Kenya Airways’ Asante Rewards Offering Status Match [Up to SkyTeam Elite Plus]

Kenya Airways, a member of the SkyTeam alliance, is offering a paid status match for customers from other airlines who want to join the Kenya Airways Asante Rewards program.

Some members can match up to SkyTeam Elite Plus, which would unlock extra luggage and complimentary lounge access for a cost of $299, but is it worth it?

Let’s take a look at the details.

What Is a Status Match?

A status match is where one airline (or hotel, or other travel provider) offers to match the status of a competing airline. Often, if you’re top-tier on one airline, the other airline will give you matching top-tier status. This is done to encourage you to switch your business and experience some of the perks that the new status offers.

In the case of Kenya Airways, the Asante Rewards program is relatively new, so it’s clear that Kenya Airways is trying to create buzz around the new program. Consumers can use a foreign airline’s frequent flyer program, even when flying other airlines or being located in another country, so matching to a Kenya Airways status as a U.S. flyer still has some benefits.

How To Match Your Status to Asante Rewards

To match to Kenya Airways status, you first need to register for the Asante Rewards program. Once you’ve done that, you can visit the Kenya Airways status match page and fill in your information.

If you have status with an airline, hotel, or a co-branded credit card, you can match to Silver, Gold, or Platinum, depending on your level.

Asante Rewards has 4 tiers:

• Ruby and Silver (SkyTeam Elite)
• Gold (SkyTeam Elite Plus)
• Platinum (SkyTeam Elite Plus)

If your status match is accepted, you will be charged either $99 for Silver status or $299 for Gold and Platinum status.

Some of the most valuable benefits of status with the SkyTeam alliance include lounge access and complimentary checked bags. You can put your Kenya Airways number on a partner airline flight booking and receive those benefits.

While getting SkyTeam Elite Plus status for $299 sounds like a great deal, SkyTeam has made it very clear that “Members of Kenya Airways’ Asante Program may not experience full Frequent Flyer reciprocity across all SkyTeam member airlines. Please check with your Frequent Flyer Program for more information on Frequent Flyer benefits.”

So confirm that you will be able to use any anticipated benefits before you apply.

Final Thoughts

Matching to Kenya Airways Asante Rewards could provide you with a lot of benefits if you’re a SkyTeam flyer, such as lounge access and complimentary checked bags. But be sure to check if the airline you’re flying with will honor the benefits before you pay $299.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of these perks, apply soon, as there’s no stated end date for this offer, so it could be pulled at any time.