Oneworld status match opportunity available for 20-plus loyalty programs — but is it worth it?
Editor's Note
Elite status matches are a unique opportunity to extend the value of your existing frequent flyer benefits to other programs. Currently, Royal Air Maroc is offering the chance to earn Silver, Gold or Platinum status to elite status holders in a wide variety of loyalty programs — for a cost.
Royal Air Maroc is part of the Oneworld alliance, providing partner benefits with dozens of airlines. By qualifying for Royal Maroc Gold, you'll also earn Oneworld Sapphire status, meaning you can access Alaska Airlines lounges, American Airlines Admirals Clubs and even AA's premium Flagship Lounges, among other valuable airline benefits.
Here's what you need to know about this new option — including whether or not it's worth it.
Overview of Royal Air Maroc status match
Under the terms of this offer, eligible travelers with existing elite status from select airlines can match to any of Royal Air Maroc's three status tiers. However, there are one-time application costs for each:
- Silver: $150
- Gold: $450
- Platinum: $1,000 for Lite; $1,500 for Standard (note that this is limited to top-tier elites with certain non-U.S. airlines)
If you qualify, you'll get elite status benefits through June 30, 2024.
The most appealing option here is likely Safar Flyer Gold, which grants you Oneworld Sapphire status. However, that's a steep price to pay for just six months of perks.
I took advantage of this promotion when it was last offered in spring 2022 — and got a full year of status for only 49 euros ($54) when I successfully status-matched from Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold.
This time around, the price is over eight times higher, and you get status for half the time.
You can extend your status for another six months through Dec. 31, 2024, by either taking one flight with Royal Air Maroc and earning at least one status mile or, alternatively, having at least one future Royal Air Maroc booking linked to your Safar Flyer account, both by June 30, 2024.
How to status match with Royal Air Maroc Safar Flyer
First, you'll want to review your eligibility. There are 20-plus loyalty programs that qualify for a status match to Royal Air Maroc Safar Flyer, including Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus (but not Oneworld programs like American AAdvantage and Alaska Mileage Plan):
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air Europa SUMA
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Delta SkyMiles
- Egyptair Plus
- Emirates Skywards
- Etihad Guest
- Gulf Air Falconflyer
- Lufthansa Miles & More
- Saudia Alfursan
- TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- United Airlines MileagePlus
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- WestJet Rewards
Most hotel elite status levels, even lower-tier Silver status with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and IHG One Rewards Silver, match to Safar Flyer Silver for a $150 fee.
You'll need to sign up for the Safar Flyer loyalty program for free through this link. Upon registering, you'll receive a frequent flyer number that you'll need handy to begin the status match process.
Then, you'll need to apply for a status match, when you'll provide your first name, last name, email address and Safar Flyer number. It can take up to five business days for your loyalty status privileges to hit your Safar Flyer account.
Read the full terms and conditions to see which status levels are eligible. The carrier may also pull this offer at any time.
What do Royal Air Maroc Safar Flyer benefits get you?
Here's a comparison of what the Silver versus Gold tier gets you in the Safar Flyer loyalty program:
| Silver | Gold |
|---|---|
|
|
Without a doubt, if you carry elite status in a program that can match you to the Gold level, the most valuable benefit is the business-class lounge access when flying a Oneworld carrier — even when flying domestically with American Airlines or Alaska Airlines.
Is it worth it?
This new offer comes with a hefty price tag, especially if you're looking to unlock Oneworld Sapphire status. That said, if you have some upcoming domestic flights on American or Alaska and otherwise have no way to access these carriers' lounges or enjoy free checked bags, you may want to consider it.
However, to use any perks of your matched status, you must have your Royal Air Maroc number on your reservation — which means you'd forgo the opportunity to earn miles with another carrier (like Alaska, American or British Airways).
Crunch the numbers and make sure you can get enough value from Safar Flyer status in the first half of 2024 to justify the cost.
Bottom line
The ability to status match up to Royal Air Maroc Gold (and Oneworld Sapphire) is an attractive opportunity, especially if you value lounge access.
However, this time around, it comes at a high cost and is only valid for six months. Due to the value proposition, I'll be passing on this one, even though members like me who have taken advantage of a previous Royal Air Maroc status match promotion are eligible again for this one.
I'd only recommend paying the $450 fee if you have a lot of American Airlines, Alaska Airlines or other Oneworld carrier flights booked for the first half of 2024.
Related: 5 things I'd tell my younger self about airline status
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