Star Alliance Gold is the highest level of frequent flyer card you can earn in that particular alliance. The main perk is access to airline lounges, no matter which class you’re travelling. There are other benefits such as extra baggage, priority boarding and more.
Since airline alliances are groups of airlines, if you hold a card in the oneworld alliance or with SkyTeam, high status there won’t get you into a competing alliance’s lounge. However, there is a short cut, which is the status match.
What Is A Status Match?
The name says it all really. High level frequent flyers in one programme can switch across to a similar level in another loyalty scheme. As there is no requirement to complete the usual flights, it is very attractive.
Turkish Airlines Star Alliance Gold Status Match
Miles&Smiles is the Turkish Airlines frequent flyer programme and a status match to Star Alliance Gold is available for those holding the highest level in other programmes. This will give you Star Alliance Gold for four months and if you fly on one Turkish Airlines international flight during that time, it will extend to one year.
Frequent flyers with oneworld Emerald and SkyTeam Elite Plus cards are eligible. In addition, people who hold Emirates Skywards and Etihad Guest Gold or Platinum as well as El Al Platinum or Top Platinum can try this. First, join the Miles&Smiles programme so you have an active account.
Supporting documentation such as your current frequent flyer card, account activity statement and a copy of your Passport or ID will be needed. Turkish Airlines generally get back to you within three working days and they could say no, but it’s worth a try, right?
Overall Thoughts
Clearly you should only do this if you’re planning to fly with Star Alliance carriers in the near future. That way, if you’re approved, you can take advantage of the additional perks that are provided with a Star Alliance Gold card. It is even better if you plan to fly Turkish Airlines, as you can then have your status for one year.
Have you ever used a status match before? Which airline was it from/to and did you use your new status? Perhaps you were declined? I’d love to hear about it. Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Featured image by Masakatsu Ukon via Wikimedia Commons.
Nagoya lounge image via Star Alliance.
With thanks to the Australian Frequent Flyer.
After the 4-month (or 1 year of) status ends, can you status match again?
Usually most airlines permit a person just one status match ever. So if you’re going to do it, you’d want to have the intention of using it, as you won’t get another chance in future. Good question!