On paper, Lotusmiles looks like your typical Asian legacy carrier loyalty scheme. But peel back a few layers, and there are some quirks – both good and bad – worth knowing before you start chasing miles or elite status. In this Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles review, we’ll take a look at how the program rewards frequent flyers, how painful (or not) redemptions are, and whether it’s worth your time compared to other SkyTeam schemes like Flying Blue or Delta SkyMiles. Spoiler: if you’re based in Vietnam or fly the region often, it’s not bad. For everyone else? Mileage may vary.
Points Earning Rates On Short, Mid, And Long-Haul Flights
Lotusmiles still calculates accrual based on distance flown and fare class, not the amount you spend. That’s great news if you book discounted long-haul fares. Economy promo tickets earn as little as 25%, but regular economy can climb to 100%, and premium cabins go up to 150% in Business Flex. Premium Economy sits comfortably around 110–125%. On short-haul hops within Vietnam or the region, the earning potential is modest but consistent. Long-haul flights to Europe or Australia are where your mileage balance starts to grow properly.
How Easy Is It To Redeem Points For Flights?
Redemptions follow a region-based award chart. That’s old-school (in a good way), with one-way economy flights inside Vietnam from just 7,500 miles. Business class to Europe? Around 80,000 miles one-way. However, only Vietnam Airlines flights can be booked online – for partner airlines like Air France or Korean Air, you’ll need to ring a call centre or visit a ticket office. And yes, award seat availability is patchy. If you’re the spontaneous type, you might get lucky. If you like to plan ahead, prepare for some frustration. Taxes and surcharges apply, but they’re not eye-watering.
Do Points Expire?
Yes – and this is one of the areas where you’ll need to pay attention. Lotusmiles points expire three years after they’re earned, regardless of your account activity or tier level. That means you can’t just keep your account alive by flying or redeeming – when the clock runs out, your miles disappear. If you’re sitting on a stash, don’t wait too long to use them. Another reason this Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles review recommends a bit of planning when chasing high-value redemptions.
Introduction To The Status Tiers
There are four tiers: Silver, Titanium, Gold and Platinum. Silver gets you, well, a shiny card. Titanium starts to unlock basic perks. Gold is where SkyTeam Elite Plus kicks in, unlocking priority check-in, boarding, and lounge access across the network. Platinum adds extra baggage and upgrade vouchers. The climb from one tier to the next isn’t outrageous, and unlike some Western programs, Lotusmiles actually gives you tangible rewards as you move up.
Tier Point Accrual Rates On Short, Mid, And Long-Haul Flights
Tier points – or rather, qualifying miles and segments – are based on the same logic as earning miles. You’ll earn more status credit on full-fare tickets and premium cabins. One round trip to Europe or Australia in Business could put a serious dent in your qualification targets. Short-haul hops won’t move the needle much unless you fly often.
Approximate Cost And Travel Required To Reach Equivalent SkyTeam Elite Plus Status
SkyTeam Elite Plus is unlocked at the Gold tier. You’ll need either 30,000 qualifying miles or 50 qualifying flights within 12 months. A few long-haul Business Class returns can do it, or a frequent short-haul schedule in Premium Economy. If you’re already flying Vietnam Airlines regularly, the Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles review suggests that Gold status isn’t too hard to reach compared to, say, SkyMiles Medallion or Flying Blue Platinum.
| Travel Class | Qualifying Miles per Return Flight | Sectors to Reach Gold (30,000 miles) | Total VN Return Flights Needed | Approx. Cost per Return Flight | Estimated Total Cost to Reach Gold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | ~7,000 miles | 5 return flights (for miles) OR 25 returns (for 50 sectors) | 5 (long-haul) | £600–£750 | £3,000–£3,750 |
| Business | ~14,000 miles | 3 return flights (for miles) | 3 (long-haul) | £2,000–£2,500 | £6,000–£7,500 |
Notes:
- Economy calculation assumes regular (not deeply discounted) fares earning 100% of miles.
- Business assumes 150% accrual, typical of Business Flex fares.
- Segment-based qualification (50 sectors) is unlikely via long-haul flying unless you fly very frequently or combine short-haul legs.
- Costs are estimates based on average fares ex-Europe or ex-Australia.
- While there’s no requirement to fly Vietnam Airlines to reach Lotusmiles Gold, earning rates on partners will be much lower, requiring more flights.
Sweet-spot for earning status
The best route for fast status? Vietnam to Europe or Australia in Business Class on Vietnam Airlines. These routes offer the highest accrual rates and decent onboard product. Partner flights booked in high fare classes can help, but not all earn the same. For example, Korean Air and Air France/KLM redemptions or accruals may vary – so check the earn chart first.
Overall Quality Of The Lounges And Cabin Products
On the ground, Vietnam Airlines’ flagship lounges in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are decent, if a little uninspired – think buffet, basic booze, and not much natural light. In the air, the Vietnam Airlines long-haul business class product is strong, with lie-flat seats and good service, though the IFE is starting to show its age. Domestic and regional Business Class is more of a premium economy-lite. This review wouldn’t be complete without pointing out that Platinum and Gold members get lounge access on SkyTeam partners globally, which helps soften the edges.
BG1 Verdict
This isn’t the most glamorous frequent flyer scheme, but it’s functional, fair, and still uses distance-based earning. If you fly Vietnam Airlines a lot – or want a low-friction path to SkyTeam Elite Plus – then Lotusmiles has its merits. Just don’t expect world-class service from the call centre when redeeming partner flights. Overall, our research for this Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles review found the program underrated for frequent travellers in Southeast Asia.
Where Can I Sign-Up?
You can sign up for free here: Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles enrolment page
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