Etihad Guest status match for Australian residents [improved offer as of 22/11/24]

[somebol]

I was also matched to platinum and have no past or future Etihad flights

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Seems like Velocity Platinums are receiving Etihad Platinum? Great deal!

 

[Happy Dude]

When I applied it had a graphic that said something like "your Velocity status (Platinum) -------> your EY Guest status (Gold)".

Was that the same for those that've been matched to WP? @Mickeyc747, @somebol , @dandandan? Hoping to be pleasantly surprised too.

 

[Mickeyc747]

When I applied it had a graphic that said something like "your Velocity status (Platinum) -------> your EY Guest status (Gold)".

Was that the same for those that've been matched to WP? @Mickeyc747, @somebol , @dandandan? Hoping to be pleasantly surprised too.

Yes that’s what mine said but came back as Platinum. Took less than 24 hours.

 

[nightelves]

I was also matched to platinum and have no past or future Etihad flights

Do you know how long you get to keep platinum for? What was the expiry date?

 

[somebol]

Do you know how long you get to keep platinum for? What was the expiry date?

Got it till 31/5/25.

However the email doesn’t mention anything about how to extend the status beyond the initial expiry

 

[jase05]

Got it till 31/5/25.

However the email doesn’t mention anything about how to extend the status beyond the initial expiry

One return journey on EY to extend it by 12 more months

 

[Mattg]

One return journey on EY to extend it by 12 more months

Does it have to be a return journey?

 

[jase05]

Does it have to be a return journey?

Yes, it’s in the T&C’s

 

[elanshin]

Yes, it’s in the T&C’s
View attachment 416970

Does it have to be a return journey?

Maybe a short distance return flight from somewhere like CAI or elsewhere in the ME.

 

[jase05]

Maybe a short distance return flight from somewhere like CAI or elsewhere in the ME.

Yep. Even just a short little jaunt around the ME is fine

 

[VPS]

Just applied using my Qatar gold and was rejected because Qatar was from a previous Status match with Virgin

 

[nightelves]

Just applied using my Qatar gold and was rejected because Qatar was from a previous Status match with Virgin

I don’t get it. So you can’t use the same status to match with this one?

 

[VPS]

I don’t get it. So you can’t use the same status to match with this one?

I lost Virgin Platinum ages ago and Qatar was a SM from them. That's OK it didn't cost anything and was worth a try

 

[nightelves]

I lost Virgin Platinum ages ago and Qatar was a SM from them. That's OK it didn't cost anything and was worth a try

I did the same status match years ago as well. What I’m curious is why they’re not allowing you to match to Qatar?

 

[jase05]

I don’t get it. So you can’t use the same status to match with this one?

Plenty of status matches ask for proof that you have earned status legitimately and not via another status match.

 

[VPS]

I did the same status match years ago as well. What I’m curious is why they’re not allowing you to match to Qatar?

I’m trying to match Qatar to Etihad with no success

 

[Gold Member]

TLDR - website errors following upload links? Turn off wifi/avoid local network/ISP.

After noticing other members' experiences of successfully matching VA Platinum to EY Platinum, I decided to take the plunge purely as a potential for future status matches to other programs in the future. EY's Platinum status offers very few tangible benefits for my circumstances but at least I can add it to my DYKWIA wallet.

I submitted a picture of my status logged in to the Velocity desktop website using my phone. It showed all of the information requested in a single shot. This approach seemed archaic but understandable given the fraud/security rationale etc. Importantly, the application specifically requested a picture, and not a screenshot in the application instructions. A day later I then received a message stating that I need to send them a screenshot and to follow a new link to upload. Grrrrr. Following that link in my browser I get the following error:

​

Service Unavailable​

This website does not permit the use of anonymous connections.

Disable your VPN or contact your system administrator for more information.


So I tried 4 different browsers on desktop and two IOS browsers. Nothing worked. Racking my brain a bit, I tried turning off wifi figuring it could be my ISP (or even my router) and voila. So as a courtesy to others that may experience this problem, try bypassing your ISP/local wifi and use 4/5G instead.

 

[Happy Dude]

Circling back with confirmation that my Velocity WP has been status matched to Etihad Guest WP. The match was pretty much instant and the app took a few days to reflect the matched status.

Now to figure out the benefits.....

 

[ceetee]

Just signed up and received approval within one day. VA Plat got me Etihad Guest Plat! Nice perk. Was concerned this offer would end before EOY so grabbed it now. Will fly with EY in the new year. Can’t wait to experience Abu Dhabi first lounge!