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Iberia Adds Status Match in the Wake of Air Berlin Shut Down

Oct. 14, 2017
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3 min read
Iberia A340-600 Premium Economy IFE welcome screen
Iberia Adds Status Match in the Wake of Air Berlin Shut Down
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One of our favorite ways to earn elite status quickly is through a status match. If you're used to being spoiled as an elite on one airline, it can be rough to go back to the ground floor on another airline or alliance. Status matches allow you to jump to a new airline while still retaining key perks like lounge access, free checked luggage and bonus miles. It's a win-win: airlines get a valuable new customer while that customer is able to enjoy perks right off the bat.

So perhaps it's no surprise that in the wake of the pending Air Berlin shut down, Iberia is ready to pick up some valuable new customers orphaned by the soon-to-be-defunct German carrier. It's offering a status match to fellow Oneworld elites at Air Berlin, but it's not stopping there. The same offer is also valid for elites with Star Alliance member Lufthansa.

Iberia status match website. Text translated by Google Translate.

Unfortunately, this status match doesn't seem to allow you to match to the airline's top-tier "Platino" level, which comes with Oneworld Emerald status. The highest match showing on the website is "Oro," which comes with mid-tier Sapphire status at other Oneworld airlines.

Current ProgramCurrent StatusMatched StatusOneworld Status
Air Berlin Topbonus
Silver
Iberia Plata
Ruby
Air Berlin Topbonus
Gold or Platinum
Iberia Oro
Sapphire
Lufthansa Miles&More
Frequent Traveller
Iberia Plata
Ruby
Lufthansa Miles&More
Senator or HON Circle
Iberia Oro
Sapphire

Here's how to complete the Iberia process:

  • Download either the Spanish or German PDF. The status match isn't available in English.
  • Fill in your details.
  • If you have been recommended by another customer, include your Iberia Plus number in the form. Both the referrer and you will get 1,000 Avios each just to match your category.
  • Take a picture of your current card.
  • Send the form and the photo to ibpcampaign@iberia.es.
  • You should receive an email response "in a few days... confirming the registration in Iberia Plus and the assigned level."

Not an Air Berlin or Lufthansa elite? Here's our list of all current status match and status challenge options we know about. It's important to have a game plan to leverage your current elite status, especially if you're not going to be re-qualifying in 2017.

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Will you be taking advantage of this status match?

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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