Etihad launches status match for Australian residents

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 and India.

Members of Qantas Frequent Flyer are invited to apply, of course. Jetsetters of other competing carriers can also register – including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.

(However, members of Velocity Frequent Flyer aren’t included as Etihad and Velocity already have a reciprocal arrangement in place).

How do I apply for the Etihad status match?

It’s not a free-for-all – the Status Match application comes with a fee of US$59 for the Silver tier and US$99 for the Gold tier. But if you’re accepted, that unlocks three months of those tier benefits.

To extend it for a further 12 months, you just need to fly one Etihad sector within those three months. That’s essentially up to 15 months of elite status perks from one match. The sector needs to:

• be an Etihad-operated 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 5 February 2024 for Australian and Indian residents, here are the airlines Etihad is matching at the moment.

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