Etihad relaunches status match for Australian residents, includes Virgin Australia

Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad is looking to bolster its rank of Etihad Guest elite members with an enticing status match offer for residents in Australia. Eligible frequent flyers can apply for 6 months of free Gold status at no charge.

Amidst the news of their impending break-up, Etihad is now targetting Velocity Frequent Flyer members. Jetsetters of other competing carriers can also register – including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, British Airways and Air India. Notably, these carriers all fly to Australia.

Javier Alija, Etihad Airways Vice President Global Sales & Distribution, says the match underscores Etihad’s dedication to the Australian market, especially Sydney and Melbourne.

“Australia is central to our network, and we want to demonstrate this through a special Status Match, with the expansion of services underscoring our investment and dedication to those down under.”

Etihad is set to announce 10 new destinations on 25 November 2024 – one of which is rumoured to be an Australian destination, such as the return of Perth or Brisbane.

How do I apply for the Etihad status match?

The Status Match application comes with a fee of US$59 for the Silver tier, but there’s no fee to match to Gold if you’re an Australian resident. If you’re accepted, that unlocks six months of those tier benefits (previously three months).

To extend it for a further 12 months, you need to fly one return Etihad journey within those six months. That’s essentially up to 18 months of elite status perks from one match. The sector needs to:

• be an Etihad-operated return flight anywhere in the network.
• earn at least 1 Etihad Guest Mile (so that excludes reward seats).

If you’re not already an Etihad Guest member, be sure to sign up first. Then head over to the Status Match application form. This opportunity is especially enticing for Gold and higher members in Qantas Frequent Flyer who might want to enjoy reciprocal lounge access with Virgin Australia via the Etihad status match.

Which airlines can I match to Etihad?

For the current offer launching on 22 November 2024 for Australian residents, here are the airlines Etihad is currently matching. Notably, Qantas is not included in the current status match offer.

Not eligible for the current offer? Take a look at StatusMatch.com to see if there are other opportunities for you.