I have written extensively about the Bilt program. You can find a review of my one year with the Bilt Mastercard here. If you are interested in applying for the Bilt Mastercard, I would greatly appreciate if you use my link here. I will get some bonus points as a referrer.
British Airways recently announced an elite status matching program for non-oneworld (i.e., American, Alaska) frequent fliers. You can find reviews of the British Airways status match this here and here.
I won’t go into the benefits of Silver Tier elite status deeply. However, I think it’s a useful status to hold if you ever fly American Airlines domestically. This is due to being able to access American Airlines clubs. You can even access the Flagship Lounges at hubs!
I’ve been to the ones in Chicago and Miami. I used the one in Miami after getting off of a British Airways flight from London (long story about why I routed through Miami to get to DC). The shower suite was great, the food was better than the Admirals Club and the terminal, and it helped me get through the next flight back to DC.
How to Get British Airways Status with Bilt
Admittedly, this is a pretty niche plan, as you have to have Platinum, top-tier status with Bilt.
One of their newest features is that, by transferring 10,000 Bilt points to Air France, you get Air France Flying Blue gold elite status. From there, you can then status match to British Airways silver elite status.
Now, a few notes of caution. First of all, I think this should work. I don’t have Platinum status with Bilt (I will this year) to be able to test it. Second of all, given that this is a free status match with no strings attached, it could be pulled early before you’re able to pull it off. It will take a few days for your Air France status to update. British Airways could pull the status match offer between the time you submit your request for Air France status (and transfer 10,000 points) and the time you’re able to request British Airways status.
However, given that Air France miles are great for easily getting to Europe, if you’re able, I think it’s worth a shot. Why not?
Conclusion
It is theoretically possible to get British Airways status using your Bilt elite status by going through Air France. However, if you’re able, and you’d find the British Airways status useful, it’s worth a shot.
What do you think about this pathway to British Airways status? Will you be taking advantage of it?
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