SkyTeam alliance guide: Member airlines, elite status benefits and more

The SkyTeam alliance connects 624 million passengers annually to more than 1,000 destinations in 160 countries. The alliance began in 2000 with Delta Air Lines, Air France, Aeromexico and Korean Air.

In this guide, we'll discuss the SkyTeam airline alliance members, status tiers, benefits and lounges.

SkyTeam alliance members

The airlines making up the SkyTeam alliance include:

• Aerolineas Argentinas
• Aeromexico
• Air Europa
• Air France
• China Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Garuda Indonesia
• Kenya Airways
• KLM
• Korean Air
• Middle East Airlines
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Saudia
• TAROM
• Vietnam Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Xiamen Airlines

You'll notice that Aeroflot is missing from the above list, as the airline and SkyTeam agreed to suspend Aeroflot's SkyTeam membership after Russia invaded Ukraine. Additionally, ITA Airways exited SkyTeam and joined Star Alliance earlier this year.

Related: The best websites for searching SkyTeam award availability

SkyTeam alliance status tiers

The SkyTeam alliance rewards frequent flyers of its member airlines with two SkyTeam alliance status tiers: Elite and Elite Plus. If you have elite status with a SkyTeam airline, you'll also have Elite or Elite Plus status with the whole SkyTeam alliance. Here's a look at both tiers.

SkyTeam Elite

If you have SkyTeam Elite status, you'll get the following perks when flying SkyTeam airlines:

• Priority reservation waitlist (if your fare permits it)
• Priority check-in counters
• Priority boarding
• Extra baggage allowance

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If you have the lowest tier of elite status with a SkyTeam airline, you likely also have SkyTeam Elite status. For example, one way to get SkyTeam Elite status is by having Delta Silver Medallion status.

SkyTeam Elite Plus

In addition to the benefits offered to SkyTeam Elite members, SkyTeam Elite Plus members also get the following perks when flying SkyTeam airlines:

• Ability to book a full-fare Y-class reservation on sold-out long-haul flights (if you book at least 24 hours before departure)
• Access to select airport lounges worldwide with a guest
• Priority baggage handling on arrival
• Extra baggage allowance

If you have Delta Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion status, you'll also have SkyTeam Elite Plus status. Likewise, the top tiers of elite status with other SkyTeam airlines most likely coincide with SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

Caveats for SkyTeam elite benefits

The benefits of SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status sound great, but know that certain exclusions apply to the benefits. For example, preferred seating may not be available if you are traveling in basic economy.

In practice, SkyTeam is usually believed to be worse than Oneworld and Star Alliance when it comes to all member airlines consistently honoring elite benefits.

Related: How to get airline elite status

SkyTeam lounges

SkyTeam has more than 750 lounges worldwide. In theory, you should have access to these lounges on international SkyTeam flights if you have Elite Plus status or are traveling in a qualifying premium cabin.

However, each SkyTeam lounge has a unique access policy, so I recommend referring to the SkyTeam lounge finder for information on access policies. Some SkyTeam lounges only accept passengers flying select SkyTeam airlines.

For example, despite being a Delta Diamond Medallion elite member traveling on a coach ticket on Korean Air during a recent trip from Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea, TPG's principal spokesperson, Clint Henderson, was not allowed into the only Sky Club outside the U.S.

You can bring one guest into the lounge as an Elite Plus member when you're traveling on a qualifying flight. Your guest must travel internationally on a SkyTeam airline, and, as of April 1, they will need to be on the same flight as you.

Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight

Elite status now gets you access to some domestic lounges

As of April 1, SkyTeam now offers lounge access to some Elite Plus customers traveling on domestic flights as an additional benefit.

Domestic lounge access will initially be available at select Air France, China Eastern, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, SAS, Saudia, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines lounges.

Note that this does not include Delta Sky Clubs, and there are other restrictions.

Also new in 2025? There is a three-hour time limit on lounge access.

"To help deliver a more relaxing pre-flight experience for eligible Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers on departure, a 3-hour lounge access will be introduced at more lounges," SkyTeam noted in a press release. "Elite Plus customers transferring between two SkyTeam-operated flights will continue to enjoy same-day/24-hour access at the point of connection."

Bottom line

The SkyTeam alliance offers useful benefits to elite members. However, it's important to temper your expectations, as your benefits as an Elite or Elite Plus member will vary in practice depending on the airline you're flying.

It's best to check with the carrier you're traveling with before assuming you'll receive additional perks like extra baggage allowance if you have SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus status. Likewise, check the SkyTeam lounge finder before heading to the airport if you plan to use a lounge.

Related reading:

• Delta SkyMiles: Your complete guide to earning, redeeming and elite status
• Best Delta credit cards
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Delta basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more