Kenya Airways, a member of SkyTeam, is presently providing a status match chance, which is a straightforward method to attain SkyTeam Elite Plus status (offering valuable benefits across SkyTeam airlines).
Recently, I discussed how Vietnam Airlines, another member of SkyTeam, is also extending a status match opportunity. I believe this one merits attention as well, since for many, it offers greater value (as the application fee is lower). Let’s delve into the specifics.
Status match for SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus level
The website statusmatch.com is collaborating with Kenya Airways’ Asante Rewards program to deliver a status match promotion. Being a SkyTeam member, Kenya Airways could be beneficial even if you don’t usually fly with them. Here are a few essentials to know to start:
– Kenya Airways is offering a match to Asante Rewards Silver status (SkyTeam Elite) for $80-99, and to Asante Rewards Gold and Platinum (SkyTeam Elite Plus) for $175-299; you can see the complete costs here, as they differ based on whether you’re matching airline or hotel status.
– Completing the status match application should take just about a minute, although it may take up to three business days for approval.
– There is no specified end date for this promotion, but it could be withdrawn at any moment.
– The matched status is valid for 12 months from the approval date.
– Status matches are accessible from numerous frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, and you can view the entire list of eligible programs here.
– Depending on the originating program, there may be some residency stipulations, though at least some aspects of the offer are available to everyone.
Kenya Airways status match prerequisites & fees
Particularly in the United States, if you possess mid or upper-tier status with most airline programs, you can obtain SkyTeam Elite Plus status this way for $299, which might be valuable.
Is this Kenya Airways status match worthwhile?
Should you think about a Kenya Airways status match? Certainly, if you frequently fly with Kenya Airways, there could be substantial benefits. However, even if that’s not the case, you might find this worthwhile.
If you can successfully match to Asante Rewards Gold or Platinum status, this provides you with SkyTeam Elite Plus status. This grants considerable reciprocal benefits when traveling with any SkyTeam member airline, including business class lounge access on specific itineraries, priority check-in, priority security, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, preferred seating, and more.
Just be aware that SkyTeam Elite Plus has certain limitations regarding lounge access, and you only gain domestic lounge access in select regions and to specific facilities (so this wouldn’t serve as a means to access Delta lounges while traveling domestically within the United States).
Thus, while this isn’t the most thrilling status match opportunity we’ve encountered, it may still be valuable for some. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you find the SkyTeam Elite Plus status worth the expense.
If you’re pursuing a SkyTeam status match, this generally presents a better option than the Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles status match, although I personally view the Air France-KLM Flying Blue status match as a more favorable opportunity. That said, it has more geographic limitations (and isn’t currently available to those in the United States), which is why the Kenya Airways option may suit some better.
This is a straightforward route to SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
Bottom line
Currently, Kenya Airways’ Asante Rewards program is offering a status match opportunity that is quite accessible. If you hold elite status with nearly any airline, this is a means to obtain SkyTeam Elite Plus status for $299. This can provide you with benefits across SkyTeam airlines, including business class check-in, lounge access, priority boarding, and more.
Are you considering taking advantage of this Kenya Airways status match?