Vietnam Airlines, a SkyTeam member airline, is currently offering a status match opportunity. While this has been around for some time, I’d like to take a look at the current state of this, given that the cost, eligible programs to match from, etc., have all changed.
This could be a worthwhile option for unlocking SkyTeam elite status perks. However, let me note that there are geographic restrictions, and this is also a paid offer, and there are also opportunities with other programs. Let’s cover all the details.
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 $129-159, to Lotusmiles Gold status (SkyTeam Elite) at a cost of $219-239, or to Lotusmiles Platinum status (SkyTeam Elite Plus) at a cost of $359; you can find the full costs here, as they vary based on whether you’re matching airline or hotel status
- 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 nearly 20 different hotel loyalty programs, and you can find the full list of eligible programs here; note that hotel status matches can’t get you top tier status, though
- 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): Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and United States
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 SkyTeam 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.
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 on select itineraries, and much more, when flying with any SkyTeam airline.
Just keep in mind that SkyTeam Elite Plus has some restrictions around lounge access, and you only get domestic lounge access in select regions and to certain facilities (so this wouldn’t be a way to get Delta lounge access when traveling domestically within the United States).
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 at the cost.
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 $359, 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, and is at least worth being aware of.
Do you plan on taking advantage of this Vietnam Airlines status match opportunity?
cannot get it to work. too bad.
If you're looking for top tier SkyTeam Elite Plus, I think the Kenya Airways match is the better option here. Especially if you have status through Accor.
There is also Kenyan Airways (Skyteam) still offering their status match. Pretty similar to Vietnam Airlines, they match to almost anything and everyone and is slightly cheaper too
Might want to check your links, the Air France status match has been pulled from the us for the last weeks
@ Michele -- The terms I see for the Flying Blue status match still show the United States as eligible. Is there something I'm missing?
According to StatusMatch.com, Flying Blue status is currently available via KLM but wait-listed for Air France. A distinction without a difference.
Can only speak from recent experience, This is the message I’ve received the last two times I’ve attempted last week/this week using the flying blue status match request form. US based (Florida) account and selecting US.
“ This offer is unavailable at your location, or the offer has expired. The Status Match offer for the country you have selected, or the campaign has ended. We have recorded your interest in a future Status in...
Can only speak from recent experience, This is the message I’ve received the last two times I’ve attempted last week/this week using the flying blue status match request form. US based (Florida) account and selecting US.
“ This offer is unavailable at your location, or the offer has expired. The Status Match offer for the country you have selected, or the campaign has ended. We have recorded your interest in a future Status in Match, and you will be alerted if we are able to extend this offer to you in the future.”
On the FAQ the United States is listed under "Recently ended offers"
Vietnam has nuoc mam and durian fruit , monkeys , and mosquitos .
And girl food and beardys .
Might be good for those who would like SkyTeam lounge access.
You're really going for that $100 gift card, aren't you?
I (literally) don't know about what you're referencing.