Vietnam Airways has been quietly providing a paid standing match to its Lotusmiles program for some time now, however it’s been refreshed for 2026 with up to date charges and eligibility particulars.
As of June 2025, you possibly can match not simply from different airline packages, but in addition from choose lodge loyalty packages like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Hyatt.
This replace opens the door for travellers who’ve racked up lodge elite standing however haven’t flown sufficient to realize airline perks to unlock Lotusmiles standing (and even SkyTeam standing) with a comparatively simple utility and a one-time payment.
Right here’s all the things that you must learn about what’s new, what you get, and whether or not it’s value the fee.
Standing Match Eligibility
Vietnam Airways’ standing match program contains choose lodge loyalty packages, alongside many main airline packages.
You’ll be matched to considered one of three tiers of their Lotusmiles program: Titanium, Gold, or Platinum.
And only a heads-up, regardless of what your Marriott instincts may let you know, Titanium is definitely the bottom tier right here, adopted by Gold after which Platinum.
Whereas there’s a lengthy listing of eligible packages, we’ll concentrate on these which can be most related to Canadian travellers:
For hotel-based functions, the very best you could be matched to is Gold. Platinum is presently solely out there by means of airline packages.
Remember that not all standing tiers from these packages will essentially qualify you for a match, since every request is assessed individually.
Charges & Software Course of
In case your match is permitted, you’ll pay a non-refundable payment, based mostly in your area and the tier you’re being upgraded to. The payment is proven earlier than any buy dedication.
For Canadians matching from airline standing:
- Titanium: $129 USD
- Gold: $210 USD
- Platinum: $359 USD
In the event you’re making use of utilizing Alaska Airways standing (Atmos Rewards), the charges are completely different:
- Titanium: $159 USD
- Gold: $239 USD
- Platinum: $359 USD
For lodge standing matches:
- Titanium: $149 USD
- Gold: $239 USD
- Platinum: Not out there
You’ll see the payment earlier than you pay, and it’s non-refundable. As soon as activated, your matched standing is legitimate for 12 months, and requalification would require assembly the usual Lotusmiles flying necessities.
Overview of Lotusmiles Elite Advantages
Every Lotusmiles tier unlocks a special degree of perks with Vietnam Airways:
- Titanium provides you fundamental precedence check-in and boarding, and a small further baggage allowance.
- Gold provides restricted lounge entry (primarily home), and higher waitlisting precedence.
- Platinum is the place it will get actual: you get worldwide lounge entry, complimentary improve vouchers, companion standing, fast-track companies, and waived award ticket charges.
What actually issues, although, is how this maps to SkyTeam standing:
- Titanium and Gold = SkyTeam Elite
- Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus
What Are the Advantages of SkyTeam Standing?
Whenever you efficiently match your standing to Vietnam Airways Lotusmiles, you’ll additionally achieve SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus standing, relying in your tier. And whereas each ranges supply respectable perks, it’s SkyTeam Elite Plus the place issues get fascinating.
Let’s begin with what each Elite and Elite Plus members obtain:
- Precedence check-in at designated counters (no extra ready behind 47 vacationers headed to Bangkok)
- Precedence boarding, usually with enterprise class passengers
- Most well-liked seating on many SkyTeam airways—although execution varies (some offer you exit row or further legroom, others simply nearer to the entrance)
- Further baggage allowance, both an additional piece or 20kg, relying in your fare
- Precedence on waitlists and standby, which will help in the event you’re attempting to catch an earlier flight or are rebooked resulting from delays
Now, right here’s the place Elite Plus actually pulls forward:
- Lounge entry, even in the event you’re flying economic system. This is applicable throughout your entire SkyTeam community, so long as you’re on a global flight. You’ll additionally be capable of deliver a visitor touring on the identical flight.
- SkyPriority companies like precedence safety screening and expedited baggage supply—once more, primarily grouping you in with enterprise class passengers
There’s one huge limitation to concentrate on: not like Star Alliance Gold or oneworld Sapphire/Emerald, SkyTeam Elite Plus lounge entry is restricted to worldwide flights.
Nonetheless, for Canadians who fly SkyTeam airways even just a few occasions a yr—particularly in economic system—Elite Plus could make an enormous distinction in your airport expertise.
Is This Vietnam Airways Standing Match Value It?
Whether or not this standing match is well worth the payment actually comes all the way down to how usually you fly Vietnam Airways or any SkyTeam member airline.
In the event you’re planning an enormous journey by means of Asia or have a number of flights arising with SkyTeam carriers like Air France, KLM, Korean Air, or China Airways, then matching to Lotusmiles Platinum and unlocking SkyTeam Elite Plus can repay rapidly—particularly with lounge entry and baggage perks on worldwide flights.
However in the event you’re not flying Vietnam Airways or any SkyTeam companions within the close to future, it’s in all probability not well worth the payment simply to flash a digital card in your app.
That mentioned, these matches can open doorways to future alternatives.
For instance, I accomplished the KrisFlyer Gold Problem final yr, which might let me match into Lotusmiles Platinum and, in flip, SkyTeam Elite Plus by means of this program.
I don’t presently have any SkyTeam flights deliberate, but when that adjustments, this turns into a simple win.
That’s why I usually make the most of attainable standing match gives, since you by no means know after they’ll come in useful.
Whether or not it’s for lounge entry on a long-haul journey or eligibility for an additional match down the street, it’s about taking part in the lengthy sport.
Conclusion
Vietnam Airways’ up to date standing match program is a singular gateway into SkyTeam elite standing—now even accessible by means of lodge packages.
In the event you’re sitting on Aeroplan, WestJet, or Marriott elite standing, this could be the best option to unlock lounge entry, baggage perks, and precedence therapy throughout dozens of world airways.
Simply be certain your journey plans and pockets can justify the payment.
