SAS EuroBonus relaunches status match from British Airways Club

SAS EuroBonus has brought back its status match for British Airways Club members, giving them a direct route into the Scandinavian group's loyalty scheme. According to Head for Points, matched status can last for up to 23 months, potentially running to September 2028, and applies across the SkyTeam alliance.

How the match works

All three core SAS elite tiers are covered, Head for Points reports:

• British Airways Club Bronze matches to EuroBonus Silver (SkyTeam Elite).
• British Airways Club Silver matches to EuroBonus Gold (SkyTeam Elite Plus).
• British Airways Club Gold matches to EuroBonus Diamond (SkyTeam Elite Plus).

Gold Guest List and Premier status also match to Diamond. Unlike the earlier version, which was limited to UK and EU residents, the offer is now open to most of the world, excluding residents of China, Brazil and Argentina.

Fees and timing

Applications go through a site run by SAS and its processing partner, Loyalty Status Co. The fees are €89 for Silver, €199 for Gold and €349 for Diamond. Head for Points notes these are far higher than earlier in the year, when SAS was actively courting British Airways members set to lose status.

The 23-month figure is a maximum. Members receive the rest of their current EuroBonus membership year plus the whole of the next one, so only a brand new account gets the full period. Someone whose year ends in March, for example, would be covered to March 2028. The match should be approved within three business days, subject to any further ID or residency checks, and the account upgraded within the following 10 business days. It is unclear whether a one-tier "soft landing" will apply to those who fail to requalify. Matched members cannot gift status to a friend.

Benefits across SkyTeam

Status is valid on all 18 SkyTeam airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air and Vietnam Airlines, among others. Gold and Diamond members also receive special benefits on Singapore Airlines, including SilverKris lounge access with a guest.

On SAS itself, Silver brings mainly seat selection and extra baggage. Gold adds lounge access with a guest and free wi-fi. Diamond adds free drinks in SAS economy, a 30% points discount on redemptions and no expiry of EuroBonus miles. Gold and Diamond share identical SkyTeam Elite Plus alliance benefits.

What this means for travellers

• British Airways Gold holders could match to Gold rather than Diamond to save €150, but would lose out if SAS later offered a soft landing to matched members.
• Gold and Diamond members flying Virgin Atlantic in economy or premium economy are not admitted to the Clubhouse at Heathrow Terminal 3 and are sent to the No1 Lounge. Other Clubhouses are not affected, and the Upper Class Wing can still be used. The Revivals Lounge is reserved for top-tier Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and Delta members and premium cabin passengers.
• Head for Points suggests the offer is most useful for those on course to lose British Airways status in April 2027, or who make occasional Virgin Atlantic trips.

For wider comparisons, see our guide to Delta Air Lines vs British Airways.

Sources: Head for Points