Air France/KLM Status Match for UK Frequent Flyers

Air France/KLM has launched a unique opportunity for UK travellers: a Status Match offer via the Flying Blue programme. Air France/KLM is part of the SkyTeam alliance – the one we consider to be the rapidly growing, third alliance – and some status tiers offered in the match enable access to SkyTeam partner lounges.

This initiative invites members of certain other airline loyalty schemes to match their status in Flying Blue, albeit for a fee. Successful applicants gain Silver, Gold, or Platinum status for a year, based on the tier they’re matching from. Not many frequent flyer programmes will be match – BA is in, while Virgin is out – and the offer requires proof of existing elite status and a valid UK passport or driver’s licence. The process, run in conjunction with Statusmatch.com (Loyalty Status Co), promises swift verification and status update, enabling you to travel with premium Flying Blue status benefits.

There’s a fee

Yes, there’s a catch: an application and processing fee for each tier:

• Silver: €79
• Gold: €199
• Platinum: €399

Silver doesn’t come with any notable benefits that are worth paying €79 for. Gold status offers fast track security, but doesn’t come with lounge access. You’ll need to decide if 12 months’ fast track security is worth €199 to you. Platinum is the one that comes with lounge access for you and a guest, but also comes with a €399 price tag. Given many airports have Priority Pass lounges, you might want to compare the cost of an annual Priority Pass membership with these status match prices.

It’s not clear in the small print if Statusmatch.com refund your application fee if they decline your match, so make sure your frequent flyer programme is listed below and you submit the correct documentation. Also consider paying with a credit card for additional protection.

Here’s the table showing the airlines they will status match

Is the Air France/KLM Status Match worth it?

Overall, we’re not sold on this offer. The €399 fee doesn’t feel like good value for money for fast track and access to SkyTeam lounges. If you’re trying to build status on SkyTeam, then this is a good way to obtain all the benefits for a year while you fly enough to retain the status in year two. If you’re not planning much travel on SkyTeam airlines or aren’t trying to build SkyTeam status quickly, we’d avoid this and instead wait for a free status matching offer with another carrier.