I wrote here about how I managed to use my BAEC Silver card to get status matched to Star Alliance Gold through Avianca Brazil. All I had to do was send a picture of my BA Silver card and, using Google translate, put in a request in Portuguese. I had had confirmation online a while back in November 2015 and was both pleased and surprised to see that an actual card had landed on my doorstep today.

This adds another 27 airlines where I can use status.

Whilst I am unlikely to be flying on Shenzhen Airlines, I should be able to benefit from some additional perks if I do!

The bottom line is that it is worthwhile applying for these when they come along, as you never know when they will be useful.