Vietnam Airlines, a SkyTeam member airline, has just launched a status match opportunity. While it’s a paid offer and has some geographic restrictions, it’s cool that the carrier is matching all the way up to top tier status. This could be a worthwhile option for unlocking SkyTeam elite status perks.
In this post:
Basics of Vietnam Airlines’ status match promo
The website statusmatch.com is partnering with Vietnam Airlines’ Lotusmiles program to offer a status match promotion. Vietnam Airlines is a SkyTeam member, and this could be valuable even if you don’t typically fly with the airline. A few basics to be aware of, to start:
- Vietnam Airlines is matching to Lotusmiles Titanium status (SkyTeam Elite) at a cost of $59-99, to Lotusmiles Gold status (SkyTeam Elite) at a cost of $199, or to Lotusmiles Platinum status (SkyTeam Elite Plus) at a cost of $299
- The status match request should take just a minute to complete, though it can take up to five business days for the request to be approved
- There’s no published end date for this promotion, though it can be pulled at any time
- Matched status is valid for a period of 12 months from when the match is approved
- Status matches are available from nearly 50 different frequent flyer programs, and you can find the full list of eligible programs here
- This promotion is only valid for those who reside in the following countries (and you must have ID documents, like a passport or driver’s license): Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA
Is this Vietnam Airlines status match worth it?
Obviously this promotion could be useful if you’re someone who has a lot of travel on Vietnam Airlines coming up. If you’re curious about Lotusmiles elite perks, you can find them on this page. The elite perks aren’t anything to get too excited about.
This is primarily a way to get priority services, like business class check-in, lounge access, and boarding, plus an additional baggage allowance. Vietnam Airlines doesn’t offer elite upgrade perks, or any other benefits that are overly exciting or generous.
Perhaps the biggest upside here is that Lotusmiles Platinum status would unlock SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which offers priority check-in, priority security, priority boarding, extra baggage, lounge access, and much more, when flying with any SkyTeam airline.
Just keep in mind that SkyTeam Elite Plus only offers lounge access on international itineraries, so you wouldn’t get lounge access when traveling exclusively within the United States on Delta.
So I wouldn’t say this is the most exciting status match opportunity we’ve seen, but maybe it’s worthwhile for some. The question just comes down to whether you value SkyTeam Elite Plus status for a year at $299 or more.
If you are going for a SkyTeam status match, personally I’d consider the Air France-KLM Flying Blue status match that’s available. However, that has more geographic restrictions, which is why the Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles offer will be better for some.
Bottom line
There’s a status match promotion with Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles, which can earn you SkyTeam Elite Plus perks. There’s an application fee of up to $299, which is steep. So I don’t think this offer is a no-brainer, or anything, but if you do have status with SkyTeam, this could be worth considering.
Do you plan on taking advantage of this Vietnam Airlines status match opportunity?
Given that they're only matching Star Alliance Gold and OneWorld Sapphire to SkyTeam Elite (and not Elite Plus), this seems like a phenomenal waste of money.
This airline is counting flying segments for higher Lotusmiles tiers in a different way. For example, flying a Business class (J) SGN-SFO would get you 12 SEGMENTS, not 1 (according to this table: https://www.vietnamairlines.com/~/media/ContentImage/Lotusmiles/EarnMiles/EN_Congdamquocte_20jan24.pdf).
If this is the case and this is one of the best SkyTeam loyalty program.
Am I missing something or wasn't the ITA Status Match that expired earlier this month a superior status match to both this one and the one from Flying Blue? I know most folks expect ITA Volare to roll into Star Alliance, but that might not be for another year and that status match was free...
EVERY Delta US based flyer traveling on international economy should get it.
Even Delta Diamond can't even get into SkyClubs but a Lotus Platinum can.
Cost of being premium right?
This is interesting especially those flying to/thru Vietnam and those want to get SkyTeam Elite Plus. Comparing to Korean Air which require half a million miles to get Elite Plus, this would be very NICE!
Comparing to Korean Air?
You mean half a million to get lifetime.
On Delta it requires a million, this is very NICE!
@Lucky So, you would only need to apply and pay for the elite level that you want as long as you are within their geographical restriction? You do not need to show any proof of elite level in another FF program?
I apologize Ben @ Lucky. I just re-read your post again.
On their website under "Benefits on flights of SkyTeam airlines" it says: "The benefits for *status level* apply to code-shared flights numbered VN". Does this mean you can only take advantage of the benefits if it's a VN codeshare?
I've never had status with SkyTeam, but on both OW and *A, you get access to those benefits regardless of whether the partner airline's flight is codeshared with the airline issuing status...
@ Ben Holz -- I'm not seeing the exact page you're referencing, but no, you can use SkyTeam Elite Plus perks even if you're not on a codeshare. SkyTeam is the same as Star Alliance and oneworld in that regard.
It appears when clicking the link for each level's benefits, under the SkyTeam airlines section. Nonetheless, thanks for the clarification, might be worth it considering the baggage and seat assignment fees as well as lounge access for two.
Lucky, since you do the occasional "what is/how to" post, a post of that nature on status matches would be a good one of that type as well.
@ Julia -- I appreciate the idea, let me see what I can come up with!