Vietnam Airlines Status Match Provides SkyTeam Status

Vietnam Airlines has just launched a status match program allowing you to match over to top-tier Lotusmiles status. While there’s a fee, you’re also able to match directly up to Lotusmiles Platinum status — the highest level Vietnam Airlines offers, gaining SkyTeam elite status in the process.

Is this a good deal? Let’s take a look.

Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Status Match

Vietnam Airlines is a member of SkyTeam, which includes airlines such as Delta, Air France/KLM, and China Airlines. By matching over, you’ll be able to enjoy SkyTeam Elite or SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which brings with it benefits like free checked luggage, priority check-in, priority boarding, priority waitlist, preferred seating, expedited luggage, access to sold-out flights, and airport lounge access.

These benefits apply when you’re flying any SkyTeam member airline, which can make status matching especially useful if you’re a Delta flyer. Note, however, that domestic flights with Delta don’t qualify for lounge access. Only international flights (or domestic connections before or after an international flight) get this privilege.

Here are the details of the promotion:

• Receive 12 months of elite status after approval; maintaining status after that requires meeting the typical requirements
• Application fee required: Titanium is $99; Gold is $159; Platinum is $299
• Make the status match request online via the match page
• Valid for residents of the United States and multiple other countries
• Match from over 40 different airlines
• There’s no end date currently listed for this offer

Matching is an option for those with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines elite status.

Is It Worth It?

Most of us probably don’t live in Vietnam or travel there often enough to justify having Vietnam Airlines elite status. And even as a top-tier member, you won’t receive many benefits when flying Vietnam Airlines.

However, the benefits of SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status are decent overall and compare favorably to those offered by Oneworld and Star Alliance.

The only exception to this is the lack of domestic lounge access. Both Oneworld and Star Alliance allow members matched from foreign airlines to enjoy the lounge, even when they’re traveling wholly within the United States.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam Airlines is offering a status match opportunity for those with elite status from other airlines. Although you’ll need to pay a fee, the match could be worth it if you’re a frequent Delta flyer.