Dec 31, 2013, 7:47 am
Last edit by: LH4116
Update November 2014: Recent reports indicate the unofficial status match programme is not running very smoothly. Requests are seldom replied to, and some reports indicate that there now needs to be an activity on the Miles&Smiles account in order to be qualified for a match, assuming they haven't stopped matching altogether.
TK will only match Star Alliance Gold, Skyteam Elite Plus and Oneworld Emerald members. Other, more exotic, gold card holders are out of luck. Please report your experience in this thread.
Please note that the only way to contact TK is now via the website
TK will only match Star Alliance Gold, Skyteam Elite Plus and Oneworld Emerald members. Other, more exotic, gold card holders are out of luck. Please report your experience in this thread.
Please note that the only way to contact TK is now via the website
FAQ 7: TK status match (2014)
Feb 20, 2014, 9:33 am
#46
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: TK Elite+(*G), UA*S, IHG Plat, Avis First
Posts: 43
I have a quick question. I did a Status Match with M&S (TK) in October 2012. I received my card in a about a month later (for those with concerns) I have never posted miles to TK and it will expire end of October 2014. I use the card for UA Lounge Access. I am *Gold with UA. I would need to post 35K for another 2 year extension and prefer to have those miles posted to UA to continue *Gold with them.
So the question is. What would you do? Do you know of another *Gold Carrier that matches to UA *Gold as easily as TK does? Just want the free lounge access for UA? Thanks in advance and Safe Travels
So the question is. What would you do? Do you know of another *Gold Carrier that matches to UA *Gold as easily as TK does? Just want the free lounge access for UA? Thanks in advance and Safe Travels
Or as mentioned above you could start paying for UA Club access (either directly or get a United Club Visa)
Feb 20, 2014, 9:38 am
#47
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ARN
Programs: BAEC Gold, TK*Elite+, EBD, FBG, EKS, IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 768
Your other choice is A3, but you'd have to start from scratch with them (low qualifications though), and if you use international lounges, I thought I remember reading somewhere there were some other *G carriers (specifically LH) that were thinking of cracking down on A3 *G because it is so easy compared to other programs (especially theirs).
If you think about it a little bit, it means breaking up Star Alliance rules, which I think they will not do. I also don't think there are too many passengers, since the *G card issuer pays for the lounge visit, so I don't think it can be that big a problem.
Feb 20, 2014, 2:00 pm
#48
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: AF FB Gold, TK Elite
Posts: 274
For what it's worth, I flew from LAX to Europe in January with no card, and I had no problem getting into the UC in LA or Swiss Air lounge in Zurich. I'm also a UA *G, but I purposely didn't use the card to see if they would give me a hard time since I was flying on my TK *G this time around to try and get my renewal miles set.
I would carry a printout of your recent Elite Statement (they email it to you every month or you can generate one from TK's website) because it has the date of expiration on it.
FYI -- Also make sure your BP actually says TK *G and you'll have no issues -- I mention this because a lot of folks don't know when you enter in your FF online (or your travel agent does it), make sure you/they don't add the "TK" portion at the beginning of your number -- or else it won't recognize. I found this out both with US Air and EVA Air, and once you drop the "TK" and enter in just the digits afterwards you should show up immediately as a *Gold.
I would carry a printout of your recent Elite Statement (they email it to you every month or you can generate one from TK's website) because it has the date of expiration on it.
FYI -- Also make sure your BP actually says TK *G and you'll have no issues -- I mention this because a lot of folks don't know when you enter in your FF online (or your travel agent does it), make sure you/they don't add the "TK" portion at the beginning of your number -- or else it won't recognize. I found this out both with US Air and EVA Air, and once you drop the "TK" and enter in just the digits afterwards you should show up immediately as a *Gold.
- LX systematically asked me for a card when presenting a TK*G boarding pass at lounge entry, but the lastest printed stagement always did the trick.
- LH always has let me in with the TK*G boarding pass alone. The only time the BP didnt show TK*G, a conversation and the statement got me into the MUC lounge, but i wouldn't bet on that being granted
- TK seems never to be a problem, even with only the statement and no TK*G on the BP
- Finally, never had an issue with contract lounges (though I did need to "prove" I was TK*G at SPU since the system didnt recognize me - quite good drinks selection for the size of the airport btw !)
Feb 21, 2014, 8:05 am
#49
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
FWIW, both OZ and TK have easier *G qualification thresholds than A3 on discount tickets - A3 has lousy earn rates for many carriers.
Feb 23, 2014, 8:22 am
#50
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1
TK status match problem
I have been trying to get a TK Gold status match with my Finnair Platinum (=One World Emerald). So far no luck. After providing TK what they wanted, there was another excuse: "In order to evaluate your request about Gold membership status match, we would like you to send us a copy of your original Gold membership card (we can't accept combined card) together with the copy of your membership statement for the last two months period..."
Now TK does not accept a combined card, which is unfortunately the only card Finnair is providing if you want a combination FinnairPlus & Diners or FinnairPlus & MarsterCard.
I was planning to make TK my preferred Star Alliance airline, as I have had good experiences with their service. I like that they have a good selection of meal choices and proper meals even on European flights in Economy. And TK offers several interesting connections via Istanbul.
Now TK does not accept a combined card, which is unfortunately the only card Finnair is providing if you want a combination FinnairPlus & Diners or FinnairPlus & MarsterCard.
I was planning to make TK my preferred Star Alliance airline, as I have had good experiences with their service. I like that they have a good selection of meal choices and proper meals even on European flights in Economy. And TK offers several interesting connections via Istanbul.
Feb 23, 2014, 2:34 pm
#51
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: BA Gold, TP Silver
Posts: 888
I have been trying to get a TK Gold status match with my Finnair Platinum (=One World Emerald). So far no luck. After providing TK what they wanted, there was another excuse: "In order to evaluate your request about Gold membership status match, we would like you to send us a copy of your original Gold membership card (we can't accept combined card) together with the copy of your membership statement for the last two months period..."
Now TK does not accept a combined card, which is unfortunately the only card Finnair is providing if you want a combination FinnairPlus & Diners or FinnairPlus & MarsterCard.
I was planning to make TK my preferred Star Alliance airline, as I have had good experiences with their service. I like that they have a good selection of meal choices and proper meals even on European flights in Economy. And TK offers several interesting connections via Istanbul.
Now TK does not accept a combined card, which is unfortunately the only card Finnair is providing if you want a combination FinnairPlus & Diners or FinnairPlus & MarsterCard.
I was planning to make TK my preferred Star Alliance airline, as I have had good experiences with their service. I like that they have a good selection of meal choices and proper meals even on European flights in Economy. And TK offers several interesting connections via Istanbul.
Feb 23, 2014, 2:46 pm
#52
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,586
I have been trying to get a TK Gold status match with my Finnair Platinum (=One World Emerald). So far no luck. After providing TK what they wanted, there was another excuse: "In order to evaluate your request about Gold membership status match, we would like you to send us a copy of your original Gold membership card (we can't accept combined card) together with the copy of your membership statement for the last two months period..."
Now TK does not accept a combined card, which is unfortunately the only card Finnair is providing if you want a combination FinnairPlus & Diners or FinnairPlus & MarsterCard.
I was planning to make TK my preferred Star Alliance airline, as I have had good experiences with their service. I like that they have a good selection of meal choices and proper meals even on European flights in Economy. And TK offers several interesting connections via Istanbul.
Now TK does not accept a combined card, which is unfortunately the only card Finnair is providing if you want a combination FinnairPlus & Diners or FinnairPlus & MarsterCard.
I was planning to make TK my preferred Star Alliance airline, as I have had good experiences with their service. I like that they have a good selection of meal choices and proper meals even on European flights in Economy. And TK offers several interesting connections via Istanbul.
Mar 1, 2014, 5:25 am
#53
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: FLR
Programs: FlyingBlue, Bonus Aeroflot, China Destiny Miles, MilleMiglia
Posts: 158
Time for receiving the TK Gold card
I've been updated to Gold Elite at the end of December..
Got 1000 TK Miles recently on my account, with the trick of the new emails/phone/TK ID..
I've send an email to the Turkish local offices (Berlin) in order to receive the card by post..Requested also on the TK Miles&Smiles website..
Nothing. Zero. I'm still waiting to receive this holy TK Gold card.
Anyone of you was able to have it at home in 2014? Are they sending the Gold cards or not?
Got 1000 TK Miles recently on my account, with the trick of the new emails/phone/TK ID..
I've send an email to the Turkish local offices (Berlin) in order to receive the card by post..Requested also on the TK Miles&Smiles website..
Nothing. Zero. I'm still waiting to receive this holy TK Gold card.
Anyone of you was able to have it at home in 2014? Are they sending the Gold cards or not?
Mar 6, 2014, 5:04 am
#54
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 628
AA Plat here and was just turned down for a status match by TK:
Please be informed that only Star Alliance Gold , Skyteam Elite Plus and Oneworld Emerald members have an opportunity for Status Match.
Therefore we are sorry that we are unable to meet your demand positively.
Kind Regards,
TURKISH AIRLINES INC.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT
Please be informed that only Star Alliance Gold , Skyteam Elite Plus and Oneworld Emerald members have an opportunity for Status Match.
Therefore we are sorry that we are unable to meet your demand positively.
Kind Regards,
TURKISH AIRLINES INC.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT
Mar 6, 2014, 11:53 am
#55
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: UKB
Programs: NH*G, TK*G
Posts: 39
Only 6 days!
I sent a request of status matching on March 1, and it is approved today.
I sent a PDF of flight activity statement of Aegean Airlines, and the picture of the A3 gold card (both sides).
Unfortunately, no mentioning about card delivery.
I sent a PDF of flight activity statement of Aegean Airlines, and the picture of the A3 gold card (both sides).
Unfortunately, no mentioning about card delivery.
Mar 7, 2014, 8:33 am
#56
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: SYD
Programs: *A Gold
Posts: 31
A3 *G match without card scan?
Has one tried matching with TK without scan of the actual card (just with statement)?
I am A3*G but haven't received my card yet and I am planning to fly TK for an upcoming trip. I would love collecting some miles on TK itself if I can be matched.
I am A3*G but haven't received my card yet and I am planning to fly TK for an upcoming trip. I would love collecting some miles on TK itself if I can be matched.
Mar 8, 2014, 3:53 am
#57
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Backpacking around Asia
Programs: Qantas Platinum, Turkish Airlines Elite, Virgin Australia Silver
Posts: 6
Status match from Qantas Platinum
Just got matched to Elite Card level from my Qantas Platinum card. Sent a message through Turkish Airlines' online feedback form & received an approval email in a matter of days 
I attached a .pdf of last month's QFF statement & my QFF Platinum card in my application. In the message I suggested I was dissatisfied with Qantas & oneworld in general & wanted to switch to using Star Alliance carriers, especially Turkish
Not sure how much of this was necessary, but I tried to get matched a couple months ago just after I had turned Platinum but was still waiting for my card & was refused - they needed a copy of my QFF Platinum card.
No word on if/when I will be sent a Miles & Smiles Elite card...
I attached a .pdf of last month's QFF statement & my QFF Platinum card in my application. In the message I suggested I was dissatisfied with Qantas & oneworld in general & wanted to switch to using Star Alliance carriers, especially Turkish
Not sure how much of this was necessary, but I tried to get matched a couple months ago just after I had turned Platinum but was still waiting for my card & was refused - they needed a copy of my QFF Platinum card.
No word on if/when I will be sent a Miles & Smiles Elite card...
Mar 8, 2014, 4:11 am
#58
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,586
Just got matched to Elite Card level from my Qantas Platinum card. Sent a message through Turkish Airlines' online feedback form & received an approval email in a matter of days
I attached a .pdf of last month's QFF statement & my QFF Platinum card in my application. In the message I suggested I was dissatisfied with Qantas & oneworld in general & wanted to switch to using Star Alliance carriers, especially Turkish
Not sure how much of this was necessary, but I tried to get matched a couple months ago just after I had turned Platinum but was still waiting for my card & was refused - they needed a copy of my QFF Platinum card.
No word on if/when I will be sent a Miles & Smiles Elite card...
I attached a .pdf of last month's QFF statement & my QFF Platinum card in my application. In the message I suggested I was dissatisfied with Qantas & oneworld in general & wanted to switch to using Star Alliance carriers, especially Turkish
Not sure how much of this was necessary, but I tried to get matched a couple months ago just after I had turned Platinum but was still waiting for my card & was refused - they needed a copy of my QFF Platinum card.
No word on if/when I will be sent a Miles & Smiles Elite card...
Mar 11, 2014, 4:34 pm
#59
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,519
Was wondering any one have any trick to get the physical card mail out. Requested 3 times and still nothing. Summer vacation coming up and afraid no card no lounge. 
Mar 11, 2014, 5:38 pm
#60
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: UKB
Programs: NH*G, TK*G
Posts: 39
When I request for a physical card and luggage tags through the website form, TK replied me on the next business day that they had already sent the package on that day and asked me to let TK know so that TK arrange another shipment if I would not received it within one month. This is what I experienced a few days ago.