The SkyTeam alliance is a global airline alliance that connects 437 million passengers annually to more than 1,000 destinations in 166 countries. The alliance was founded in 2000 with Delta Air Lines, Air France, Aeromexico, and Korean Air as its founding members. Since then, the alliance has grown to include a total of 19 member airlines.
SkyTeam alliance members
The SkyTeam alliance is made up of 19 member airlines from around the world. These airlines include Aerolinas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Xiamen Airlines.
Each of these airlines brings its own unique routes and services to the alliance, allowing passengers to easily connect between different airlines and reach a wide range of destinations around the globe. By working together, the SkyTeam member airlines are able to offer their passengers a seamless travel experience with convenient connections and consistent service standards.
SkyTeam alliance status tiers
The SkyTeam alliance offers two levels of elite status for frequent flyers: Elite and Elite Plus. These status tiers provide a range of benefits to passengers, including priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to airport lounges. Here’s a closer look at each tier:
SkyTeam Elite:
– Priority reservation waitlist
– Preferred seating
– Priority check-in counters
– Priority boarding
– Extra baggage allowance
SkyTeam Elite Plus:
– Ability to book full-fare Y-class reservations on sold-out long-haul flights
– Access to airport lounges worldwide with a guest
– Priority baggage handling on arrival
– Extra baggage allowance
To qualify for SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus status, passengers must hold elite status with one of the member airlines. For example, Delta Silver Medallion status confers SkyTeam Elite status, while Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion status confers SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
SkyTeam lounges
One of the key benefits of holding SkyTeam Elite Plus status is access to the alliance’s network of over 750 lounges worldwide. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, and business facilities.
To access a SkyTeam lounge, passengers must be traveling on an international SkyTeam flight and hold Elite Plus status or be traveling in a qualifying premium cabin. Elite Plus members can also bring one guest into the lounge with them, as long as the guest is traveling internationally on a SkyTeam airline.
It’s important to note that each SkyTeam lounge has its own access policy, so passengers should check the specific rules for the lounge they plan to visit. Additionally, while SkyTeam lounges offer a range of benefits, the quality and amenities of each lounge can vary depending on the location and airline.
In conclusion, the SkyTeam alliance provides a valuable network of airlines that allow passengers to easily connect between different carriers and reach a wide range of destinations around the world. By offering elite status tiers and access to a global network of lounges, the alliance aims to provide a seamless and comfortable travel experience for its passengers. While the benefits of SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status can vary depending on the airline, overall, the alliance offers a range of perks that can enhance the travel experience for frequent flyers.