Update 22 March 2013: There are some indications that TK may have slowed down dramatically the status match programme, with only a trickle of reported successes for those who have applied in 2013. You can still try to follow the approach listed but be advised that it may no longer work, or take at least 2 months to process. Please report your experience in this thread.
Please note that the email address no longer works. The only way to contact TK is now via the website
Moderator, Aer Lingus Gold Circle Club,bmi diamond club, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Le Club Accorhotels
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Dublin
Programs: TK*G, A3*G, EI Gold Circle Elite, BA Gold, Le Club Accorhotels Platinum, Hilton Silver
Posts: 3,214
FAQ 7: TK status match (2013)
FAQ 7: TK status match (2013)
TK does operate a discretionary status match programme. The rules are not published and and there is no right to a status match.
The status match is a recent development and consistency does not always seem to be the case. If you are gold/platinum/emerald or have any other shiny elite card it is worth trying.
Unusually for a *A carrier TK seem to be matching other Star Alliance Golds and not just Oneworld or Sky Team elites.
They are not matching to mid level i.e. classic plus (Star Alliance Silver) or non alliance carriers (such as Emirates, Etihad etc.).
How to match:
Sign up to Miles & Smiles (unless you already have an account)
Send an webmail requesting a match and include a PDF of your latest account statement and a picture of your card.
Note that the process can take anything from one to more than four weeks (or much longer).
In some cases patience will be rewarded but you may need to remind them if you have not heard in 4 weeks. Call centre staff know nothing about the status match so no point in calling.
Card dispatch:
There are conflicting experiences about the dispatch of the card pack. Some FTs have been told that the card will only be sent out once your credit some miles (any miles) to your Miles & Smiles account. Others received it without.
If you have been matched but not yet received the card and happen to pass through IST you can pick up the card at the M&S helpdesk in IST. (see this post for a slightly blurry pic of the card booth)
Please post successful/unsuccessful status matches below. Last year's thread might give you an idea how the status match works as well: FAQ 7: TK status match (2012)
Last edited by starflyergold; Mar 19, 13 at 1:07 am..
Tried a couple of times, however each time I get an email replying that I need to attach a scan of my card and statements, irrespective of the fact that I already did in all previous correspondence. Such a tiring process!
But it's worth the 2 years *G status, given that I won't be re-qualifying for NZ GE in 6 months.
Programs: *G, HH Diamond, SPG Platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 28
Early November last year, I was on the phone with TK MilesAndSmiles customer service ironing my missing MileagePlus credit from flying TK to KUL. At the end of long conversation, she mentioned about TK Status Match on UA Premiere Gold.
Following her instruction, I sent email to customermiles@thy.com and screenshot of my UA Gold and part of the account statement which shows the progress bar and mileage.
Christmas came early as 5 weeks later, the package arrived with the card and 2 gold luggage tags. Expiration date shows till Dec 2014...
Early November last year, I was on the phone with TK MilesAndSmiles customer service ironing my missing MileagePlus credit from flying TK to KUL. At the end of long conversation, she mentioned about TK Status Match on UA Premiere Gold.
Following her instruction, I sent email to customermiles@thy.com and screenshot of my UA Gold and part of the account statement which shows the progress bar and mileage.
Christmas came early as 5 weeks later, the package arrived with the card and 2 gold luggage tags. Expiration date shows till Dec 2014...
Note: I do not have any miles in TK account
TK doesn't fly to KUL (they did, and might again, but don't currently).
As DL Gold equates to Elite Plus on Sky Team it should be possible.
Depends, but you should try for a field report first.
As it's discretionary, and you are sending a statement, they may be looking for meaningful flight activity of some nature... And not some previously matched status with no flights.
Programs: Miles & Bonus Gold - Flying Blue Platinum - Le club platinum
Posts: 66
Using my FB platinum, I've requested a status match last week. Still waiting for a reply. Good thing I have A3 gold as well, as I'm flying to IST this week-end and don't wanna miss out on that great TK lounge there.
Programs: TG ROP basic, LH M&M basic, UA MP basic, OZ AC *Gold, TK M&S *Gold
Posts: 17
Finally, the end of the process for me:
Sent out the first email for matching in Nov and once again two weeks after
Got matched on Dec 10 (about a month afte the first email)
Got card today on Jan 4, 2013 (almost a month after got matched)
How does one reach a live person at Miles and Smiles. I called the number on the website, gave the automated response my MilesandSmiles # and all I got were automated options.
Maybe I didn't call at the right time?
My issue is they must have the email address wrong as when I joined, I didn't get an activation link.
I just started the process for my wife and I. We're both UA 1Ks and AA Exec Plats (the AA status is based on a match). I submitted the AA cards for the Turkish match.
My reason for applying is to get USA Star lounge access for domestic flights. We don't currently pay for membership in the United Club. If TK approves us, won't I need a physical card to get into the UA clubs? It's sounds like they usually do send a card, but if they don't, would that be a problem for me? Is there a way for UA and US to look up my TK status? I have no intention to actually credit my miles to TK, unless somebody tells me there's an attractive reason to do so.
I just started the process for my wife and I. We're both UA 1Ks and AA Exec Plats (the AA status is based on a match). I submitted the AA cards for the Turkish match.
My reason for applying is to get USA Star lounge access for domestic flights. We don't currently pay for membership in the United Club. If TK approves us, won't I need a physical card to get into the UA clubs? It's sounds like they usually do send a card, but if they don't, would that be a problem for me? Is there a way for UA and US to look up my TK status? I have no intention to actually credit my miles to TK, unless somebody tells me there's an attractive reason to do so.
I received my card six weeks after getting TK*G'd, and that's without crediting a flight.
There have been mixed reports of people getting into lounges with a print-out of the card.
