Summary
- SAS EuroBonus members can now status match with a Star Alliance airline.
- SAS recently said goodbye to Star Alliance and moved to SkyTeam.
- Status match offers with big airlines provide new options for guests, and help airlines gain new customers.
When SAS revealed earlier this year that it would leave Star Alliance and move to SkyTeam, many with SAS EuroBonus elite status wondered how it would affect their membership. The carrier finally said goodbye to Star Alliance on August 31, and now, there’s an opportunity for SAS EuroBonus members to match their status with a Star Alliance carrier, with the list including some big players like United Airlines.
Status match with Star Alliance airlines
While Star Alliance may have lost
SAS
, it is now offering SAS EuroBonus members the chance to request elite status with its participating member airlines. This is a significant step, as it would mean that SAS EuroBonus members can still be part of a network that connects to over 1,150 destinations in 189 countries.
A status match for the frequent flier programs of some big airlines, including
United Airlines
, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Air India, and Turkish Airlines, among others, is up for grabs.
Photo: SvetlanaSF | Shutterstock
In April, SAS was rescued from a tricky financial situation by Air France-KLM, both of which are members of SkyTeam. Now that the shift has taken place, EuroBonus members have the option to earn points and miles with most other SkyTeam members.
But with the latest announcement of
Star Alliance
, EuroBonus members can additionally enjoy the benefits of loyalty programs of one of its member airlines. Those interested in applying for it can do so until November 30.
Terms and conditions
Of course, the offer comes with certain terms and conditions. For instance, to be eligible for the status match, the guest’s status with SAS must have been earned through flying or other program activity and not a previous status match.
Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock
Members can also only status match their SAS Eurobonus account into one Star Alliance member airline, and once the application has been submitted, the option cannot be changed later. Those contemplating applying for a status match should ideally look through the available offers as well as the FAQ section on Start Alliance’s website.
Participating in this promotion is free, and SAS Eurobonus members can apply for the following Star Alliance member airlines:
- Air Canada – Aeroplan
- Air China – PhoenixMiles
- Air India – Flying Returns
- Austrian – Miles & More
- Brussels Airlines – Miles & More
- Ethiopian Airlines – ShebaMiles
- Lufthansa – Miles & More
- South African Airways – SAA Voyager
- SWISS – Miles & More
- TAP Air Portugal – TAP Miles&Go
- Thai Airways – Royal Orchid Plus
- Turkish Airlines – Miles&Smiles
- United Airlines – MileagePlus
Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock
If you’re confused or undecided about which airline from the above list to status match with, Simple Flying will publish an in-depth analysis of each airline’s individual requirements in a separate article later today.
Popular strategy
It takes a considerable time to accumulate enough points in an airline loyalty program to get perks like upgrades and priority boarding. But many airlines have started offering status matches that grant guests the same elite status level they have with their current airline right away.
This helps airlines gain new high-spending customers, and, more importantly, it allows guests to retain their existing elite status with the current airline. Simple Flying has analyzed this in detail in the following article.