Additional SkyTeam Benefits

The SkyTeam network includes eleven SkyTeam Global Alliance partners (Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern, Continental Airlines, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest) and three SkyTeam Associate Airlines (Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways).

Continental Airlines and Copa Airlines will be leaving the SkyTeam Alliance on October 24, 2009. The last day to earn miles on Continental- or Copa- operated flights is October 24, 2009. Retro credit requests for travel prior to October 24 will be accepted for six months from the date of travel. Award tickets may continue to be booked through October 24, 2009 for travel through October 24, 2010

• Guaranteed Reservations on Sold-Out Flights
• Priority Reservation Waitlist
• Preferred Seating
• Priority Check-In
• Priority Boarding Privileges
• Priority Airport Standby
• Priority Baggage Handling for SkyTeam Elite Plus members
• Access to SkyTeam member lounges on valid itineraries

Guaranteed Reservations on Sold-Out Flights
SkyTeam Elite Plus members (SkyMiles Platinum Elite), when flying on the SkyTeam network, are assured a confirmed full-fare Economy Class reservation on sold-out flights with 24 hours’ advance notice.

Air France offers this benefit from France to the following destinations: North America, South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East (except Israel), the Caribbean and Indian Ocean destinations. Korean Air offers this benefit on flights with more than four hours of flying time. CSA Czech Airlines offers this benefit to all long-haul destinations: North America and the Middle East (except Israel). Alitalia offers this benefit from Italy to all long-haul destinations: North America, South America, Asia and West Africa. Northwest offers this benefit on international long-haul flights greater than 6 hours.

Return to top

Priority Reservation Waitlist
SkyTeam Elite Plus and SkyTeam Elite members, when flying on the SkyTeam network are placed on the reservation waitlist ahead of other passengers.

Return to top

Preferred Seating
When flying on the SkyTeam network, subject to availability, we will always attempt to accommodate your seating preference.

Air France offers preferred seating from France to the following destinations: North America, South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East (except Israel), the Caribbean and Indian Ocean destinations. Korean Air offers preferred seating from Korea and all long-haul destinations: North America, South America and Europe. CSA Czech Airlines offers this benefit from Prague to all long-haul destinations: North America and the Middle East (except Israel). Alitalia offers preferred seating on transatlantic service only.

Return to top

Priority Check-In
When flying on Northwest or KLM – even when traveling in Coach Class – we invite SkyMiles Medallion members to check in at the First Class, BusinessElite® or BusinessFirst airport ticket counters. These priority positions offer expedited luggage check-in and seating assignments.

You can check in at Priority counters with all eleven SkyTeam Global Alliance Partners.

Return to top

Priority Boarding Privileges
Your SkyMiles Medallion membership lets you board early on Northwest- and SkyTeam-operated flights. Priority boarding gives you extra time to find your seat and store your carry-on luggage before other passengers board the aircraft. SkyMiles Medallion members traveling in Coach Class will be boarded after First Class/BusinessElite passengers but before general boarding. Late arriving SkyMiles Medallion members may bypass the general boarding line by using the specially designated Elite boarding lanes at any time after the pre-boarding of passengers with special needs. Elite boarding lanes are available at all cities with flights operated by Northwest Airlines unless otherwise prohibited by the local airport authority.

Please note that under certain circumstances, such as when the inbound flight is delayed, advance boarding may not be offered in order to speed the departure process.

SkyTeam Elite Plus and SkyTeam Elite members, when flying on the SkyTeam network are allowed advance boarding on most SkyTeam flights.

Delta does not offer advance boarding on Delta Connection or Delta Shuttle flights. Aeromexico offers advance boarding on all flights except between Mexico City and Monterey. Air France and Korean Air offer advance boarding on international flights only. Alitalia offers advance boarding where operationally available.

Return to top

Priority Airport Standby
SkyTeam Elite Plus and SkyTeam Elite members, when flying on the SkyTeam network have priority over other passengers when standing by at the airport for SkyTeam-operated flights.

Priority airport standby is not available on Korean Air.

Return to top

Priority Baggage Handling for SkyTeam Elite Plus members
(SkyMiles Platinum Elite)

SkyTeam Elite Plus members will receive priority baggage handling, where your luggage will be identified with a bag tag.

Return to top

Access to SkyTeam member lounges on valid itineraries
Lounge access is available to SkyTeam-member lounges for First/Business Class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members booked in Economy Class, flying on or connecting to/from an international flight operated by a SkyTeam airline. Lounge access must occur on the same day as the required flight.

To access the lounge, you must present your boarding pass for your same-day international SkyTeam-operated flight and your SkyMiles Platinum Elite card. A WorldClubs membership card is not an eligible credential for SkyTeam lounge access. SkyTeam Elite Plus members may be accompanied by 1 guest.

Return to top