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About SkyTeam Passenger Benefits

Does SkyTeam have its own frequent flyer program?

SkyTeam does not have its own separate frequent flyer program. The alliance brings together the frequent flyer programs of its 9 Member airlines, allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles across the global alliance network.

How do I become a member?

To become a frequent flyer with SkyTeam, you must join the frequent flyer program of an alliance Member airline.

Is there a card for SkyTeam frequent flyers?

There is not a card for alliance frequent flyers. Upon joining a SkyTeam Member airline's frequent flyer program, you will be issued a card.

Can passengers earn and redeem frequent flyer miles with all SkyTeam Member airlines?

Passengers accrue base miles on SkyTeam-operated flights and can redeem mileage for awards on SkyTeam-operated flights. However, there are some exceptions based on the route and class of ticket purchased. This information can be found on your primary frequent flyer program's website.

Can I transfer miles between SkyTeam member frequent flyer programs?

No. Passengers are not permitted to transfer miles earned from one frequent flyer program to another program within the alliance.

How do I book an award ticket?

To book an award ticket, contact a representative from your primary frequent flyer program.

Can I combine miles from several frequent flyer programs for reward tickets?

No. The frequent flyer programs within SkyTeam are independent and miles earned cannot be combined.

Can I use frequent flyer miles from one Member airline to upgrade my ticket on another Member airline?

In November 2008, SkyTeam launched the first phase of the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades program, allowing eligible SkyTeam Frequent Flyers on international flight itineraries to use their miles to upgrade to Business class on most SkyTeam member airlines. Additionally, several Member airlines have bilateral agreements in place to allow travelers flying on one airline to use mileage from another to secure an upgrade. For full terms and conditions, and details of each alliance Member's participation in the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrade program and bilateral agreements, passengers should visit their frequent flyer program Web site.

Who do I contact to request an upgrade?

To check availability and request an upgrade, please contact your frequent flyer program.

How do I become a SkyTeam Elite member?

In order to recognize each carrier's most frequent flyers, SkyTeam created tier levels to easily identify and deliver the appropriate benefits to the people who have earned and deserve them. Each carrier's Elite membership program equates to one of the two Elite tiers within SkyTeam.

What are the SkyTeam status levels?

SkyTeam has three status levels:

  • SkyTeam frequent flyer
  • SkyTeam Elite frequent flyer
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus frequent flyer

Is my Elite status with my preferred frequent flyer program transferable to another SkyTeam carrier?

Elite status earned in your preferred frequent flyer program is not transferable to another carrier's frequent flyer program. However, once Elite status is earned in a member's frequent flyer program you then become a SkyTeam Elite frequent flyer which is recognized across all 9 SkyTeam carriers and two Associates airlines.

What benefits do I enjoy as a SkyTeam Elite passenger?

SkyTeam Elite passengers enjoy benefits such as :

  • Priority reservation wait list (when fares permit).
  • Preferred seating.
  • Priority check-in counters.
  • Priority boarding or at leisure.
The Elite Plus-status level furthermore receives:
  • Guaranteed full-fare Y-class reservation on sold-out long-haul flights, at least 24 hours prior to departure.
  • Access to airport lounges worldwide, whatever the class of travel, for members in possession of a boarding pass, accompanied by a guest.
  • Priority baggage handling on arrival, whatever the class of travel.

How do I check the balance of my frequent flyer miles? How can I determine how many miles I need to gain SkyTeam Elite status?

For more information about your frequent flyer miles, please contact a representative at your primary frequent flyer program.

Who do I contact if the miles from my SkyTeam Member-operated flight are not credited to my account?

If you do not receive your miles for a flight, contact a representative from your primary frequent flyer program.

Who receives access to SkyTeam's worldwide lounges?

International First and Business Class passengers, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling in Economy Class, enjoy complimentary access to more than 415 worldwide member lounges on the day of travel when flying on or connecting to or from an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier.

About SkyTeam Products

Does SkyTeam offer a Round the World (RTW) fare?

Yes. With 9 members and two Associate airlines, SkyTeam offers passengers planning a RTW trip hundreds of possibilities through 13,133 daily flights to more than 856 destinations in 169 countries.

There are several perks for travelers using SkyTeam's RTW product. For example, with SkyTeam, you are only required to book the first flight of your itinerary. The remainder of your trip can be left "open" for you to book dates whenever you wish. There are also certain benefits by point of origination. For example, SkyTeam RTW travelers originating from the U.S. have the option to choose up to five stops in Europe.

SkyTeam's RTW fare can also be used in conjunction with a SkyTeam Europe Pass, America Pass or Asia Pass ticket. Depending on your itinerary, using a SkyTeam fare pass could result in significant cost savings.

How do I book a RTW ticket?

To purchase a Round the World (RTW) fare, contact your preferred SkyTeam carrier and ask to be directed to the Round the World desk.

What are SkyTeam fare passes?

SkyTeam offers passes for intra-regional air travel in Europe, Asia and the Americas. The greatest benefits to passengers using fare pass tickets are cost savings and the opportunity to earn miles, which count toward free reward tickets and Elite status.

SkyTeam has six fare products, consisting of:

  • SkyTeam Europe Pass: allows SkyTeam passengers who purchase a transatlantic or intercontinental ticket to Europe to also purchase three or more one-way intra-European flight segments at reduced fares.
  • SkyTeam America Pass: allows SkyTeam passengers who purchase a transatlantic or transpacific ticket to North America to also purchase three to ten one-way intra-continental flight segments at reduced fares.
  • SkyTeam Asia Pass: allows SkyTeam passengers who purchase an intercontinental round-trip ticket to Asia or to the Pacific region to also purchase three to eight flight coupons for exploring the area on international or domestic direct flights operated by Air France, China Southern Airlines, Delta, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Korean Air.
  • SkyTeam China Pass: allows SkyTeam customers who purchase an intercontinental round-trip ticket to China to also purchase three to nine flight coupons to explore various destinations in mainland China.
  • SkyTeam Italy Pass: allows customers who purchase an intercontinental round-trip ticket to Italy to also purchase three or more flight coupons. Explore your choice of 23 beautiful Italian cities for business or for pleasure with additional cost savings.
  • SkyTeam Mexico Pass: allows customers who purchase an international round-trip ticket to Mexico to also purchase three or more flight coupons. Skypass Mexico gives you the flexibility to savor up to 42 scenic Mexican cities.

How do I purchase a SkyTeam fare pass?

To purchase a fare pass, contact your preferred SkyTeam carrier and ask to be directed to the International Reservations desk.

What is SkyTeam Global Meetings?

SkyTeam Global Meetings was launched in April 2006 to assist convention organizers and attendees by streamlining the process of travel arrangement for large-scale international meetings. With Global Meetings, meeting planners are able to arrange air travel options for participants regardless of the event location — all through one single point of contact. In addition, event attendees can receive special travel deals and earn frequent flyer miles on most SkyTeam carriers.

What is SkyTeam Corporate (Global) Contracts?

SkyTeam Corporate Global Contracts offers competitively priced, customized travel solutions across most of the alliance's 856 destinations in 169 countries. Corporate travel buyers have the ability to work with one key airline contact to streamline the management and implementation of their contract.

The individual business travelers of these corporations will earn frequent flyer miles on the Member airline program of their choice, which are redeemable on all other SkyTeam partners.

What is SkyTeam Cargo?

SkyTeam Cargo, launched in September 2000, includes Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Korean Air. The airlines' cargo divisions partnered to provide customers with access to a global route network, common service options, standardized sales and service standards, and an integrated information technology system. The components of SkyTeam Cargo ensure seamless cargo coordination and delivery throughout the alliance's global network. The product range is common to all eight airlines.

About SkyTeam Members

When did each carrier join SkyTeam?

  • June 2000: Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air announced formation of SkyTeam
  • October 2000: CSA Czech Airlines joined the alliance
  • July 2001: Alitalia joined the alliance
  • September 2004: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines joined the alliance
  • April 2006: Aeroflot joined the alliance
  • September 2007: SkyTeam welcomed the first two members of its Associate Program — Air Europa and Kenya Airways
  • November 2007: China Southern Airlines joined the alliance

About the SkyTeam Alliance

When was SkyTeam launched?
In June 1999, Air France and Delta Air Lines signed an exclusive long-term strategic agreement that laid the foundations for a major global alliance. In June 2000, the CEOs of Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air announced the formation of SkyTeam, the first global airline alliance created around the customer.

Which carriers are members of SkyTeam?

Today, SkyTeam consists of 9 members: Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern Airlines, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Korean Air — as well as two Associate Airlines: Air Europa, and Kenya Airways.

Which carriers are SkyTeam Associate Airlines?

Air Europa and Kenya Airways are currently the two SkyTeam Associate airlines and joined the alliance in September 2007.

Why was the SkyTeam Associate Program launched?

The SkyTeam Associate Program was launched to serve carriers in strategic regions who are interested in becoming affiliated with SkyTeam and its alliance benefits. Passengers traveling with either of the two Associates receive the same benefits offered to passengers traveling with SkyTeam's 9 Member airlines, including frequent flyer programs and improved access to airport lounges.

How does an airline become a Member or an Associate of SkyTeam?

Membership decisions are made by the SkyTeam Governing Board and Supervisory Board. Airlines are approached, rather than applying for membership. The alliance evaluates potential members in a timely manner to ensure that they offer opportunities to better serve our customers and meet the set of strategic standards necessary to receive an invitation for membership.

These requirements include customer service standards, safety levels and technology adaptability. All new Members must provide a consistent, high level of quality for their passengers, everywhere they fly.

How do Member airlines benefit from being a part of SkyTeam?

Through broader network offerings and increased customer benefits enabled by the alliance structure, Member airlines may improve their market shares and revenues. Synergies between Member airlines also reduce their costs.

What differentiates SkyTeam from the other airline alliances?

SkyTeam is the first alliance built around customer needs and is committed to delivering the highest level of customer service in the industry. Whether flying for business or leisure, domestically or internationally, SkyTeam passengers enjoy expanded choices and greater flexibility.

SkyTeam has a strong and expanding global network with major hubs in a number of highly trafficked destinations around the world. Key hubs include Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) in Paris, The William B. Hartsfield International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Schiphol Airport (AMS) in Amsterdam, New Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in Guangzhou, Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City and Sheremetyevo (SVO) in Moscow, among others. The additions of Air Europa and Kenya Airways as Associate Airlines in September 2007 also helped to strengthen the alliance's leading position in serving the world's fastest-growing markets.

Does SkyTeam have a CEO?

Leo van Wijk is Chairman of the SkyTeam Governing Board. Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from August 6, 1997 through April 1, 2007. Mr. van Wijk currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Connekt as well as a member of the supervisory board at Martinair and a member of the Advisory Council of ABN AMRO Holdings NV.

Marie-Joseph Malé, who has extensive experience with Air France in the Commercial and International areas, was appointed managing director of SkyTeam in April 2009. SkyTeam decided to move toward a centralized management entity which will work collaboratively with the Governing Board, consisting of the Chairman and CEO of each Member airline, to function as the central strategy- and decision-making bodies of the alliance.

SkyTeam attributes its success to the strong cooperation between all Member airlines and Associates and will continue to work collaboratively to explore ways to enhance customer service through the use of common facilities, such as joint airport facilities and lounges.

How many cities and countries does SkyTeam serve?

As of winter 2008, SkyTeam offers travelers a worldwide network of 13,133 daily flights to 856 destinations in 169 countries.

About SkyTeam’s Perspective on Industry Issues

How does Antitrust Immunity (ATI) impact SkyTeam carriers?

Carriers with ATI can coordinate sales, cargo and marketing activities, and partner in frequent flyer programs and pricing and revenue management initiatives. A closer working relationship among the carriers generates efficiencies for each carrier and makes each airline a stronger competitor in the global air transportation marketplace.

In May 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granted Air France, Alitalia, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Northwest Airlines, ATI on transatlantic routes. Air France, KLM and their respective U.S. partners, Delta and its Northwest subsidiary, can now materialize a joint venture agreement among the four of them and ultimately streamline their transatlantic operations in the interest of passengers and shippers.

As a customer-focused alliance, SkyTeam is always pleased when an opportunity arises to provide extended benefits to our passengers.

What benefits do SkyTeam carriers with Antitrust Immunity (ATI) offer passengers?

A more integrated SkyTeam alliance offers significant advantages to consumers, including more choices in flight schedules, travel times, services and fares, and allows the coordination of selected products and services and frequent flyer programs plus jointly set fares.