we are making our Virgin Atlantic Flying Club benefits accessible to even more passengers. I have no doubt customers will be thrilled by the vast array of advantages it provides, both in the air and on the ground, such as priority boarding and access to our award-winning Clubhouses.

"We’re committed to rewarding those who choose to fly with Virgin Atlantic and want all of our customers to make the most of their experience when traveling with us.” 

If you’ve already made a booking, the match will be applied automatically, but you can check your status on Virgin’s status match page. However, if you book a flight and then cancel your booking, Virgin will withdraw the status match.

BA Club members could get Virgin Flyers Club Gold status for under £300 ($400). Photo: Virgin Atlantic

Is it really a good deal?

The crucial point which makes this deal so attractive is that BA Gold and Silver members will receive a status match on any cabin. This makes the deal more attractive because achieving Flying Club Gold status can cost as little as the cost of an economy ticket. ThePointsGuy pointed out that a return flight from London to New York costs just £267 ($359).

The chances are high that plenty of loyal BA customers will be booking at least one Virgin flight before February 28th. With a membership to both clubs, Virgin should be able to capture more returning customers over at least this coming year.

This new status match comes just days after the airline announced it would also offer 50% more Tier points and 50% more bonus points on new bookings until December 2021. The airline is now offering plenty of reasons why customers should start booking flights. Will it work? We'll have to wait and see.

Will you be taking advantage of Virgin’s offer? Do you think this is enough to persuade people to book more flights? Let us know in the comments.