SkyTeam Elites Will Get Lounge Access on Domestic Flights

In some of the most interesting news we’ve seen this week, the SkyTeam Alliance is granting lounge access to its elite members even when flying on a domestic itinerary. This benefit is somewhat limited for now, but we expect to see more lounges offering access in the coming days.

Let’s take a look at what’s going on.

SkyTeam Elite Members Getting Domestic Lounge Access

As things stand now, elite members from the 3 major alliances — SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld — don’t have access to U.S. airline lounges when flying domestically.

This means that Delta SkyClubs, United Clubs, Alaska Airlines lounges, and American Airlines Admirals Clubs aren’t available to their elite members unless they’re on an eligible international flight.

However, Star Alliance has long allowed United elites to access lounges of other Star Alliance members, including Turkish Airlines and any Star Alliance-branded lounges, even when they’re flying entirely within the United States.

That’s a benefit that SkyTeam and Oneworld elite members have been missing. Clearly, SkyTeam has gotten the message. Starting April 1, 2025, those with SkyTeam Elite Plus status will be able to access airline lounges on domestic flights.

Notably, Delta SkyClubs are excluded from this benefit. That makes sense, as the airline continues to grapple with overcrowding in its lounges. However, there are still a few locations that will be available to travelers:

• Boston (BOS): Air France
• Chicago (ORD): Scandinavian Airlines
• Washington, D.C. (IAD): Air France
• Houston (IAH): Air France
• New York (JFK): Air France
• San Francisco (SFO): Air France
• Los Angeles (LAX): Air France
• Newark (EWR): Scandinavian Airlines

How To Get Around Airline Lounge Limitations

Historically, the way to get around lounge access restrictions as a U.S. resident has been to get elite status from a foreign airline. Since the limitations have only applied when flying domestically, those with Air France elite status, for example, would be able to access Delta SkyClubs even when traveling within the United States.

This may still be the better option as Delta SkyClubs remain out of bounds for elite members, even with this improved lounge access policy.

Final Thoughts

SkyTeam has announced that as of April 1, 2025, those with SkyTeam Elite Plus status will be able to access airport lounges when flying domestically.

Although Delta SkyClubs won’t be participating in this change, a handful of Air France and Scandinavian Airlines lounges around the U.S. will be available to elite members. Now, it’s Oneworld’s turn to revamp its lounge access policy and catch up with the others.