SkyTeam Alliance: Benefits and How to Become a Member

SkyTeam Alliance – Which Airlines Are Members of SkyTeam

Here are all the member airlines that are part of the SkyTeam Alliance

• Aerolíneas Argentinas
• Aeroméxico
• Air Europa
• Air France
• China Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Garuda Indonesia
• Kenya Airways
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Korean Air
• Middle East Airlines
• Saudia
• Scandinavian Airlines SAS
• TAROM
• Vietnam Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Xiamen Airlines

Air Canada is not part of the SkyTeam Airline Alliance members, but rather of Star Alliance. Aeroflot, which was previously a member, has been suspended from the alliance due to the war in Ukraine.

SkyTeam Alliance – How to Become a SkyTeam Member

Does the SkyTeam Airline Alliance have its own loyalty program? The short answer is no, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find the reality is more complex.

Although the SkyTeam Airline Alliance does not have its own loyalty program and you cannot become a direct SkyTeam member, you can achieve an equivalent status through a participating member airline’s frequent flyer program.

To do so, you first need to become a loyal member of a SkyTeam Airline Alliance member airline and reach a certain status level within its frequent flyer program before you can earn SkyTeam status.

For example, with Air France’s loyalty program, the SkyTeam Elite Plus status is equivalent to Flying Blue Gold and Flying Blue Platinum statuses.

SkyTeam Airline Alliance – SkyTeam Status Levels and Their Benefits

There are two SkyTeam status levels in total:

• SkyTeam Elite
• SkyTeam Elite Plus

Each offers a wide range of exclusive benefits and rewards to its holders.

SkyTeam Elite

As a SkyTeam Elite passenger, you enjoy a wide range of benefits and privileges, including:

• Priority check-in: SkyTeam Elite passengers have access to dedicated check-in desks, allowing for a smoother and faster check-in process.
• Priority boarding: Elite passengers can board the aircraft earlier, giving them plenty of time to get settled and store their carry-on baggage.
• Preferred seating: SkyTeam Elite members often have access to preferred seating, such as seats with more legroom or near the front of the cabin.
• Additional baggage allowance: Elite members generally receive a higher baggage allowance, enabling them to bring more luggage on their flights.
• Access to airport lounges: Elite passengers can enjoy access to luxurious airport lounges, offering a comfortable and relaxing environment to unwind before or after their flight.

SkyTeam Elite Plus

SkyTeam Elite Plus offers all the above benefits, plus the following:

• Guaranteed reservations on full flights: Elite Plus passengers are guaranteed a seat on full long-haul flights if they have a full-price ticket, at least 24 hours before departure.
• Priority security and immigration: Elite Plus members can benefit from accelerated security and immigration queues at certain airports, saving valuable time.
• SkyPriority services: Elite Plus members have access to SkyPriority services, including priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling, allowing them to travel with complete peace of mind.
• Recognition within the alliance worldwide: Elite Plus status is recognized by all member airlines of the SkyTeam alliance, regardless of the airline from which the status was acquired.

SkyTeam Airline Alliance – How to Earn and Redeem Miles with SkyTeam

Whether you fly with one of the member airlines or use a partner credit card, there are many ways to maximize your SkyTeam Miles. Earning and redemption conditions vary according to the frequent flyer program chosen, so it’s important to be well-informed and compare options.

Flying with SkyTeam Partner Airlines

To earn miles in the SkyTeam alliance, simply book an eligible flight with one of the member airlines via the frequent flyer program of your choice – for example, Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) or SkyMiles (Delta). The number of miles earned generally depends on the distance flown, the fare class and the type of ticket.

As each program applies its own rates, it’s a good idea to check each airline’s specific conditions before booking.

Once your points have been accumulated, you can redeem them for award tickets on any member airline of the alliance, subject to availability. Reservations are made directly from your member space on the website of the frequent flyer program to which you belong.

Using SkyTeam Partner Credit Cards

If you don’t see a Canadian airline in SkyTeam, don’t worry. As Canadians, there’s a list of frequent flyer programs that offer points transfers to member airlines of the SkyTeam alliance. We’ve published an article detailing the main Canadian transferable points programs.

Notable credit cards include the American Express Cobalt^® Card, which lets you transfer Membership Rewards points to Air France KLM Flying Blue. The same applies to other American Express Membership Rewards credit cards, such as the American Express^® Gold Rewards Card and the American Express^® Platinum Card.

Marriott Bonvoy credit cards can also be used to transfer points to many other SkyTeam airline partners, such as Korean Air SKYPASS, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles, Aeromexico Club Premier and more. However, these transfers often result in a loss of value, so it’s important to think carefully about how you intend to use your points.

SkyTeam Airline Alliance – Is SkyTeam Really Worth It?

The SkyTeam airline alliance has advantages and disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages:

Benefits

• Global connectivity: SkyTeam’s extensive global network makes it easy to travel to almost any corner of the world. With over 1,088 destinations in more than 184 countries, passengers can easily plan multi-destination trips using the alliance’s efficient connectivity.
• Smooth transfers: SkyTeam member airlines work in harmony to ensure smooth transfers for passengers with connecting flights. This reduces waiting times and improves the overall travel experience.
• Worldwide recognition: Elite status with a member airline is recognized by all SkyTeam carriers, enabling passengers to enjoy uniform benefits and recognition, regardless of the airline they fly with.

Cons

• Limited Alliance hubs: SkyTeam’s major hubs are mainly located in Europe, Asia and North America, which may be less convenient for travellers who frequently visit other regions. For example, Aerolineas is the only airline operating in South America, which could result in less efficient travel itineraries and a lack of flexibility when it comes to earning and redeeming points.
• The challenges of elite status: Achieving and maintaining elite status as part of a frequent flyer program can be competitive and challenging. SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status can require significant flying and spending on specific member airlines, making it more difficult for infrequent travellers to enjoy elite benefits.

SkyTeam Alliance – Bottom Line

The SkyTeam airline alliance, with its diverse list of member carriers, continues to revolutionize the way we travel the world. By fostering cooperation and connectivity, the alliance creates a consistent travel experience for passengers across continents. Whether for business or leisure, SkyTeam’s commitment to excellence makes it the preferred choice for travellers seeking convenience, rewards and a touch of adventure.

Our tips for optimizing your Miles when traveling with SkyTeam airlines? Compare programs (some itineraries cost less in miles depending on the program used), look out for promotions (such as Flying Blue Promo Awards) and use your American Express cards to transfer your miles for use with SkyTeam member airlines. Last but not least, be quick about it, as availability for award tickets can go fast, especially in high season.

SkyTeam Alliance – Frequently Asked Questions