If you want to travel more while spending less, understanding airline alliances can make a big difference. 

The SkyTeam alliance is one of the three major global airline alliances, alongside Star Alliance and oneworld.

The SkyTeam alliance is one of the largest airline alliances in the world, offering travelers access to over 1,000 destinations across more than 170 countries. 

With 15+ member airlines, SkyTeam makes it easy to earn and redeem miles, enjoy elite perks, and travel more comfortably no matter where you are headed.

Many travelers focus on individual frequent flyer programs, but SkyTeam offers even greater opportunities by connecting benefits across multiple airlines. 

Whether you are earning miles with Delta SkyMiles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, you can use those miles to book flights with any SkyTeam alliance partner. This gives you more options to reach your dream destinations while getting the most value from your points.

In this guide, you will learn how the SkyTeam alliance works and why it is a valuable tool for maximizing travel rewards. 

We will cover the best ways to earn and redeem miles, share expert tips for stretching the value of your points, and show you how the right travel rewards credit card can boost your earnings even further.

By the end of this guide, you will have a clear strategy for leveraging SkyTeam alliance benefits, saving money on flights, and traveling smarter on your next adventure.

SkyTeam Alliance Member Airlines

One of the greatest advantages of the SkyTeam alliance is its strong network of member airlines. 

With 15+ airlines in total, SkyTeam provides travelers with access to over 1,000 destinations worldwide. 

Whether you are planning a trip to Europe, Asia, the Americas, or beyond, SkyTeam offers a wide range of routes along with the ability to earn and redeem miles through your preferred frequent flyer program.

Here are the current SkyTeam alliance member airlines:

• Aerolíneas Argentinas (Argentina)
• Aeroflot (Russia) – temporarily suspended
• Aeromexico (Mexico)
• Air Europa (Spain)
• Air France (France)
• China Airlines (Taiwan)
• China Eastern Airlines (China)
• Czech Airlines (Czech Republic)
• Delta Air Lines (United States)
• Garuda Indonesia (Indonesia)
• Kenya Airways (Kenya)
• KLM (The Netherlands)
• Korean Air (South Korea)
• Middle East Airlines (Lebanon)
• SAS (Scandinavia)
• Saudia (Saudi Arabia)
• TAROM (Romania)
• Vietnam Airlines (Vietnam)
• Virgin Atlantic (United Kingdom)
• XiamenAir (China)

Earning Miles On SkyTeam Alliance Member Airlines

One of the biggest benefits of the SkyTeam alliance is the ability to earn miles across all its member airlines. 

If you are a Delta SkyMiles member, for example, you can earn miles when flying with any of the 15+ SkyTeam carriers. You can then use those miles to book flights throughout the entire SkyTeam network. 

This approach not only expands your travel options but also keeps your rewards in one central account for easier tracking and redemption.

SkyTeam Alliance Status Tiers

Frequent flyers who travel often with SkyTeam alliance member airlines can enjoy valuable perks through the SkyTeam elite status program. 

The alliance offers two status tiers – SkyTeam Elite and SkyTeam Elite Plus – both of which provide benefits that enhance the travel experience. 

Unlike airline-specific status, SkyTeam status is recognized across all 15+ member airlines, allowing travelers to enjoy their perks no matter which airline they fly.

SkyTeam Elite

SkyTeam Elite is the entry-level status within the alliance. While the benefits are not as extensive as those offered by the higher-tier status, SkyTeam Elite still provides several useful perks:

• Priority Reservations Waitlist: If your preferred flight is fully booked, you will receive a higher priority on the waitlist if a seat becomes available. (Availability varies by airline and may not apply to award tickets.)
• Priority Airport Standby: If you need to change flights at the last minute and the new flight is full, you will be given priority on the standby list. (Not all fare types are eligible for this benefit.)
• Priority Check-In: Use priority check-in counters at the airport, which can save time during busy travel periods.
• Preferred Seating: When available, you can select preferred seats on flights operated by SkyTeam member airlines.
• Extra Baggage Allowance: Depending on the airline and route, you may be eligible for additional checked baggage or a higher weight allowance.

While SkyTeam Elite status provides practical benefits, the advantages become much more valuable at the SkyTeam Elite Plus level.

SkyTeam Elite Plus

SkyTeam Elite Plus offers a more comprehensive range of benefits, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers. 

In addition to all SkyTeam Elite benefits, Elite Plus members enjoy these exclusive perks:

• Airport Lounge Access: Gain access to over 750 SkyTeam lounges worldwide, regardless of your travel class. You can also bring one guest who is traveling on the same flight.
• Priority Boarding: Board with premium cabin passengers, allowing you to get settled on the plane earlier.
• Priority Baggage Handling: Your checked luggage will be marked for priority handling, ensuring it arrives first at baggage claim.
• Priority Security And Immigration: Use fast-track lanes at select airports to move through security and immigration more quickly.
• Guaranteed Economy Class Seat: If you book your flight at least 24 hours in advance, SkyTeam will guarantee you an economy class seat, even on fully booked flights (subject to specific airline policies).

How To Earn SkyTeam Alliance Status

You cannot earn SkyTeam alliance status directly through the alliance. Instead, you achieve it by earning elite status with an individual SkyTeam airline. 

For example:

• Earning Delta Medallion Silver status will grant you SkyTeam Elite status.
• Achieving Delta Medallion Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status will give you SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

Each SkyTeam alliance airline has its own requirements for achieving elite status, so choosing the right program is important. 

Some airlines, such as Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Korean Air SKYPASS, offer lower thresholds for reaching Elite Plus status, which can be beneficial for travelers seeking premium perks with fewer flights.

SkyTeam Alliance Airport Lounges

One of the most valuable perks of SkyTeam Elite Plus status is access to over 750 airport lounges around the world. 

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, these lounges provide a quiet and comfortable space to relax before your flight. 

With amenities such as complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, SkyTeam lounges help elevate your travel experience and make airport time more enjoyable.

Who Can Access SkyTeam Alliance Lounges

Lounge access within the SkyTeam alliance network is not available to all travelers – it is an exclusive benefit for SkyTeam Elite Plus members and passengers flying in First or Business Class on a SkyTeam airline.

• SkyTeam Elite Plus Members: If you hold SkyTeam Elite Plus status, you can access any SkyTeam member lounge when flying on a same-day, international SkyTeam-operated flight, regardless of your cabin class. You can also bring one guest, provided they are traveling on a SkyTeam flight departing the same day.
• First And Business Class Passengers: If you are traveling in First or Business Class on a SkyTeam airline, you will have access to lounges operated by the airline you are flying with, as well as partner lounges where available. You do not need SkyTeam status to enjoy this benefit.

Types Of SkyTeam Lounges

SkyTeam offers several types of lounges, each providing a unique experience:

• Member Airline Lounges: Many SkyTeam airlines operate their own branded lounges, such as Delta Sky Clubs, Air France-KLM Lounge, Virgin Atlantic Club Lounges, and Korean Air KAL Lounges. These lounges are available to SkyTeam Elite Plus members and premium cabin passengers, offering a range of amenities such as hot meals, snacks, and business services.
• SkyTeam-Branded Lounges: In select cities, SkyTeam operates its own branded lounges, which provide a premium experience with spacious seating, dining options, workspaces, and sometimes even showers. You can find SkyTeam lounges in cities such as Istanbul (IST), Vancouver (YVR), Dubai (DXB), Sydney (SYD), and Hong Kong (HKG). These lounges offer a consistent experience across the network.
• Contract Lounges: In airports where a SkyTeam or member airline lounge is not available, eligible travelers may be directed to a partner or contract lounge, which provides similar services and amenities.

SkyTeam Lounge Locations And Features

While amenities vary by location, most SkyTeam lounges include:

• Complimentary Food and Beverages: Ranging from light snacks and drinks to full meals, depending on the lounge.
• High-Speed Wi-Fi: Ideal for both leisure browsing and business needs.
• Comfortable Seating: Relax in a quiet environment away from the busy terminal.
• Showers And Rest Areas: Available in select lounges, perfect for freshening up on long layovers.
• Workspaces: Many lounges offer designated areas for productivity, including charging stations and desks.

Top SkyTeam Alliance Lounge Experiences

Some SkyTeam lounges are particularly well-regarded for their design and amenities:

• SkyTeam Lounge In Istanbul (IST): This lounge offers a modern, relaxing atmosphere with buffet dining, private work areas, and comfortable seating.
• SkyTeam Lounge In Dubai (DXB): Featuring luxurious seating, a buffet with international cuisine, and shower facilities, this lounge is a great spot to recharge.
• Air France First Class Lounge In Paris (CDG): Known for its high-end dining, spa treatments, and elegant design, this lounge is a favorite among frequent travelers.
• Delta Sky Club at New York (JFK): One of the Delta flagship lounges, offering premium dining, craft cocktails, and a Sky Deck with tarmac views.

With access to these lounges, SkyTeam Elite Plus members and premium cabin passengers can enjoy a more comfortable and productive travel experience.

Credit Cards Which Transfer To SkyTeam Alliance Member Airlines

One of the easiest ways to accumulate miles with SkyTeam alliance member airlines is by using a credit card that earns transferable points. 

Instead of being locked into a single frequent flyer program, these flexible rewards let you transfer points to multiple SkyTeam airline partners, giving you more options for booking flights.

Since AirFrance-KLM Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and several other SkyTeam programs are transfer partners of major credit card rewards programs, you can earn flexible points and convert them into miles whenever you need them. 

This allows you to take advantage of the best redemption opportunities across different airlines.

Here are some of the best credit card options:

Personal

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
• Citi Strata Premier® Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Bilt Mastercard®
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
• American Express® Gold Card

Business

• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Business
• Capital One Spark Cash
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Final Thoughts

The SkyTeam alliance is a global network of 19 member airlines, offering travelers access to over 170 countries and more than 1,000 destinations. 

Each SkyTeam airline has its own frequent flyer program, but earning elite status with one can grant you SkyTeam Elite or SkyTeam Elite Plus status – unlocking valuable benefits across the entire alliance.

While SkyTeam Elite status offers helpful perks like priority check-in and extra baggage allowance, SkyTeam Elite Plus takes the experience to the next level with benefits such as airport lounge access, priority boarding, and fast-track security at select airports. 

Lounge access, in particular, is a standout benefit, providing a relaxing space with complimentary food, beverages, and Wi-Fi before your flight.

To make the most of SkyTeam, it is important to choose the right frequent flyer program and pair it with a travel rewards credit card that aligns with your travel goals.

Cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, or Citi ThankYou Rewards allow you to transfer points to multiple SkyTeam alliance airlines, giving you greater flexibility when booking award flights.

With a thoughtful approach, SkyTeam can help you travel more comfortably and affordably. 

By combining elite status benefits, smart mileage earning strategies, and the right credit card, you can turn your travel dreams into reality – whether it is a quick business trip or an international adventure.

Kevin Zanes