Guides

Let’s be honest: for years, SkyTeam was the alliance you flew when you had to. It was the land of inconsistent cabins and a few standout carriers propping up a mixed bag of products. That era is over.

Lufthansa’s Miles & More program has launched a highly specific, no-fee status match, aimed exclusively at elite members of ITA Airways’ Volare program. The offer provides a direct path to Star Alliance elite status valid through February 2027, making it one of the most generous long-term offers currently available. The campaign is administered by StatusMatch.com.

For years, the business class world had a clear king: Qatar’s Qsuite. But the game is changing. A new wave of ‘next-generation’ suites with privacy doors, massive 4K screens, and hotel-like amenities is finally taking off, and the race for the best seat in the sky is more intense than ever. For travelers planning trips in 2026, choosing the right airline means the difference between a great flight and a truly game-changing experience.

Frontier Airlines has launched a new promotion offering elite status to members of other U.S. airline loyalty programs. For a one-time fee of $69, eligible members can receive FRONTIER Miles Elite Gold status valid through the end of 2026.

In a move that’s sure to excite frequent flyers, Kenya Airways has launched a new, widely accessible status match campaign. This offer provides a fast track to elite status in their Asante Rewards program and, by extension, the valuable perks of SkyTeam. Unlike many restrictive matches, this one is quite broad, welcoming elite members from other airlines, major hotel loyalty programs, and even select travel rewards credit card holders. The campaign is managed in partnership with Loyalty Status Co, the company who owns and operates StatusMatch.com.

When I was younger, airline loyalty programs were more fun. There were all sorts of secret rules and loopholes one could exploit to earn a ton of miles, qualify for elite status, and enjoy exclusive attention at the airport and in the air. Sure, every major program has changed drastically compared to 20 years ago, and they still do every year. However, most of those changes for some reason feel a bit boring. But then, in late 2024, an airline named SAS did something that shook things up. They launched their “Who Wants to be a EuroBonus Millionaire?” challenge, and it was a huge deal that kicked off what you might call a ‘gold rush’ for airline miles.

If you’re into points and miles, you can feel it: the ground is moving. The rules we learned, the strategies we had, and the value we came to expect are all being rewritten in real-time. For frequent flyers, 2025 isn’t just another year of travel, it’s a pivotal moment that will redefine what “loyalty” means for the next decade.

If you’re chasing elite status in the SkyTeam alliance but don’t qualify for a direct status match, Vietnam Airlines has just launched a new option: the Lotusmiles Status Booster. This new program isn’t an instant match. Instead, it’s a paid accelerator that allows you to earn double or triple qualifying miles on Vietnam Airlines flights for a 90-day period. It’s designed for travelers who are close to a tier or have a few big trips planned and want to fast-track their way to the perks of Lotusmiles and SkyTeam elite status. The Booster is offered in partnership with StatusMatch.com

Finding that perfect award flight can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Dates, availability, and programs all need to align. At AwardFares, we’re dedicated to simplifying this hunt. One of our most powerful, yet sometimes misunderstood, features is the Timeline View.

Looking to improve your travel experience within SkyTeam? The Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Status Match program provides a direct path to SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus status. And now in 2025, the offer is better than ever: you can match from major hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and more.