Garuda extends Qantas status match, adds Virgin Australia

Garuda Indonesia is targeting Qantas and Virgin Australia’s most valuable frequent flyers with the offer of a free status match to the top tier of its GarudaMiles loyalty program.

The limited-time promotion, which has now been extended to June 30, 2024, sees Qantas Platinum and Virgin Australia Platinum cardholders granted complimentary Platinum VIP status for three months.

That gratis status can then be extended to a full 12 months through to early 2025 by flying Garuda Indonesia “at least once from Australia to Indonesia or via Indonesia during the initial three-month period,” Garuda says.

That flight can either be a one-way trip or a return journey.

However, the status match only applies to Platinum status “earned through flying”, meaning gifted, pooled status or complimentary status holders are ineligible for the promotion.

GarudaMiles Platinum status unlocks practical perks ranging from an additional checked luggage allowance to fast-track airport check-in and lounge access.

And with Garuda being a member of the SkyTeam alliance, your GarudaMiles status extends across the 18 other SkyTeam airlines to deliver worldwide benefits for globe-trotters on the likes of Air France, KLM, China Eastern, Delta Air Lines, Italy’s ITA Airlines, Korean Air, Taiwan’s China Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

GarudaMiles Platinum lines up against SkyTeam Elite Plus.

The Garuda-Qantas status match comes as Garuda plans to resume daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne by April, in concert with a proposed partnership between Garuda Indonesia and Qantas on Australia-Indonesia flights.

Click here for more details and to make your application for the Garuda Indonesia Qantas status match and slide a GarudaMiles Platinum card into your digital or real-world wallet.

And if it’s Star Alliance status you’re seeking, here’s an easy fast track to Star Alliance Gold.