Are you an Amex Platinum holder? do you have status in a hotel chain? here's the Status Match you've been waiting for

Vietnam Airlines, the national airline of Vietnam and a member of the SkyTeam alliance, has renewed its Status Match campaign.

Elite status holders from dozens of eligible airlines could apply for a Upgrades to Lotusmiles Titanium, Gold or Platinum based on the level of status they hold with their current airline, but the news is. now the same option is offered to cardholders in a loyalty program of major hotel chains.

Who can apply for Vietnam Airlines match status

The state matching offer is available in some countries in Asia, including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan China, and Thailand.  While it is open in every other country in the world, including Italy. In short, all nonresidents of Vietnam.

Which tiles are "attacked" by this Status Match campaign

Have a hotel chain card? Here's who can apply for MS

I American Express Platinum Card Holders have, included in the benefits of the charter, also the status in several hotel chains.

The interesting thing is that many of these tiles could be also obtain through other Status Matches, so it is possible to do triangulations to get to obtain the benefits of Skyteam Elite Plus status Simply by doing a couple of MS.

Don't have any status? Here's how to get one in 30 seconds

Among the cards affected by this MS is IHG's Platinum Elite, a card that you get automatically by purchasing the Intercontinental Ambassador membership. Of course it is chargeable, but the cost is amortized by the free night included in the subscription.

If you do not have a card that allows you to apply for Skyteam Elite Plus match status, this strategy may be for you, once the subscription is activated you can apply starting from here for SM to Vietnam Airlines.

Vietnam Airlines match status is on a pay-as-you-go basis

The trend of companies is to make cash with these campaigns. If you used to be obliged to complete challenges (e.g., fly or buy a ticket) now you just have to pay and you get the card within 24/48h.

The price varies from a minimum of 99$ to a maximum of 299$ depending on the level of card required. The card will be valid for 12 months from the time it is issued.

Who benefits from this status match

As I always say, it is important to understand that having status is NOT needed if you don't fly economy, or if you have no concrete plans in the medium term.

This for example is the message I received from a reader who had requested the MS by Royal Jordanian, still active, and how it has amply repaid the investment.

Since this status match of Vietnam Airlines. is open worldwide to non-Skyteam card holders to use as a quid pro quo, my advice is to use it if:

• You have the status with ITA Airways And you want to prepare for the exit of the Italian company to move to Star Alliance
• You are scheduled to fly with Skyteam carriers. such as Air France, Delta or Vietnam Airlines itself in the next 12 months.

The interesting thing is that if you have a Top Tier. you can choose a status match to Platinum or Gold And not necessarily the Titanium.

What benefits individual Vietnam Airlines LotuSmiles cards have.

In the Skyteam alliance there are only two levels Skyteam Elite and Skyteam Elite Plus. The second is the one that triggers all Skypriority privileges.

Titanium and Gold levels of LotuSmiles give access to Skyteam Elite benefits

• Priority at check-in, priority in airport waiting lists, priority in selecting empty seats at airport check-in for international flights.
• Check-in at SkyPriority counters (applicable to international flights);
• Priority boarding (applicable to international flights).
• 1 additional package or 10 kg of checked baggage.

The only noticeable difference between the two cards is in lounge access. The Gold level allows the holder to use the lounges at Ho Chi Min and to Hanoi for free when flying VN, and to use partner lounges when traveling Vietnam Airlines.

The benefits of these levels is therefore principally that of additional free baggage and minimal priority boarding, which as seen in our reader's message can sometimes pay back the investment with just one flight. But in the case of several flights with ITA Airways it can mean significant savings.

If, on the other hand, you plan to fly with Vietnam Airlines, which I remind you does not currently fly to Italy, But it will take off in July from Malpensa, free upgrades, point bonuses and lots of other pampering are also added.

Benefits for Platinum LotuSmiles cardholders.

This is the most comprehensive card and is the one that allows you to obtain Skyteam ElitePlus benefits on board all alliance carriers. This means complimentary companion lounge access, skypriority at the airport, and all the benefits such as extra baggage, fast track, and bonus points.

In conclusion

There are at least 4 active MS campaigns right now, and many more will come in the coming months during which there will be a lot of movement among companies and The various global alliances.

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