Priority access, extra baggage and lounges: a complete guide to SkyTeam benefits
SkyTeam is one of the big three airline alliances. Established in 2000, making it the newest addition to [...]
Saudia
Korean Air
KLM
Delta
Alitalia
Air France
Aeromexico
Aeroflot
SkyTeam
SkyTeam is one of the big three airline alliances. Established in 2000, making it the latest addition in relation to the triptych completed by Star Alliance e Oneworld. Over the years, however, there has been tremendous growth of the young alliance, which now ranks second in terms of number of passengers carried and members. As many as 19 companies have decided to take part, from five continents. In addition, there is also a cargo alliance, formed in 2012, SkyTeam Cargo, consisting of a total of 10 carriers.
In this article:
Here is all companies:
- Aeroflot (suspended)
- Aerolineas Argentinas
- Aeromexico (founding member)
- Air Europa
- Air France (founding member)
- China Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Czech Airlines
- Delta Air Lines (founding member)
- Garuda Indonesia
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Korean Air (founding member)
- Middle East Airlines
- Saudia
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Xiamen Airlines
The main advantages
The best bonuses
By obtaining elite status with one of the companies that are part of the alliance, it is possible to gain access to a large number of advantages. Here are the main ones that will be really hard to do without:
- Qualifying SkyTeam flights worldwide allow you to earn XP. Their number depends on the class of travel and type of flight purchased
- Access to SkyTeam member lounges worldwide. More than 750 luxury environments, dedicated to Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers
- You can save valuable time at the airport by obtaining priority status at check-in. Added to this is the possibility of priority boarding
- It is permissible to obtain one additional piece of luggage. This is a considerable advantage, taking into account the expected costs of boarding one's own suitcases and the new prices quoted by various companies to be able to obtain space in the overhead compartments on board
- On every SkyTeam intercontinental flight, worldwide, a seat in Economy will always be guaranteed, even if the sector is sold out
- Based on the remaining availability, an attempt will always be made to meet the customer's requests in order to guarantee the precise place desired
- You automatically get priority status within the waiting list for the requested flight. This means automatically placing yourself at the top of the list, regardless of whether other "regular" users had booked earlier
- No excessive waiting at baggage handling. One's checked baggage will have a special label, indicating that they are SkyTeam Elite Plus members. This results in quick delivery to the pickup area
Crowne Lounge Amsterdam
SkyTeam Benefits
There are two statuses provided by SkyTeam, characterized by different benefits. They are. SkyTeam Elite e SkyTeam Elite Plus.
SkyTeam Elite
All SkyTeam Elite customers can apply for a boarding pass valid for the entire trip, which includes the various connecting flights. However, it is necessary that these are operated by a SkyTeam carrier and, at the same time, are included in the same reservation.
Basic status provides facilities for baggage and security routes. One's belongings will always have priority during boarding and collection at the belt. The user will also enjoy facilities during passport control and at security checkpoints, avoiding annoying lines. This is no small advantage, considering the longer timelines due to Covid-19.
SkyTeam Elite Plus
Elite Plus clients have access to SkyPriority, a preferred route through the airport to make travel more convenient and easier. The basis of privileges is the same as for Elite status. Added to this are a variety of other benefits:
- SkyTeam lounge access
- Reserved tickets on sold-out flights
- Priority access to the transfer desk
- Priority access to the security and immigration gate
- Extra baggage
- Priority check-in access
- Priority pickup of one's luggage on the belt
- Early Boarding
- Early access to the aircraft
As far as Alitalia customers are concerned, the Ulysses club corresponds to the Elite level, while from the Winged Arrow upwards you get the Elite Plus level
SkyTeam Lounge
SkyTeam offers its affiliates beautiful lounges around the world. The doors to these exclusive spaces will open only within the departure airports and those suitable for transfer to the final destination. Once you reach your destination you will have no such privilege. All one will have to do is show one's ticket to get the bonus.
Access is granted to all passengers in First and Business Class engaged in international travel with alliance member operators. The same privilege is granted to users SkyTeam Elite Plus, who have the option of inviting a guest. Access is allowed within 24 hours before departure.
More than 750 lounges are available worldwide. Through the Lounge Finder system, it is possible to discover all the airports at which dedicated spaces for Elite Plus users can be accessed. Over the years, however, exclusive SkyTeam lounges have been developed and can be found at the following airports (the opening of the lounge in Santiago, Chile, is pending):
- Dubai (DXB)
- Istanbul (IST)
- Santiago del Chile (SCL)
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Sydney (SYD)
- Beijing (BJS)
- Hong Kong (HKG)
- Vancouver (YVR)
How to earn miles
Earning miles through SkyTeam member airlines is very simple. All you need to do is indicate your reference code, which is reserved for all frequent flyers, when you make your reservation or check in. Your miles will be credited automatically
In addition to flights, it is also possible to earn miles by renting a vehicle through Hertz while getting great discounts on service. It is in fact almost impossible not to get the bonuses provided. Although you do not indicate your customer code, the system allows for a back-crediting of miles. All you need to do is log into your account, go to the designated area, and enter the details of the flight in question.
Purchasing a free ticket with the bonuses accumulated on your profile is definitely simple. This can be done through the dedicated "frequent flyer" site. A few clicks and you will be ready to go.