- Aditya Bagaria
Your guide to SkyTeam!
Updated: Dec 17, 2020
You may have seen the wavy-blue-like structure whenever you traveled on Delta Airlines within the States. That’s because Delta is part of the SkyTeam alliance!
Airlines:
1. Aeroflot
2. Aerolineas Argentinas
3. Aero Mexico
4. Air France
5. Alitalia
6. China Airlines
7. China Eastern
8. Czech Airlines
9. Delta Airlines
10. Garuda Indonesia
11. Kenya Airways
12. KLM
13. Korean Air
14. MEA
15. Saudia
16. Tarom Vietnam Airlines
17. Xiamen Air
Status:
If you hold qualifying status with any SkyTeam member, you will have Star Alliance Elite or Elite Plus status. For instance, Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion status holders are SkyTeam Elite Plus.
For this example, let’s assume I am a Diamond Medallion member on Delta. If I book a flight on Air France, I am sure to put my Delta SkyMiles number into the booking (done at the time of booking or on the reservation page). As soon as I link my Air France reservation with my Delta SkyMiles number, Air France verifies the number with the SkyMiles server and recognizes my Elite Plus status. This is extremely valuable as it lets every SkyTeam member knows I am a special customer and allows me to access lounges, priority boarding, etc.
Benefits:
SkyTeam Elite Plus
Lounge access
Guaranteed reservations on sold-out flights
SkyPriority recognition
Priority at transfer desks
Priority at immigration and security lanes
Extra baggage allowance
Priority baggage handling
Priority check-in
Priority baggage drop-off
Priority seating
Priority boarding
Priority airport standby
SkyTeam Elite:
Extra baggage allowance
Priority check-in
Priority baggage drop-off
Priority seating
Priority boarding
Priority airport standby
Bottom line:
SkyTeam has provided value at every status level. While Elite doesn’t have lounge access, it does have extra baggage allowance which can save costly extra luggage charges! Alliance status is a major perk when traveling abroad or in economy class. It can get you free upgrades, lounge access, and more!