Skyteam Status Discussion

[Longtoo]

Hi Brain Trust,

i am a newly minted platinum member with Garuda (Skyteam Elite Plus). However, most of my travel with Skyteam is with Vietnam airline.

Should I prioritise maintaining my Titanium (Skyteam Elite) over the other membership with Garuda?

And a lounge related question: for future flying, if i credit points to vietnam airline, can i still use my Skyteam Elite Plus benefit with Garuda? (flying skyteam of course).

TIA

 

[pauldab]

Your benefits will only attach to the program you have on the booking.
So if flying with VN and you use your Lotusmiles number you'll only get the Titanium benefits.
To access the lounge you'll need to use your Garuda membership (with Sky Team Elite plus) and credit the flying there.

If you are more likely (like me) to be using VN for travel you should focus accruing with them. I have to say the very generous double qualifying miles program this year earned me Platinum and re-qualified with only 12 legs in J and Y+ for my Vietnam and Japan travel.

 

[MELso]

As far as I can tell, Garuda is one of the easiest Skyteam airlines to obtain Elite Plus status on (along with Air Europa). It requires 30,000 miles initially and 25,000 to renew (if I'm reading this correctly). By contrast, to get Elite Plus on VN requires 50,000 miles. BUT VN's Skyteam's Elite status at Titanium kicks in at 15,000 miles vs 20,000/15,000 for Garuda Gold.

The question I guess is whether you reckon you can get 25,000 miles and therefore be eligible to maintain your Elite Plus status with GA (even if you don't, GA will still allow you to retain Elite for the same amount of VN's titanium status).

I'm looking into this as I'm likely to try China Eastern's business class to Europe early next year as it's quite cheap and looks to have a good hard product (this should generate just under 30,000 miles once the business class bonus is accounted for, so not too far off Elite Plus).

Initially, I'll credit to QF to get the points, but if China Eastern proves to be okay, I'd like to use the flights to get recognition of status. It seems that GA will be the best option unless there's a 'gotcha!' I've missed (e.g. a minimum number of flights on GA).

 

[Longtoo]

Thanks paulab and MELso! it's always great to get insight from this group. I did not realise that LotusMiles Gold is not yet Elite Plus (thus the lounge access is only with Vietnam Airline).

I don't think i will fly enough to ever get to LotusMiles Platinium. I will stay with Garuda then, at least until i drop down to the entry level.

 

[MELso]

Probably the only reason to choose VN Gold is if you fly in Vietnam domestically. As Elite Plus only covers international lounges (there are some domestic lounges available now including HAN and SGN, but not all), if there other VN lounges in Vietnam, VN Gold might give access where GA platinum doesn't. It does seem that VN offers Elite Plus lounge access at all domestic ports though.

 

[Longtoo]

Apparently, my first overseas trip next year will involve Garuda. I will stick to Garuda for now.

 

[Haplo]

I too have moved across to skyteam from Oneworld, however I chose Delta instead. It's miles doesn't expire, and you actually get quite good elite progression if you mainly fly PE or J with alliance airline.

For example I did a Europe return in J with China Eastern, and I was credited with 6600 EQD, which is more than a full level in the delta program. 5000 is Elite and 10000 is Elite Plus.

 

[MELso]

I too have moved across to skyteam from Oneworld, however I chose Delta instead. It's miles doesn't expire, and you actually get quite good elite progression if you mainly fly PE or J with alliance airline.

For example I did a Europe return in J with China Eastern, and I was credited with 6600 EQD, which is more than a full level in the delta program. 5000 is Elite and 10000 is Elite Plus.

One downside of DL is that you don't get lounge access when flying DL internationally, which is annoying. Also, in GA's program, a return MU flight MEL-PVG-CDG in I (business) would net ~27,000 miles which is almost enough to qualify for Elite Plus and enough to re-qualify for it; a short hop over to DPS as a status run would probably get the remaining miles.

One program that we Aussies may find useful is Virgin Atlantic's, given that it's the only Skyteam airline Virgin Australia partners with. VS Gold Members get priority check-in and boarding, as well as lounge access. However, to use the MU example above, it would only net 300 tier points, while 1000 tier points is needed for gold.

I looked further into Air Europa's SUMA program, but it has a requirement that four flights be flown on Air Europa itself to advance through the tiers something I'm unlikely to do that's out.

This selecting a Skyteam program is hard, but I think I'm increasingly leaning towards GA!

 

[Haplo]

DL only doesnt allow you to access Delta Sky Club when flying DL, you can still access other Skyteam lounges. It is not relevant unless you do a lot of flying within US.

Have you looked at Garuda miles redemption process? You need to print out a form and go to their ticketing office in Melbourne to book award flights with partner airline. That itself is a turn off for me.

I would say AF have a really good redemption table, even better than Delta. However it has the stupid rolling rule on elite status like how Cathay used to work. 65k one way in J to Asia (similar to Delta, compare to 95k with VA)

 

[Longtoo]

Have you looked at Garuda miles redemption process? You need to print out a form and go to their ticketing office in Melbourne to book award flights with partner airline. That itself is a turning off for me.

This is concerning. I am new to GA. I become their Elite Plus by accident. I was flying Saudia which could not be credited to my LotusMiles. My flights with GA could not be credited to Lotusmiles as my middle name was missing in the booking. Putting everything to GA, i then realised that i have become their platinum! i don't think i can go to Melbourne just to claim award flights!

My experience with Vietnam Airline is very positive. Award flights are quite available. They allow family pooling thus i can also book flights for others. all can be done electronically.

 

[Haplo]

Vietnam air has pretty expensive Australia to APAC redemption at 100k/120k, versus 65k with AF and DL in J.

Garuda also have a sales office in Sydney.

Saudia could have been credited to Vietnam Air

Where to Credit Saudia in Y Booking Class?

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Another option is to status match to Vietnam (including top-tier Platinum), then subscribe to their booster program, which gives you 3x qualifying miles on VN flights. This makes it possible to keep your QF/VA status through domestic, and do one or two intl trips to retain top-tier with Skyteam via the booster.

Boost Your Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Status

Elevate your Vietnam Airlines loyalty status with our expert services. Unlock premium rewards and benefits with Lotusmiles.

boost.loyaltystatus.com

Kenya Airways has a booster program too, which includes up to 3x qualifying miles for ALL SKYTEAM flights.
So you could fly GA or VN or whoever, and earn 3x into Kenya.

A great alternative for those who want to retain ST Elite Plus but want to fly other airlines.

 

[MELso]

Have you looked at Garuda miles redemption process? You need to print out a form and go to their ticketing office in Melbourne to book award flights with partner airline. That itself is a turn off for me.

Their Melbourne and Sydney city offices have closed, so I'm guessing you'd have to call for bookings on airlines which weren't supported online like DL and VS (SK, AF and KL seem to be online though so that's something, but frustratingly they don't display what's actually available until you have the miles).

Another option is to status match to Vietnam (including top-tier Platinum), then subscribe to their booster program, which gives you 3x qualifying miles on VN flights. This makes it possible to keep your QF/VA status through domestic, and do one or two intl trips to retain top-tier with Skyteam via the booster.

Boost Your Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Status

Elevate your Vietnam Airlines loyalty status with our expert services. Unlock premium rewards and benefits with Lotusmiles.

boost.loyaltystatus.com

Kenya Airways has a booster program too, which includes up to 3x qualifying miles for ALL SKYTEAM flights.
So you could fly GA or VN or whoever, and earn 3x into Kenya.

A great alternative for those who want to retain ST Elite Plus but want to fly other airlines.

Unfortunately, VN matches QF Gold to VN Gold, which is only Elite (not Elite Plus), while Kenya Airlines still doesn't recognise earn and burn on MU.

 

[MELso]

My descent into ‘which program for Skyteam?’ madness continues.

I’ve done my best to compare the various programs for my needs (mainly places to park points for business class flights to Europe on China Eastern) and make the following notes.

My sample flight is a return MEL-PVG-CDG flight on China Eastern (MU) in business (I) for $A6k.

Segment-based qualification not considered as I won’t fly Skyteam enough. I’ve mostly relied on wheretocredit.com for mileage.

Aerolineas Argentinas

Program: Aerolineas Plus
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 25,000/50,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 27,924 tier miles/55.85% (130% tier bonus)
Gotchas and good things: No domestic lounge access worldwide (even where available)
Verdict: No

Aeromexico

Program: Aeromexico Rewards
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 25,000/80,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 27,924 tier miles/34.9% (130% tier bonus)
Verdict: No

Air Europa

Program: SUMA
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 18,000/32,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 26,852 tier miles/83.9% (125% tier bonus)
Gotchas and good things: Need four flights on Air Europa to advance tiers. Need to call to book partner awards.
Verdict: No

Air France/KLM/TAROM

Program: Flying Blue
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 100/280 XPs
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 132XPs (30+36 x 2) (47.1%)
Gotchas and good things: Points expire after two years of inactivity
Verdict: Possibly due to ubiquity, ability to redeem for QF.

China Airlines

Program: Dynasty Flyer
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 360/720 status points
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: 580/1150 status points
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 100 (20+30 x 2) (13.9%)
Gotchas and good things: At least half the minimum status points per tier must be on CI or related airlines. Status lasts two years.
Verdict: No

China Eastern

Program: Eastern Miles
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 15,000KM/25,000KM
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 34550km (>100%)
Gotchas and good things: Janky, only partially translated site/app. Asks for passport number. Unclear how to book awards. Skyteam Elite Plus from the MU CDG flight.
Verdict: No – this is too hard as a non-Chinese speaker to manage

Delta

Program: Skymiles
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 5000/10,000 MQD
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 6444 MQD (30% of miles) (64.44%)
Gotchas and good things: No access to lounges on US domestic itineraries, no access to Delta Sky Clubs on international itineraries. No expiry of miles.
Verdict: Possibly due to ubiquity, ease of booking awards.

Garuda

Program: Garudamiles
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 20,000/30,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: 15,000/25,000 miles
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 26,852 tier miles/89.5% (>100%) (125% tier bonus)
Gotchas and good things: Low qualification thresholds (one trip to Europe to requalify, an additional small status run to qualify). Easy to do status runs from Australia. Need to go to a sales office to book awards (SYD or MEL airports) except on GA/AF/KL/SK.
Verdict: Quite possibly

Kenya Airways

Program: Asante
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 20,000/40,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? N/A
Gotchas and good things: Status match with Qantas (can get Elite Plus as Qantas Gold). Earn and burn not possible on MU (and several other Skyteam airlines). No online awards for partners.
Verdict: No

Korean Air

Program: Skypass
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 50,000 miles (including 30,000 from KAL flights) / 500,000 miles (lifetime)
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: 30,000 miles (including 20,000 or 30 points from KAL flights) / N/A
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? Not much!
Gotchas and good things: This would take ages to earn Elite Plus.
Verdict: No

Middle East Airlines

Program: Cedar Miles
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 20,000/40,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 27,924 tier miles/69.8% (130% tier bonus)
Gotchas and good things: Award tickets on partners seem to be round trip only.
Verdict: No. Round trip awards on partners is a killer.

Saudia

Program: Al Fursan
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 25,000/50,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: 20,000/40,000 miles
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 27,924 tier miles/55.85% (130% tier bonus)
Gotchas and good things: Unclear what awards are on Skyteam partners
Verdict: No

SAS

Program: Eurobonus
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 20,000/45,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 26,852 tier miles/59.7% (125% tier bonus)
Gotchas and good things: Recognition of status on Singapore Airlines for gold members.
Verdict: Possibly.

Vietnam Airlines

Program: Lotusmiles
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 15,000/50,000 miles
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 26,852 tier miles/53.7% (125% tier bonus)
Gotchas and good things: Status match from Qantas but only gold Elite for QF gold members. Well-sorted website. Low qualification for Elite status.
Verdict: Maybe.

Virgin Atlantic

Program: Flying Club
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 400/1000 tier points
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: As above
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 300 tier points (30%)
Gotchas and good things: Recognition of status on Virgin Australia. No expiry of miles. Poor tier point earn rate on MU.
Verdict: No – payoff not enough for MU flights

Xiamin Air

Program: Egret Miles
Qualification for Elite/Elite Plus: 40,000/100,000 miles over 12 months
Requalification for Elite/Elite Plus: 70,000/180,000 miles over 24 months
What proportion of Elite Plus from the sample flight? 27,924 tier miles/27.9% (130% tier bonus)
Gotchas and good things: Earn and burn on China Southern.
Verdict: No

 

[Equilibrium]

A very interesting discussion here.

Depending on if you'd like to do more Europe trip from Melbourne. Same Europe trip when booking one-way business reward has great availability and low fee with Vietnam airlines MEL-SGN-CDG on Delta at 90k miles + A$114 whereas Air France and Virgin Atlantic cost much higher point and fee. The above example generates approx 37.5k Delta miles, so basically almost halfway there. Also available on MEL-SGN-LHR or MEL-HAN-FRA....

I wouldn't credit my points to Garuda because of the poor point redemption (both on Garuda and partners), limited flight availability from and to Australia, and difficulty to redeem (go to sales office, call to book etc). Even if I'm flying to Bali a lot, I'd credit my points to Delta (after above trip you get extra points with Delta Silver) to use on my international flights.

It seems like you have Qantas Gold, if I'm traveling USA, I may just book with American Airlines to use my oneworld benefits and credit points to Qantas.

 

[markis10]

My descent into ‘which program for Skyteam?’ madness continues.

Given all the no’s, maybe QFF and be done with it?