Global Airlines Status Match

After British Airways’s announcement last week, our first thoughts were that we would see a few Airlines offering Status Match. Whilst it may be too early for some to have made this kind of arrangement, especially seeing as today is the first day back for many employees after the festive period, one airline has had a very quick reaction and that is Global Airlines.

Obviously,  Global is not quite airborne yet but hopefully, this is the first of many we will see.

At TLFL we have been keeping a really keen eye on their developments as it’s not every day a new airline enters the industry, so we are excited about a bit more competition in the skies. 

We reached out to their founder, James and the airline CCO, Richard for comment and they said;

James Asquith, Founder & CEO of Global Airlines, said,

In the aviation world, loyalty is key. Our status match commitment is something that was always a part of our plans from day one. We aim to build Global Airlines with our passengers taking centre stage and their loyalty rewarded from the start. It’s evident how challenging it can be for passengers who have accrued loyalty with one carrier to start again with a new airline.

However, our programme will allow a continuation of the status that passengers have often spent many years building. We will not take our passengers loyalty for granted.

We have all witnessed widespread changes to loyalty programmes, many of which have not been positive; particularly where the end benefits for passengers have often declined rather than improved. Part of our approach hinges on the economics of owning our A380s, which provides us with more availability and flexibility that we can offer back to consumers.

We are just beginning, and we are already excited about the potential of our loyalty programme. However, this is merely the start, and we genuinely want to listen, improve, and create a programme that benefits our passengers.

Etihad Opens New US Pre-Clearance Lounge in Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways has introduced a new U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. Located near the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, the lounge provides a comfortable space for eligible passengers to relax after completing immigration formalities. This eliminates the inconvenience of leaving the airline’s main lounges early to wait in the departure hall.

While smaller than Etihad’s flagship lounges, the new facility offers a refined selection of beverages, light dining, and the convenience of direct boarding for select flights. If you’ve never boarded directly from a lounge before, I can tell you it is one of the best things you can do at an airport!

John Wright, Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said, “This new lounge combines our premium service with the convenience of U.S. Preclearance, offering an elevated journey through Abu Dhabi.”

The lounge is open to passengers travelling in The Residence, First, or Business Class, and Etihad Guest Platinum and Emerald members. Access can also be purchased, subject to availability.

Etihad recommends starting your journey in the main terminal lounges before heading to the Preclearance facility 90 minutes before departure. Arriving at least 3.5 hours before your flight ensures a relaxed experience.

The airline serves Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C., with nonstop flights, and will add Atlanta in July 2025. 

Qatar 20% off in January Flash Sale

Qatar had a 20% discount in December but with very limited destination options. They are due to release another 20% off offer for January but across a much wider choice of destinations. The offer period is for two days only, 7th January to 8th January but the travel period is for nearly a whole year, 13th January 2025 to 10th December 2026.

You can find a full list of qualifying destinations and more information here.