Instant SkyTeam Elite? Kenya Airways’ New Status Match Explained

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.

At AwardFares, we analyze these offers to determine their real-world value for travelers like you. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Kenya Airways status match: who’s eligible, what you get, and whether it’s the right move for you.

Key Takeaways

What is it? A direct status match that grants you instant elite status in the Kenya Airways Asante Rewards program.
What’s the goal? To achieve Asante Rewards Gold or Platinum status, which corresponds to SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
Who is eligible? A very broad group:
- Elite members of other airline loyalty programs (e.g., Star Alliance Gold, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald).
- Elite members of hotel loyalty programs (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).
- Holders of select premium travel credit cards.
What’s the cost? An application fee is required. Fees vary based on the tier you are matching to.
How to apply? Via the official Kenya Airways Status Match page.
Is it a good deal? Absolutely, especially for those who have elite status but no upcoming path to earning SkyTeam status through flying. It’s one of the easiest shortcuts to top-tier alliance benefits currently available.

How Does the Status Match Work?

A status match is a simple concept: an airline grants you elite status based on the equivalent status you’ve already earned with a competitor. It’s a marketing strategy to win over loyal customers from other programs.

In this case, you apply through the dedicated Kenya Airways portal on StatusMatch.com, submit proof of your current elite status (from an airline, hotel, or credit card), pay a one-time application fee, and if approved, you’ll be upgraded to the corresponding Asante Rewards tier. This status is typically valid for at least 12 months, giving you immediate access to a full suite of travel benefits.

Kenya Airways Asante Rewards Status Match

Asante Rewards Status & SkyTeam Equivalence

To understand the offer’s value, you need to know which tier you’re aiming for. The most valuable matches are to Asante Rewards Gold and Platinum, as both grant SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

Asante Rewards Tier	SkyTeam Tier	Main Benefit Level
Silver	SkyTeam Elite	Priority & Extra Baggage
Gold	SkyTeam Elite Plus	Global Lounge Access & SkyPriority
Platinum	SkyTeam Elite Plus	Enhanced Global Lounge Access & Top Perks

Who Can Match? Eligible Programs and Tiers

The Kenya Airways status match is incredibly generous in its eligibility, accepting status from dozens of airline and hotel loyalty programs. Below are the specific tiers that qualify for a match to Asante Rewards Silver, Gold, or Platinum status.

Airline Loyalty Programs

Airline Program	Matched to Silver Elite	Matched to Gold Elite Plus	Matched to Platinum Elite Plus
ANA Mileage Club	Bronze	Platinum	Diamond, Super Flyers
Aegean Airlines Miles+Bonus	Silver	Gold
Air Canada Aeroplan	25K	Elite 35K	Elite 50K, Elite 75K, Super Elite 100K
Air China PhoenixMiles	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Air India Flying Returns	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Air New Zealand AirPoints	Silver	Gold	Elite
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan	MVP	MVP Gold	MVP 75K, MVP 100K
American Airlines AAdvantage	Gold	Platinum	Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, Concierge Key
Asiana Airlines Asiana Club	Gold	Diamond	Diamond Plus, Platinum
Austrian Airlines Miles & More	Frequent Traveller	Senator	HON Circle
Avianca LifeMiles	Silver	Gold	Diamond
British Airways Executive Club	Bronze	Silver	Gold, Gold Guest List, Premier
Brussels Airlines Miles & More	Frequent Traveller	Senator	HON Circle
Cathay Pacific Cathay	Silver	Gold	Diamond, Diamond Plus, Invitation
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles	Silver	Gold	Platinum, Presidential Platinum
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands	Silver	Gold	Diamond
Egyptair Plus	Silver	Gold	Elite, Platinum
Emirates Skywards	Silver	Gold	IO, Platinum
Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Etihad Guest	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Finnair Plus	Silver	Gold	Platinum, Platinum Lumo
Gulf Air Falconflyer	Silver	Gold	Black
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles	Gold	Platinum
Hong Kong Airlines Fortune Wings Club	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Iberia Plus	Plata	Oro	Infinita, Infinita Prime, Platino
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank	Crystal	Global Club, Global Club Sapphire	Global Club Diamond, Global Club Premier
JetBlue TrueBlue Rewards	Mosaic 1	Mosaic 2	Mosaic 3, Mosaic 4
LOT Polish Airlines Miles & More	Frequent Traveller	Senator	HON Circle
Lufthansa Miles & More	Frequent Traveller	Senator	HON Circle
Malaysia Airlines Enrich	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Oman Air Sindbad	Silver	Gold
Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles	Elite	Premier Elite	Million Miler
Qantas Frequent Flyer	Silver	Gold	Chairmans Lounge, Platinum, Platinum One
Qatar Airways Privilege Club	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Royal Air Maroc Safar Flyer	Silver	Gold	Ambassador, Platinum
Royal Brunei Royal Skies	Silver	Gold
Royal Jordanian Royal Club	Silver JAY	Gold SPARROW	Platinum HAWK
S7 Airlines Priority	Silver	Gold	Platinum
SWISS Miles & More	Frequent Traveller	Senator	HON Circle
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer	Silver	Gold	PPS, PPS Solitare
South African Airways SAA Voyager	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Southwest Rapid Rewards	A-List	A-List Preferred	Companion Pass
Sri Lankan Airlines FlySmiLes	Classic	Gold	Platinum
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go	Silver	Gold	Navigator
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles	Classic Plus	Elite	Elite Plus
United Airlines MileagePlus	Premier Silver	Premier Gold	Global Services, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum
Virgin Australia Velocity	Silver	Gold	Beyond, Platinum
WestJet Rewards	Silver	Gold	Platinum

Hotel Loyalty Programs

Hotel Program	Matched to Silver Elite	Matched to Gold Elite Plus
Accor ALL	Silver	Gold, Platinum, Diamond
Best Western Rewards	Gold	Diamond, Diamond Select, Platinum
Choice Privileges	Gold	Platinum, Diamond
GHA Discovery	Gold	Platinum, Titanium
Hilton Honors	Silver	Gold, Diamond
World of Hyatt	Discoverist	Explorist, Globalist
IHG One Rewards	Silver Elite	Platinum Elite, Diamond Elite, Royal Ambassador, Gold Elite
Langham Hotels Brilliant	Topaz	Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond
Marriott Bonvoy	Silver Elite	Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, Ambassador Elite
MeliáRewards	Silver	Gold, Platinum
Omni Select Guest	Platinum	Black
Preferred Hotel Rewards	Silver	Gold, Titanium
Radisson Rewards	Premium	VIP
Shangri-La Golden Circle	Gold	Jade, Diamond
LHW Leaders Club	Club	Sterling
WorldHotels Rewards	Gold	Diamond, Diamond Select, Platinum
Wyndham Rewards	Gold	Platinum, Diamond
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Credit Cards

The status match is also open to holders of select premium credit cards.

Card Network / Tier	Matched to Silver Elite	Matched to Gold Elite Plus	Matched to Platinum Elite Plus
Visa (Infinite, Signature, Rewards, Platinum)	Eligible for Match	Not Available	Not Available
Mastercard (World, World Elite)	Eligible for Match	Not Available	Not Available
American Express (Platinum / Charge)	Eligible for Match	Not Available	Not Available

What Do You Get? A Look at Asante Rewards & SkyTeam Benefits

We’d assume that most applicants will be mainly after SkyTeam Elite Plus status, because it offers the most valuable and consistent benefits across all 19 SkyTeam member airlines. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

Asante Gold → SkyTeam Elite Plus

This is the sweet spot, offering full global recognition and comfort.

Global Lounge Access: Access to over 750 SkyTeam lounges worldwide for you and a guest when on an international itinerary.
SkyPriority: Priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling across the alliance.
Extra Baggage Allowance: One additional checked bag (or +20kg) on all SkyTeam partners.
Guaranteed Reservation: Guaranteed full-fare Economy seat on sold-out long-haul flights.
Bonus Miles: Earn 25% bonus award miles on Kenya Airways flights.

Asante Platinum → SkyTeam Elite Plus

Includes all Gold benefits, with enhanced perks on Kenya Airways.

Everything from Gold (SkyTeam Elite Plus): All the global benefits listed above apply.
Enhanced Lounge Access: Access to Kenya Airways' premier lounges, often with more guests allowed.
Highest Upgrade Priority: Top priority for complimentary upgrades on Kenya Airways flights.
Top Bonus Miles: Earn 100% bonus award miles on Kenya Airways flights.
No-Fee Changes: Waived fees for certain changes on Kenya Airways tickets.

Is This Status Match a Good Deal?

For the right person, this offer is fantastic. The inclusion of hotel and credit card status makes it one of the most accessible routes to top-tier airline alliance status we’ve seen.

Consider this: you have Hilton Honors Diamond status from a credit card but primarily fly airlines in the oneworld alliance. You have a trip to Europe coming up on KLM or Air France. By paying the application fee, you could instantly match to Asante Rewards Gold (SkyTeam Elite Plus) and enjoy lounge access, priority boarding, and free extra bags for that trip and any other SkyTeam flights for the next year.

Verdict: The match is most valuable for:

Travelers with elite status in a different airline alliance (e.g., oneworld, Star Alliance).
Hotel elites (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, etc.) who don’t have airline status.
Anyone with an upcoming trip on a SkyTeam airline who could benefit from the perks.

Decision Tool: Should You Apply?

Not sure if this offer is right for you? Answer these simple questions to see if it’s a good fit for your travel style.

Is the Kenya Airways Status Match for You?

Do you hold elite status with another airline OR a major hotel program (e.g., Hilton Gold, Marriott Platinum)? Do you have at least one trip planned on a SkyTeam airline (like Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean Air) in the next 12 months? Do you value airport perks like lounge access, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance? Are you willing to pay a one-time application fee (typically $50-$150) for a full year of these benefits?

Check the boxes that apply to you to see our recommendation.

How to Apply for the Status Match

The application process is handled by StatusMatch.com and is very straightforward:

Visit the Official Offer Page: Navigate to the Kenya Airways Status Match portal.
Choose Your Desired Tier: Select the Asante Rewards tier you are aiming for.
Provide Your Details: Enter your name and Asante Rewards number. If you don’t have one, you can sign up for free first.
Submit Proof of Status: Upload a screenshot or photo of your current elite membership card or account summary.
Pay the Application Fee: Complete the payment.
Wait for Approval: The StatusMatch.com team will verify your eligibility. This usually takes a few days. Once approved, your Asante Rewards account will be upgraded.

What to Know Before You Apply

This is a great offer, but it’s not free. Keep these points in mind before you apply.

An Application Fee Applies: This is a paid service. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected (though rejections are rare if you provide valid proof).
Approval is Not Instant: While fast, it can take up to a few business days for verification. Don’t apply the night before a flight and expect to have status at the airport.
Check the Status Duration: The matched status is typically valid for 12 months from the date of approval. Note this date so you know when your benefits expire.
Benefits on Partners: While SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits are standardized, some airline-specific perks (like complimentary upgrades) will only apply when flying Kenya Airways itself.

Maximize Your New SkyTeam Status with AwardFares

Once you’ve secured your new SkyTeam Elite Plus status, the real fun begins: using it. The next step is to find great award flights to book, that’s where AwardFares shines. Our platform lets you search for award availability across the entire SkyTeam alliance, and across multiple frequent flyer programs in just seconds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kenya Airways status match free?

No. There is a non-refundable application fee that must be paid to StatusMatch.com to process your request. The fee amount depends on the status tier you are applying for.

Which loyalty programs can I match from?

The offer is very broad. You can apply using elite status from most other major airline loyalty programs, major hotel loyalty programs (like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, etc.), and in some cases, even premium travel credit cards.

How long will my matched status be valid for?

Typically, matched status is valid for a full 12 months from the date your application is approved. You should confirm the exact terms during the application process.

Can I get SkyTeam Elite Plus status?

Yes. Matching to Asante Rewards Gold or Platinum will grant you SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which is the highest alliance-wide tier and includes global lounge access.

How long does the approval take?

According to StatusMatch.com, verification and approval usually take between one and five business days.

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