Use existing loyalty programmes to get another

Frequent-flyer and hotel loyalty programmes often require spending more to earn elite status, which comes with perks such as lounge access and free breakfast. However, there is another way to achieve elite status: status matching. This involves using existing elite status from one loyalty programme to gain comparable status in another. In India, status matching can be particularly beneficial due to the growing spend on premium travel.

Air India's Maharaja Club status can be matched with Malaysia Airlines' Enrich tier, allowing Air India Platinum holders to gain oneworld Emerald status without starting from zero. Similarly, Air India Platinum members can match with oneworld Sapphire. These matches are paid, with fees ranging from $89 to $349, and are currently available to non-Malaysian applicants.

Air India elites can also match with Air France-KLM Flying Blue's status programme, gaining Flying Blue Silver, Gold, or Platinum for a year. No flight requirement is necessary, but an application fee applies. For those with SkyTeam elite status, Vietnam Airlines' Lotusmiles programme can be matched, granting access to SkyTeam benefits. However, the exact eligible source programmes, destination tiers, fees, and validity can vary.

Indian frequent flyers holding high-level Star Alliance or oneworld status can diversify benefits across alliances without having to accumulate SkyTeam status entirely through flights. Etihad Guest also offers a status match, initially lasting four months for Silver or Gold, with an extension to 12 months by completing one qualifying return flight with Etihad. Lastly, premium credit cards like Mastercard can provide a gateway to elite hotel status, with various tie-ups and benefits available in India.