✈️ Status Match Opportunity: Is Lufthansa's Miles & More Programme Worth the Fee?
Welcome to Smart With Points, the podcast where we dive into the world of travelling with miles and points. I'm your host, Jack, and today we're discussing an exciting opportunity for British Airways and Iberia members to status match with Lufthansa's Miles & More programme. For a one-time fee of ninety-nine euros, which is approximately eighty-three pounds, you can secure equivalent status in the Lufthansa programme until February 2026. This could give you over a year of Star Alliance benefits without needing to earn a single qualifying mile or point. The status match structure is straightforward. British Airways Silver or Iberia Plata members can match to Miles & More Frequent Traveller, while British Airways Gold or Gold Guest List, or Iberia Oro, Platino, Infinita, or Infinita Prime members can match to Miles & More Senator. What makes this offer stand out is that it's an officially sanctioned match, meaning you receive the full status without needing to complete any flying requirements. Additionally, the validity period extending to February 2026 is exceptionally generous, especially if you apply now. So, is it worth the ninety-nine euro fee? As a British Airways Gold cardholder, I've been weighing up whether to take advantage of this offer myself. For BA Silver or Iberia Plata members, matching to Frequent Traveller gives you lounge access when flying Lufthansa Group airlines, twenty-five percent more award miles when flying Lufthansa Group airlines, priority check-in and boarding, and additional baggage allowance. However, Frequent Traveller doesn't come with Star Alliance Gold status, which means no lounge access when flying other Star Alliance carriers. For BA Gold or Iberia Oro and above members, matching to Senator status is where things get interesting. You'll receive full Star Alliance Gold benefits, access to over one thousand lounges worldwide when flying any Star Alliance carrier, priority security, check-in, and boarding across the alliance, extra baggage allowance, and priority reservations waitlisting. For frequent travellers who occasionally fly Star Alliance carriers like United, ANA, Singapore Airlines, or Thai Airways, this represents excellent value for money. Before applying, consider your travel patterns. If you primarily fly oneworld carriers, the benefits may be limited. But if you mix in Star Alliance flights or are planning trips to destinations better served by Star Alliance, this could be invaluable. Also, think about lounge access alternatives. If you hold an American Express Platinum card, you already have Priority Pass lounge access, which might reduce the incremental value of Star Alliance Gold. It's also essential to consider your existing status and future travel plans. With Senator status valid until February 2026, you could essentially 'park' Star Alliance Gold status for up to fifteen months, which is particularly valuable if you have Star Alliance travel planned later in 2025 or early 2026. There are a few restrictions worth highlighting. Senator status obtained through this match won't include eVouchers or the mileage advance privilege, and the status match may end at any time, although your matched status should remain valid until February 2026. You'll also need to provide proof of your current status, including potentially completing an identity check. In my opinion, for British Airways Gold members who occasionally venture outside oneworld, this represents excellent value. At approximately eighty-three pounds for over a year of Star Alliance Gold benefits, it's essentially buying lounge access and premium treatment at a fraction of what achieving the status would normally cost. For Silver members, the proposition is less compelling unless you specifically fly Lufthansa Group airlines regularly. Personally, I'm strongly considering taking the plunge. With several Star Alliance flights tentatively planned for late 2025, securing those lounge access and priority benefits now seems like a prudent investment. If you're interested in this offer, I recommend checking your eligibility and applying sooner rather than later, as these status match opportunities have a habit of disappearing without warning. Thanks for listening to this episode of Smart With Points. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest news and tips on travelling with miles and points, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms or visit our website at smartwithpoints.co.uk.
