SkyTeam, one of the world’s three major airline alliances (alongside oneworld and Star Alliance), offers reciprocal benefits for elite members across its partner airlines. SkyTeam Elite Plus is the alliance’s highest tier, providing perks designed to make frequent travel smoother. But is it truly worth pursuing?
How Airline Alliances Work
Airline alliances exist to provide a consistent experience for frequent flyers, regardless of which partner airline they choose. While loyalty is rewarded most by sticking with a single carrier, these alliances ensure basic perks—like priority boarding or lounge access—are honored across the network. Elite status isn’t earned directly through SkyTeam; instead, it’s granted through individual member airlines (like Delta, Air France-KLM, or Korean Air) and maps to alliance tiers. SkyTeam has two tiers: Elite and Elite Plus, with the latter offering more substantial advantages.
Key Benefits of SkyTeam Elite Plus
SkyTeam Elite Plus members receive several key benefits:
- Lounge Access: The most valuable perk for many is access to SkyTeam business class lounges on international flights, including one guest. However, this benefit is inconsistent; Delta SkyMiles members, for example, don’t receive access to Delta Sky Clubs on international flights in economy.
- SkyPriority Services: Elite Plus members enjoy priority check-in, security, and boarding, often aligning with business class treatment.
- Baggage Allowance: Members get an extra 20kg of weight or one additional bag when weight limits apply. Bags also receive priority handling.
- Preferred Seating: Though execution varies by airline, SkyTeam Elite Plus members are typically eligible for preferred seating options, sometimes including exit rows with extra legroom.
- Priority Standby/Waitlists: Status holders receive preferential treatment on standby or waitlist scenarios, increasing the chances of securing a confirmed flight or upgrade.
How Does SkyTeam Compare?
While all three major alliances offer reciprocal benefits, SkyTeam Elite Plus generally ranks lower in value compared to equivalent tiers in Star Alliance and oneworld.
Star Alliance Gold provides more consistent lounge access, occasionally granting entry to first-class lounges, and may allow check-in with first-class lines. Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald also offer fewer lounge restrictions, with Emerald status often providing first-class level service (check-in, boarding, lounges).
Delta’s restrictive policies further diminish SkyTeam’s value; its own frequent flyers don’t receive Sky Club access on international flights, a perk readily offered by American and United to their top-tier elites. There are few, if any, relative advantages that SkyTeam Elite Plus holds over its competitors.
Conclusion
SkyTeam Elite Plus delivers tangible benefits—priority services, lounge access, and baggage perks—making frequent travel more comfortable. However, inconsistencies in lounge access, particularly through Delta, and overall weaker reciprocal recognition compared to Star Alliance and oneworld make it a less compelling option for maximizing value across airline networks.
