SkyTeam Alliance: Everything You Need to Know
As the world’s second largest airline alliance, the SkyTeam Alliance is made up of 19 member airlines that offer a wide range of benefits and rewards for frequent travellers. From earning miles and points to access to exclusive lounges, the SkyTeam Alliance is a popular choice for travellers looking to get the most out of their airline experiences.
SkyTeam Members/Airlines/Partners
The SkyTeam Alliance is made up of 19 member airlines from around the world, including:
- Aeroflot
- Aerolíneas Argentinas
- Aeroméxico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- Alitalia
- China Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Czech Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Garuda Indonesia
- Kenya Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- MEA
- Saudia
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Xiamen Airlines
In addition to these member airlines, SkyTeam also has a number of partner airlines that offer additional routes and benefits for travellers.
SkyTeam Alliance Flights
With a network that spans over 1,150 destinations in over 175 countries, SkyTeam offers a wide range of flight options for travellers. From short-haul flights within Europe to long-haul international routes, SkyTeam member airlines provide a comprehensive range of flight options for travellers.
Direct flights from London
| Destination | Departure at | Return at | Airline | Find tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaga | 18 April 2023 | 25 April 2023 |  | Tickets from GBP 47 |
| Alicante | 17 April 2023 | 24 April 2023 | | Tickets from GBP 48 |
| Amsterdam | 10 May 2023 | 12 May 2023 |  | Tickets from GBP 87 |
| Athens | 12 April 2023 | 20 April 2023 |  | Tickets from GBP 124 |
| Antalya | 17 April 2023 | 26 April 2023 |  | Tickets from GBP 81 |
| Barcelona | 19 April 2023 | 26 April 2023 | | Tickets from GBP 49 |
| Belgrade | 3 May 2023 | 5 May 2023 | | Tickets from GBP 86 |
| Berlin | 19 April 2023 | 19 April 2023 | | Tickets from GBP 51 |
| Belfast | 21 April 2023 | 23 April 2023 |  | Tickets from GBP 55 |
| Bilbao | 25 March 2023 | 26 March 2023 |  | Tickets from GBP 71 |
SkyTeam Alliance Credit Card
Many of the SkyTeam member airlines offer their own co-branded credit cards, which allow cardholders to earn miles or points on purchases made with the card. These miles or points can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards across the SkyTeam network.
Benefits of the SkyTeam credit card can vary depending on the airline and card type, but some common features include earning miles or points for purchases, bonus miles or points for signing up, and access to exclusive benefits such as priority boarding, lounge access, and free checked bags.
SkyTeam Alliance Frequent Flyer Program: Tiers
The SkyTeam Alliance frequent flyer program has three tiers of membership in addition to the basic level, which is known as SkyTeam Member. These three tiers are:
- SkyTeam Elite: The first tier of membership that provides additional benefits such as priority check-in and boarding, priority baggage handling, and some additional baggage allowance. To achieve SkyTeam Elite status, members must earn a specific amount of qualifying miles or segments within a calendar year.
- SkyTeam Elite Plus: The second tier of membership that offers enhanced benefits such as lounge access, increased baggage allowance, and priority boarding on all SkyTeam flights. To qualify for Elite Plus status, members must earn a higher amount of qualifying miles or segments within a calendar year.
- SkyTeam Exclusive: The highest tier of SkyTeam membership that is awarded by invitation only to the most frequent flyers who have reached Elite Plus status with multiple member airlines. SkyTeam Exclusive members receive the highest level of recognition and exclusive benefits, such as a dedicated reservation desk, personal assistance, and VIP treatment at airports.
Each tier offers a range of benefits and privileges designed to make travel more comfortable and convenient for frequent flyers, and the higher the tier, the greater the benefits.
SkyTeam Alliance Lounges
SkyTeam offers a network of over 600 lounges worldwide, providing travellers with a range of exclusive benefits and amenities. SkyTeam lounges offer comfortable seating, food and drink options, and free Wi-Fi access, among other amenities.
Who Has Access to the SkyTeam Lounge?
Access to the SkyTeam lounge varies depending on the airline and level of membership. Generally, access to the lounge is granted to travellers who are flying on a SkyTeam member airline and who have elite status or are travelling in a premium cabin.
What is the Dress Code for SkyTeam Lounge?
The dress code for the SkyTeam lounge can vary depending on the airline and location. Generally, the dress code is smart casual, which means no shorts or flip-flops.
The definition of “smart casual” can vary depending on the specific airline or airport lounge, but generally, it means dressing in a way that is neat, stylish, and comfortable, while avoiding overly casual or sporty clothing. For men, this may mean wearing dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt or a sweater, while women might opt for a blouse, skirt, or dress pants paired with a blouse or a nice top.
Clothing should be clean and free of holes or stains. It’s generally recommended to avoid wearing athletic wear, t-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops, as these items are typically considered too casual for most airport lounges and air travel. It’s always a good idea to check the specific dress code requirements of your airline or lounge to ensure that you are dressed appropriately and according to the customs of the country and culture of the location.
Does Sky Priority Get Sky Club Access?
Sky Priority is a premium service offered by some SkyTeam member airlines, which includes benefits such as priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. While Sky Priority does not automatically grant access to the Sky Club lounge, travellers with elite status or those travelling in a premium cabin may be granted access.
Which is better: Skyteam Alliance or Oneworld?
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on individual preferences, travel habits, and needs. SkyTeam Alliance and Oneworld both have their strengths and weaknesses. It is best to research both alliances and determine which one fits your travel needs and preferences better. Some factors to consider may include the number and destinations of member airlines, the quality of lounges, and the benefits offered by their loyalty programs.
Is Virgin Atlantic a member of the SkyTeam Alliance?
According to an article in Executive Traveller (Feb 9 2023), Virgin Atlantic is about to join the SkyTeam Alliance, having announced its intention to join in September 2022. So it seems we can expect to see Virgin to finalise its entry into this alliance in 2023. Once this process has concluded, the airline will be the only UK airline in the SkyTeam Alliance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SkyTeam Alliance provides a comprehensive network of airlines that offer frequent flyers a wide range of benefits and rewards. With its member airlines covering over 1,150 destinations in 175 countries, SkyTeam offers travellers a global reach with the convenience of seamless connectivity and consistent service standards.
The SkyTeam Alliance offers a range of benefits such as priority check-in, lounge access, additional baggage allowances, and more, making travel more comfortable and convenient for frequent flyers. Whether you are a business traveller or a leisure traveller, the SkyTeam Alliance has something to offer, making it a valuable partner for airlines and passengers alike.
