I wrote about Taiwan’s brand new airline Starlux a couple of times now and it seems my predictions came true as the airline has just opened a Status Match campaign for tiers from competing airlines.
Members of their COSMILE program can participate in the promotion and apply to have their membership level upgraded based on their status with another program.
Having status match promotions isn’t uncommon for brand new airlines or programs that want to jump start their membership base and potentially scalp profitable customers from the competition.
When I wrote about Starlux having their first inaugural routes scheduled and open for sale last week I tried to register for COSMILE but was unable to complete the registration because the registration code just wouldn’t arrive at my email.
Eventually it landed in my inbox two days after I attempted registration by which time the link was already expired. A second attempt was finally successful. I already floated the idea that Starlux would eventually offer a status match to their new customers. I found details about exactly that while going through the website for a little bit.
You can access details about their status match promotion on their website and download the pdf document here.
The details on the website regarding the tier match say:
This application is applied to high-tier of other airline’s frequent flyer member.
Please enroll as a COSMILE member first and only can apply once. Also, please fill in COSMILE OAL Member Card Tier Match Application Form and attach other airline’s valid member card copy and other airline’s flight record in recent year, then email to STARLUX Customer Service Center (customerservice@cs.starlux-airlines.com) for application.
Before December 31st, 2020, for those who submit the application, the validity of COSMILE card tier will be adjusted to 4 years after approved. As to the upgrade and renewal standards, please follow the terms and conditions of COSMILE.
After January 1st, 2021, for those who submit the application, the validity of applied COSMILE card tier, upgrade and renewal standards will follow the terms and conditions of COSMILE after approved.
It will take 30 working days for verification, please wait for the reply from STARLUX Customer Service Agent.
So a successful status match would be valid for FOUR years? That sounds almost too good to be true.
There is no restriction on which airlines program would be considered for a tier match, you can basically fill in any program and corresponding tier level. However at the same time it says that COSMILE reserves the right to reject a status/application.
Here are the status levels of COSMILE and some of their benefits:
Explorer and Insighter is obviously the desirable level that one would want to match to. It comes with various priority services including lounge access as well as extra baggage allowance.
Main condition is
The applicant for “Other airline tier match” must provide flight record from the most recent year and photocopy of a valid OAL membership card and only allowed to apply once.
Again there is no information as far as eligible airlines, routies or activities is concerned. You just have to give it a go!
Conclusion
I’d imagine that immediate competition such as EVA Air and China Airlines will be matched straight out. When applying with another carrier from the region such as Cathay Pacific there shouldn’t be an issue either.
Using programs of other regions such as American AAdvantage, British Airways Executive Club, United Mileage Plus or Delta Skymiles should probably show some flight activity to/from Taiwan. I’d also highlight their benefits you receive locally when leaving TPE (EVA/China Airlines/Cathay Pacific lounge).
