Get A (Sort Of) British Airways Status Match

If you’ve been around for a while you’ll probably know that BA never does status matches for the average Joe. However for the next few days if you hold status with another airline you can get a status match with Royal Jordanian which is almost the same as a British Airways status match as Royal Jordanian are part of the oneworld alliance, alongside British Airways.

What do you mean by a “sort of” British Airways Status Match?

Well… the match isn’t with British Airways BUT as Royal Jordanian are part of the oneworld alliance alongside British Airways you will receive roughly the same benefits as the equivalent BA status level. For example if you match to Gold Sparrow status with Royal Jordanian (equal to BA silver) you would receive…

• Access to BA’s Business Class lounges
• Priority security
• Extra luggage allowance
• Access to Business Class priority check-in
• Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating*
• Priority boarding

Unfortunately if you want to do the status match there is an application fee of $149 for Gold Sparrow status, which covers the costs of the third party which is handling the match on behalf of Royal Jordanian.

How can I use the benefits of Gold Sparrow status but still collect Avios/Tier Points?

If you want to utilise the benefits of Gold Sparrow status BUT keep earning Avios/Tier Points with BA rather than collecting Royal Jordanian miles and tier credit here a few things to bare in mind…

• For FREE seat selection you will need to put in your Royal Jordanian number when you book.
• To earn Avios/Tier points with BA but keep the benefits of Gold Sparrow status you’d need to swap the Royal Jordanian number for your BA one at check-in (or at a ticketing desk after check-in.)
• If an Airport has automated priority security gates you may need to keep your Royal Jordanian number on your booking to access them.
• Lounge access/priority boarding is generally OK as you can show your Gold Sparrow status whilst having a BA number actually on your booking.

To be honest for short-haul flights that don’t earn many tier points/Avios e.g. cheap Economy fares you may as well keep your Royal Jordanian number in your booking all the way through as you’d earning earn a few points which aren’t worth the fuss.

What Airline Statuses can I use to match to Royal Jordanian?

You can match the following statuses to Gold Sparrow status with Royal Jordanian (equal to BA silver)…

• Air Europa (Gold, Platinum)
• Air France KLM (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Ultimate)
• El Al (Gold, Platinum, Top Platinum)
• Emirates (Gold, Platinum)
• Etihad (Gold, Platinum)
• Egyptair (Elite, Gold, Platinum)
• Gulf Air (Gold, Black)
• Kuwait Airways (Gold, Platinum)
• Lufthansa et al (Senator, HON Circle)
• Middle East Airlines (Gold, Platinum, Presidents Club)
• Oman Air (Gold)
• Saudia (Gold)
• Scandinavian Airlines (Gold, Diamond)
• TAP Air Portugal (Gold)
• Turkish Airlines (Elite, Elite Plus)
• Virgin Atlantic (Gold)

You can also match from lower statuses to Silver Jay status with Royal Jordanian (equal to BA bronze, this has a lower $49 application fee vs $149 for Gold Sparrow) but as this doesn’t have many benefits we haven’t covered here. If you do want to see if you can match to Silver Jay status you can view what status you need on the FAQ page.

How long does it take to get the status match?

You will be informed within three days after submitting the requested information, whether your status match has been approved. Once approved, it may take up to 5 business days until your frequent flyer status is upgraded in your Royal Club customer account.

How long does the Status Match last for?

12 months.

How do I apply for the (sort of) British Airways status match with Royal Jordanian?

You will need to set yourself up a Royal Jordanian account which you can do so here – https://royalclub.frequentflyer.aero/pub/#/main/not-authenticated/enrollment

To apply for the status match you need to visit this special page of the status match website – https://rj.statusmatch.com/

Before you apply make sure you read all the FAQ & T&Cs