Since March 2024, Turkish Airlines has been operating flights from Melbourne to Istanbul three times a week with Sydney to Istanbul flights via Kuala Lumpur coming this December. The airline also plans to launch non-stop flights from Istanbul to Sydney by 2026 with its new Airbus A350-1000 jets. The route will be an Australian first.

Because of this, the carrier is now doubling down on offers in the frequent flyer space to lure Qantas members to its loyalty program: Miles&Smiles.

Turkish Airlines Status Match

Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members can unlock an instant status match with Turkish Airlines. If the request is accepted, frequent flyers can access four months of Turkish airlines’ Elite tier membership through its Miles&Smiles loyalty program. This grants members airport lounge access with family members or one guest, free inflight WiFi, seat selection, increased luggage allowance, complimentary 'hold the price' service, special meal preferences and more. 

On top of that, because Turkish Airlines is part of Star Alliance, the Elite card unlocks Star Alliance Gold privileges across airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, United Airlines and ANA. Star Alliance Gold membership generally includes airport lounge access plus a guest also flying the alliance on the day of travel – this is regardless of class of travel.

Benefits also include priority check-in at counters displaying the gold symbol, priority boarding and baggage handling, extra baggage allowance and Gold Track to speed through security and immigration lines. 

To apply for the status match, first you need to sign up to Miles&Smiles loyalty program online through Turkish Airlines. This is free and generally a speedy process. Once you’re in, log into your new account, head to the feedback page of the website and select ‘New Feedback’. Scroll down to ‘Membership Processes’ and complete the required information.

In the ‘Feedback’ box, request a polite status match and attach proof of your Qantas status (such as your membership card, recent activity statement and your passport). Make sure you tick ‘Yes’ to receive a reply to your feedback, then hit submit. The approval process can take a few weeks. 

To extend the status match for another 12 months, members need to take one international flight with Turkish Airlines – in either economy or business – within the four month window. Members can add a second full year of Elite and Star Alliance Gold status by earning at least 15,000 miles through the Turkish Airline loyalty program within the first 12 months of holding the status. 

Double the miles

And double the smiles. Since launching the status match offer, Turkish Airlines has added double miles on all flights members take for a full year.

The offer is valid to Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members who are successful in securing the Turkish Airlines status match. The points earned will be the Turkish airline’s Miles&Smiles program and could represent a nice little stash for short haul flights within Europe. While there is no restriction in ticketing date, Turkish Airlines stipulates the status matching campaign will end on December 31, 2024.