Vietnam Airlines Status Match Now Includes Hotel Loyalty Programs (With a Fee)

Vietnam Airlines has been quietly offering a paid status match to its Lotusmiles program for a while now—but there’s a new update.

As of June 2025, you can now match not just from other airline programs, but also from select hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Hyatt.

This update opens the door for travellers who’ve racked up hotel elite status but haven’t flown enough to gain airline perks to unlock Lotusmiles status and even SkyTeam status with a relatively easy application and a one-time fee.

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new, what you get, and whether it’s worth the cost.

Status Match Eligibility: Hotels Now Included

Vietnam Airlines’ status match program has expanded to include select hotel loyalty programs, alongside many major airline programs.

You’ll be matched to one of three tiers in their Lotusmiles program: Titanium, Gold, or Platinum.

And just a heads-up, despite what your Marriott instincts might tell you, Titanium is actually the lowest tier here, followed by Gold and then Platinum.

While there’s a long list of eligible programs, we’ll focus on those that are most relevant to Canadian travellers:

For hotel-based applications, the highest you can be matched to is Gold. Platinum is currently only available through airline programs.

 Keep in mind that not all status tiers from these programs will necessarily qualify you for a match—Vietnam Airlines assesses each request manually.

Fees & Application Process

If your match is approved, you’ll pay a non-refundable fee, based on your region and the tier you’re being upgraded to.

For Canadians matching from airline status:

• Titanium: $99 USD
• Gold: $159 USD
• Platinum: $299 USD

For hotel status matches:

• Titanium: $99 USD
• Gold: $199 USD
• Platinum: Not available

Luckily, you’ll only be charged after your match is approved. Once activated, your matched status is valid for 12 months, and requalification will require meeting the standard Lotusmiles flying requirements.

Overview of Lotusmiles Elite Benefits

Each Lotusmiles tier unlocks a different level of perks with Vietnam Airlines:

• Titanium gives you basic priority check-in and boarding, and a small extra baggage allowance.
• Gold adds limited lounge access (mainly domestic), and better waitlisting priority.
• Platinum is where it gets real: you get international lounge access, complimentary upgrade vouchers, companion status, fast-track services, and waived award ticket fees.

What really matters, though, is how this maps to SkyTeam status:

• Titanium and Gold = SkyTeam Elite
• Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus

What Are the Benefits of SkyTeam Status?

When you successfully match your status to Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles, you’ll also gain SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus status, depending on your tier. And while both levels offer decent perks, it’s SkyTeam Elite Plus where things get interesting.

Let’s start with what both Elite and Elite Plus members receive:

• Priority check-in at designated counters (no more waiting behind 47 vacationers headed to Bangkok)
• Priority boarding, typically with business class passengers
• Preferred seating on many SkyTeam airlines—though execution varies (some give you exit row or extra legroom, others just closer to the front)
• Extra baggage allowance, either an extra piece or 20kg, depending on your fare
• Priority on waitlists and standby, which can help if you’re trying to catch an earlier flight or are rebooked due to delays

Now, here’s where Elite Plus really pulls ahead:

• Lounge access, even if you’re flying economy. This applies across the entire SkyTeam network, as long as you’re on an international flight. You’ll also be able to bring a guest traveling on the same flight.
• SkyPriority services like priority security screening and expedited baggage delivery—again, essentially grouping you in with business class passengers

There is one big limitation to be aware of: unlike Star Alliance Gold or oneworld Sapphire/Emerald, SkyTeam Elite Plus lounge access is restricted to international flights. 

Still, for Canadians who fly SkyTeam airlines even a few times a year—especially in economy—Elite Plus can make a huge difference in your airport experience.

Is This Vietnam Airlines Status Match Worth It?

Whether this status match is worth the fee really comes down to how often you fly Vietnam Airlines or any SkyTeam member airline.

If you’re planning a big trip through Asia or have multiple flights coming up with SkyTeam carriers like, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, or China Airlines, then matching to Lotusmiles Platinum and unlocking SkyTeam Elite Plus can pay off quickly—especially with lounge access and baggage perks on international flights.

But if you’re not flying Vietnam Airlines or any SkyTeam partners in the near future, it’s probably not worth the fee just to flash a digital card in your app.

That said, these matches can open doors to future opportunities.

For example, I recently completed the KrisFlyer Gold Challenge, which gives me access to Lotusmiles Platinum, and with it, Skyteam Elite Plus through this very match.

I don’t currently have any SkyTeam flights planned, but if that changes, this becomes an easy win.

That’s why I often take advantage of attainable status match offers, because you never know when they’ll come in handy.

Whether it’s for lounge access on a long-haul trip or eligibility for another match down the road, it’s about playing the long game.

Conclusion

Vietnam Airlines’ updated status match program is a unique gateway into SkyTeam elite status—now even accessible through hotel programs.

If you’re sitting on Aeroplan, WestJet, or Marriott elite status, this might be the easiest way to unlock lounge access, baggage perks, and priority treatment across dozens of global airlines.

Just be sure your travel plans and wallet can justify the fee.