Vietnam Airlines offers SkyTeam Elite status to frequent flyers of 46 airlines

Vietnam’s national carrier has announced that it is offering frequent flyers of 46 airlines the opportunity to gain elite status based on their existing loyalty programs. The paid promotion offers the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status, which can be used on all alliance airlines and other airlines they are affiliated with. Vietnam Airlines Partner.

How to get a status match

Interested travelers can visit the official registration page to request a status match. The challenge is run by Loyalty Status Co, which charges a fee ranging from $59 to $299, depending on the status being matched. The process is fairly quick. Customers are notified within three business days if the status is approved, and the new status will appear in their accounts within five business days.

Applicants may be required to provide a valid government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) to confirm their eligibility. Once approved, they will be awarded Titanium, Gold or Platinum status for 12 months, depending on the Status Match process. To maintain the new status, one must re-qualify according to the standard Lotusmiles program requirements.

Photo: Vytautas Kielaitis | Shutterstock

This latest status match from SkyTeam follows a free one from ITA Airways and its Volare program that ran earlier this summer. Virgin Atlantic offers a standing status match program that offers members of 12 airlines the opportunity to gain SkyTeam status through its Flying Club. Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France, KLM and Transavia, offers a paid status match similar to the offering from Vietnam Airlines.

What are the perks and benefits?

Vietnam Airlines’ LotusMiles program consists of three tiers, corresponding to the two levels offered. SkyTeam Alliance Airlines. Members can also enjoy discounts on codeshare flights operated by non-SkyTeam partner airlines, including All Nippon Airways (ANA), Bangkok Airways, China Eastern and Phillippine Airlines. Benefits vary by tier, but generally consist of the following:

Lotusmiles Titanium (SkyTeam Elite)

• Priority check-in counter
• Access to preferred seating
• Priority on waiting lists at the airport
• Additional baggage allowance
• Priority boarding (especially on international flights).
• A free upgrade to Business Class on Vietnam Airlines flights if the booked Economy or Premium Economy cabin is occupied and Business Class seats are available

Lotusmiles Gold (SkyTeam Elite)

• All the advantages of titanium.
• Access to Vietnam Airlines business lounges is possible regardless of the guest’s ticket class.
• 50% bonus on miles after every flight with Vietnam Airlines.
• 1,500 bonus miles every year as a birthday present.

Lotusmiles Platinum (SkyTeam Elite Plus)

• Use the priority lanes in the security check and immigration areas (if this service is available at the airport)
• Guaranteed full-fare Y class reservation on sold-out long-haul flights at least 24 hours before departure.
• Members and one guest have access to airport lounges worldwide, regardless of travel class.
• Priority baggage handling upon arrival, regardless of travel class
• Additional baggage allowance

Photo: Vietnam Airlines

The Match is available to members of most airlines that are not already members of the SkyTeam alliance. Most of the major airline loyalty programs worldwide are eligible, including Air India, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and United Airlines. The full list of eligible airlines and corresponding elite status levels can be found here.