Lufthansa on the hunt for former Alitalia members, here's the status match offer
We imagined it, it just took longer than expected, but in the end it also moved a weight from [...]
Lufthansa
Alitalia
Star Alliance
We imagined that, it just took longer than expected, but in the end even a heavyweight like Lufthansa moved in the hunt for Alitalia's orphaned frequent flyers.
In this article:
After ITA Airways and the newly formed Volare club, also Tap Portugal and Emirates have launched in recent weeks a status match offer aimed at the enrolled in the Millemiglia program.
Today, however, the news is the kind of news that is very interesting and doesn't happen very often, namely. a targeted offer from Lufthansa and its Miles&More program.
What is status match
The practice of giving away status by a loyalty program. to enrollees in a competing company's program is intended to entice a potential customer to try the services and benefits of the status, without having to earn it in the field.
In fact, with this practice, rules are defined by the loyalty program that launches the proposal and all travelers have to do is participate in the challenge-if they meet all the requirements, they will be granted the status.
Why join this offer
The reason is simple: it is an excellent opportunity if you plan to fly with the German carrier, its subsidiaries such as Swiss, Brussels, or any of the other airlines participating in the Star Alliance of which LH is one of the main drivers.
Lufthansa's business class on the 747/800
Who can join
All Alitalia MilleMiglia status holders are eligible to participate and by participating will receive the equivalent status with Lufthansa Miles & More, according to the following logic:
- if you hold Ulysses status from MilleMiglia Alitalia, you will get Frequent Traveller Miles & More status;
- all Winged Arrow and Winged Arrow Plus will instead receive Senator Miles & More status.
Unlike Emirates' offer, which is still valid, LH's campaign involves no cost for users to participate in the status match. In fact, the only requirement is to be enrolled in the Miles & More program.
The status will be valid until February 28, 2023, unless extended. Members will be able to renew the level by flying with Lufthansa and partner airlines, but in the meantime they will enjoy all the privileges provided by the elite level held.
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2022. "Lufthansa Miles & More," the website reads, "reserves the right to end the promotion even earlier if the maximum number of expected participants is reached.
This offer is particularly attractive to holders of Winged Arrow status and above, because they will be granted the Senator level, which also brings, as an added value, the Gold level in Star Alliance, thus giving them important privileges in all partner airlines.
Unfortunately, however, Lufthansa specifies that the Senator level will be depowered by two very important benefits: eVouchers will not be recognized and you will not be able to book an award ticket using the mileage advance. Two fewer advantages, but they absolutely do not affect the goodness of the offer.
What privileges come with the status
Former Ulysses will become frequent travelers and, as was the case with AZ, they will not have as many benefits. But they will be able to have an important benefit that Alitalia did not provide, which is that they will have access to the Lufthansa group business lounge, as well as other privileges at the airport, such as check-in at business class counters, higher baggage allowance, and bonuses in accumulating points and miles.
If you become a senator, then the benefits increase quite a bit.
Access to Lufthansa's dedicated lounges and, thanks to the Star Alliance gold level, to all lounges of all alliance airlines regardless of travel class. Increased allowance, check-in at first class counters, dedicated phone line and much more. All minus the two eVouchers that allow you to get class upgrades and the ability to go negative in your mileage balance by booking an award ticket. Benefits that you will receive if you renew your status beyond 2023.
How to apply for status match
It is as simple as this just go to the dedicated site to the promotion and fill out the form, you should receive a response within a maximum of 10 days. Unfortunately, Lufthansa has also decided to eliminate physical cards, so you will not receive any cards at home, while it is unclear whether you will receive the iconic luggage tags.
