The SkyTeam Alliance: All You Need to Know (Partners Listed)

Table of Contents

SkyTeam Alliance

SkyTeam Alliance

“Caring more about you.”

Founded: June 2000
Headquarters: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
Website: skyteam.com

The Numbers/Statistics

Annual Customers: 630+ million
Daily Flights: 14,500+
Destinations: 1,150+
Countries: 175+
Lounges: 750+

SkyTeam Partners

Aeroflot (temporarily suspended)	ITA Airways
Aerolineas Argentinas	Kenya Airways
Aeromexico	KLM
Air Europa	Korean Air
Air France	Middle East Airlines
Delta Air Lines	Saudia Airlines
China Airlines	Tarom
China Eastern	Vietnam Airlines
Czech Airlines	Virgin Atlantic
Garuda Indonesia	Xiamen Airlines

How It Works

To achieve SkyTeam status, members must first accrue status through their respective partner airline of choice. Once this is achieved, an equivalent SkyTeam tier status is issued and travelers become a SkyTeam Elite frequent flyer which is recognized across all 20 SkyTeam carriers (see “Status Equivalents” below).

Miles earned through multiple different airline programs cannot be combined to reach the designation for SkyTeam status.

That being said, passengers traveling on eligible flights operated by SkyTeam member airlines will accrue miles/points, which can be redeemed across the entire SkyTeam network.

Status Levels

SkyTeam Elite
SkyTeam Elite Plus

Benefits

SkyTeam Tier	Elite	Elite Plus
Priority Reservation Waitlist/Standby	✓	✓
Preferred Seating	✓	✓
Priority Check-In Counters	✓	✓
Priority Boarding	✓	✓
Extra Baggage Allowance	✓	✓
Priority Baggage Drop-Off	✓	✓
Priority Baggage Handling		✓
Guaranteed Reservation on Sold-Out Flights		✓
Airport Lounge Access		✓
Priority Security Lanes (Select Airports)		✓
Priority Immigration Lanes (Select Airports)		✓
SkyPriority Recognition		✓
Priority Transfer Desks		✓

Tier Breakdown

SkyTeam Elite: When your respective tier status is equivalent to SkyTeam Elite, you may take advantage of the following benefits, no matter which SkyTeam airline you are flying or cabin class you’re assigned.

Priority on Waitlists and When on Standby (Where Offered)

This allows those with status to move ahead of other non-status flyers on reservation lists and standby lists, making it more likely to be granted a seat on the flight in question.

Access to Preferred/Pre-Reserved Seating (Where Offered)

SkyTeam Elite/Plus members are allowed the opportunity to select seats which are available only to them, from the time of booking.

Access to Priority Check-In Counters

This can significantly expedite time spent in line/at the airport ticket counter.

Access to Priority Boarding

Priority boarding is usually called somewhere after pre-board travelers (passengers needing assistance, passengers with young children, etc.) and premium cabin passengers, but before general boarding.

Extra Baggage Allowance*

Using the “weight” concept, Elite members are eligible for an additional 22 pounds (10 kg.) baggage weight.
Using the “piece” concept, Elite members are eligible for 1 extra piece of luggage.

* Exclusions apply.

Access to Priority Baggage Drop-Off

This can significantly expedite time spent checking and dropping off any baggage.

SkyTeam Elite Plus: When your respective tier status is equivalent to SkyTeam Elite Plus, you may take advantage of the following benefits, no matter which SkyTeam airline you are flying or cabin class you’re assigned.

Access to all of the above SkyTeam Elite benefits are included, with the following differences/additions:

Extra Baggage Allowance*

Using the “weight” concept, Elite Plus members are eligible for an additional 44 pounds (20 kg.) baggage weight.
Using the “piece” concept, Elite Plus members are eligible for 1 extra piece of luggage.

* Exclusions apply.

Priority Baggage Handling

This ensures SkyTeam Elite Plus member baggage is given priority from aircraft to carousel when traveling on any cabin on any eligible SkyTeam flight.

Guaranteed Reservations on Sold-Out Flights

Elite Plus members are eligible for guaranteed full-fare Y-class reservations on sold-out long-haul flights, at least 24 hours prior to departure.

Access to Over 750+ Airport Lounges When Traveling Internationally.*

This includes premium first class, business and frequent flyer lounges, regardless of service class flown at the time of travel.
This also includes 1 guest (must be traveling on a flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier, same flight not required); exceptions apply — more lounge details here.
Lounge access is not permitted only on departures and transfers, not on arrival.

Access to Priority Security Lanes (At Select Airports, for Select Carriers)

This can significantly decrease security wait times.
Restrictions and local agreements cause significant variations in the ability to utilize this benefit. More information is available here.

Access to Priority Immigration Lanes (At Select Airports, for Select Carriers)

This can significantly decrease immigration/customs wait times.
Restrictions and local agreements cause significant variations in the ability to utilize this benefit. More information is available here.

Access to Priority Transfer Desks

This can significantly decrease connection/transfer wait times.
Restrictions and local agreements cause significant variations in the ability to utilize this benefit. More information is available here.

SkyPriority Recognition

SkyPriority Recognition includes all of the services above. In addition, you may be recognized for your loyalty.
SkyPriority is applicable for all flights operated by SkyTeam carriers including SkyTeam regional carriers and affiliates that fly under the same code of the SkyTeam carrier. More information is available here.

Status Equivalents

Aeroflot (Temporarily Suspended)

Aeroflot Bonus Silver = SkyTeam Elite
Aeroflot Bonus Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus
Aeroflot Bonus Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Aerolíneas Argentinas

Aerolíneas Plus Oro = SkyTeam Elite
Aerolíneas Plus Platino = SkyTeam Elite Plus
Aerolíneas Plus Diamente = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Aeroméxico

Club Premier Gold = SkyTeam Elite
Club Premier Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus
Club Premier Titanium = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Air Europa

SUMA Silver = SkyTeam Elite
SUMA Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus
SUMA Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Air France/KLM, Kenya Airways, TAROM

Flying Blue Silver = SkyTeam Elite
Flying Blue Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus
Flying Blue Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus

China Airlines

Dynasty Flyer Gold = SkyTeam Elite
Dynasty Flyer Emerald = SkyTeam Elite Plus
Dynasty Flyer Paragon = SkyTeam Elite Plus

China Eastern Airlines

Eastern Miles Silver = SkyTeam Elite
Eastern Miles Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Czech Airlines

OK Plus Silver = SkyTeam Elite
OK Plus Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus
OK Plus Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Delta Air Lines

SkyMiles Silver Medallion = SkyTeam Elite
SkyMiles Gold Medallion = SkyTeam Elite Plus
SkyMiles Platinum Medallion = SkyTeam Elite Plus
SkyMiles Diamond Medallion = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Miles Gold = SkyTeam Elite
Garuda Miles Gold EC+ = SkyTeam Elite
Garuda Miles Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus

ITA Airways

Volare (TBD)

Korean Air

SKYPASS Morning Calm Club = SkyTeam Elite
SKYPASS Morning Calm Premium Club = SkyTeam Elite Plus
SKYPASS Million Miler Club = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Middle East Airlines

Cedar Miles Silver = SkyTeam Elite
Cedar Miles Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus
Cedar Miles Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Saudia

Alfursan Silver = SkyTeam Elite
Alfursan Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Vietnam Airlines

Golden Lotus Plus Titanium = SkyTeam Elite
Golden Lotus Plus Gold = SkyTeam Elite
Golden Lotus Plus Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Silver = SkyTeam Elite
Virgin Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus

XiamenAir

Egret Club Silver = SkyTeam Elite
Egret Club Gold = SkyTeam Elite
Egret Club Platinum = SkyTeam Elite Plus
Egret Club Diamond = SkyTeam Elite Plus

Airline and Frequent Flyer Program		SkyTeam Elite	SkyTeam Elite Plus
Aeroflot	Aeroflot Bonus	Silver	Gold Platinum
Aerolíneas Argentinas	Aerolíneas Plus	Oro	Platino Diamente
Aeroméxico	Club Premier	Gold	Platinum Titanium
Air Europa	SUMA	Silver	Gold Platinum
Air France/KLM, Kenya Airways, and TAROM	Flying Blue	Silver	Gold Platinum
China Airlines	Dynasty Flyer	Gold	Emerald Paragon
China Eastern Airlines	Eastern Miles	Silver	Gold
Czech Airlines	OK Plus	Silver	Gold Platinum
Delta Air Lines	SkyMiles	Silver	Gold Platinum Diamond
Garuda Indonesia	Garuda Miles	Gold Gold EC+	Platinum
ITA Airways	Volare	TBD	TBD
Korean Air	SKYPASS	Morning Calm Club	Morning Calm Premium Club Million Miler Club
Middle East Airlines	Cedar Miles	Silver	Gold Platinum
Saudia	Alfursan	Silver	Gold
Vietnam Airlines	Golden Lotus Plus	Titanium Gold	Platinum
Virgin Atlantic	Flying Club	Silver	Gold
XiamenAir	Egret Club	Silver Gold	Platinum Diamond

SkyTeam Hubs

SkyTeam offers transfer service centers at each of their high-traffic hubs (those that are not currently open are being developed). For assistance with transfer information, printing a boarding pass, or selecting a seat, SkyTeam members can receive assistance at these centers.

Similarly, the SkyTeam service center can assist members in the event of missing a connecting flight by re-booking on the next available flight.

Self-service kiosks are also available at the SkyTeam main hubs.

Global hub cities currently include:

Aeroflot: Moscow (SVO), Pulkovo (LED)
Aerolíneas Argentinas: Buenos Aires (EZE, AEP), Cordoba (COR)
Aeroméxico: Guadalajara (GDL), Mexico City (MEX), Monterrey (MTY)
Air Europa: Madrid (MAD)
Air France: Lyon (LYS), Paris (CDG)
China Airlines: Kaohsiung (KHH), Taipei (TPE), Taichung (TXG)
China Eastern Airlines: Shanghai (PVG, SHA)
Delta Air Lines: Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), New York (JFK), Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA)
Garuda Indonesia: Bali-Denpasar (DPS), Jakarta (CGK)
ITA Airways: Milan (MXP), Rome (FCO)
Kenya Airways: Nairobi (NBO)
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Amsterdam (AMS)
Korean Air: Gimhae (PUS), Jeju (CJU), Seoul (ICN)
Middle East Airlines: Beirut (BEY)
Saudia: Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH)
TAROM: Bucharest (OTP)
Vietnam Airlines: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Virgin Atlantic: London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN)
Xiamen Air: Fuzhou (FOC), Xiamen (XMN)

Global Travel

Due to the number of cooperating airlines, providing travelers with opportunities for global travel is simplified within alliance networks.

With SkyTeam “Round the World,” members can choose a global journey with 2-15 stops. Itineraries must include at least 1 transatlantic flight, 1 transpacific flight, and 1 flight between Area 2 and Area 3. These trips must also start and end in the same country (same city not required).

Learn more about SkyTeam’s Round the World planning here.

SkyTeam Exclusive Lounges

SkyTeam provides “Exclusive Lounges” at the following airports:

Beijing (PEK): Terminal 2, Mezzanine Level
Dubai (DXB): Terminal 1, Concourse D
Hong Kong (HKG): Terminal 1, close to Gate 15
London-Heathrow (LHR): Terminal 4, opposite Gate 10
Sydney (SYD): International Terminal, Pier B (East) next to gate 24
Vancouver (YVR): West wing of the International Concourse D, near gate 53

Frequently asked questions

What airlines are in SkyTeam Alliance?

The airlines that constitute the SkyTeam alliance are:

Aeroflot (temporarily suspended)	ITA Airways
Aerolineas Argentinas	Kenya Airways
Aeromexico	KLM
Air Europa	Korean Air
Air France	Middle East Airlines
Delta Air Lines	Saudia Airlines
China Airlines	Tarom
China Eastern	Vietnam Airlines
Czech Airlines	Virgin Atlantic
Garuda Indonesia	Xiamen Airlines

How do you join SkyTeam Alliance?

You don't need to join the SkyTeam alliance. Instead, pick an airline to create a frequent flyer account on. Use this number on all of your SkyTeam bookings to earn miles and enjoy benefits.

How does SkyTeam Alliance work?

SkyTeam is a network of airlines cooperating on a large scale since 2000. By traveling within the network of airlines, you will enjoy elite benefits and be able to earn miles on different airlines!

Which is the best SkyTeam Alliance frequent flyer program?

There's no "one size fits all" answer to this. Some popular frequent flyer programs are Delta SkyMiles and Flying Blue.

What are the benefits of SkyTeam Elite status?

Here are the benefits you'll enjoy for being a SkyTeam Elite member, which is the introductory tier of elite status:

SkyTeam Elite Benefits

Priority Reservation Waitlist/Standby

Preferred Seating

Priority Check-In Counters

Priority Boarding

Extra Baggage Allowance

Priority Baggage Drop-Off

What are the benefits of SkyTeam Elite Plus status?

Here are the benefits you'll enjoy for being a SkyTeam Elite Plus member, which is the higher tier of elite status:

SkyTeam Elite Plus Benefits

Priority Reservation Waitlist/Standby

Preferred Seating

Priority Check-In Counters

Priority Boarding

Extra Baggage Allowance

Priority Baggage Drop-Off

Priority Baggage Handling

Guaranteed Reservation on Sold-Out Flights

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Security Lanes (Select Airports)

Priority Immigration Lanes (Select Airports)

SkyPriority Recognition

Priority Transfer Desks

8 comments

Georges Skaff May 24, 2019

xxxx xxx xxx is my card number.
I have Elite Plus Gold of Air France/ KLM,
It has a date 03/2017, is this the expiry date?

Erin Miller May 24, 2019
Hi Georges, please be advised we are not the SkyTeam Alliance. For your privacy, I have removed your card number from this comment… maybe some other readers can help you out here, as I’m not sure what this date is referring to.
Reply
- Mohammed Houari August 9, 2019
  Hello. How can I receive a card , I don’t have any information. I travel a lot with Sky Team. Thank you.
  Reply
  - Christine Krzyszton August 10, 2019
    Hello Mohammed. You can start by joining the frequent flyer program of the Sky Team airline on which you frequently fly. Providing that membership number when you fly will allow you to earn miles, eventually elite status on that airline, and corresponding status with Sky Team.
    Reply

Vera Tadevosyan August 25, 2022

Dear Customer Service Specialist, please help me with the following request: I was a member via Aeroflot airlines, but now since that was suspended, I would like to become a member of Sky Team via other airlines. Currently, I have a purchased ticket from Air France (bought like a couple of days before) and want to earn membership benefits through my upcoming flight. Please advise how I can become a member of Sky Team.

Christine Krzyszton August 25, 2022
Hello Vera. Please understand that we are not SkyTeam nor affiliated with the SkyTeam Alliance. We are Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in credit card rewards and travel resources. You can join the Air France frequent flyer program (Flying Blue) here: https://iran.airfrance.com/information/flyingblue/discover-flying-blue
Reply

Vera August 26, 2022

Hello Christine. Apologies for reaching out to you instead of SkyTeam. Your Google SE works in a way that makes Upgraded Points bounce up when a person types SkyTeam (especially in a rush))…Anyway tons of thanks for sending out the other link!
Please feel free to remove my comment if you wish/can do so.

Christine Krzyszton August 26, 2022
Questions are good, Vera, it may help others. Thanks for reading and you’re welcome.
Reply

Earn Points

Use Points

Business Credit Card Reviews

Business Guides

Air Travel Guides

Airline Points

Earn & Use Hotel Points

Hotel Loyalty Program Reviews

The SkyTeam Alliance: Everything You Need to Know (Partners Listed)