Frequently Asked Questions
General Alliance Questions
When was SkyTeam launched?
SkyTeam was launched on 22 June 2000 by founding members Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air.
Which carriers are members of SkyTeam?
As of September 2011, the members are Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Tarom and Vietnam Airlines.
How many cities and countries does SkyTeam serve?
As of September 2011, SkyTeam members offer their 474 million annual customers globally over 14,500 daily flights to 916 destinations in 173 countries.
What are the alliance benefits for customers?
An alliance provides customers access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. This makes it possible for travelers to plan trips that involve the use of more than one airline, all on one ticket. At the same time, customers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the alliance network.
How do member airlines benefit from being a part of SkyTeam?
Airlines not flying particular routes or markets can offer their customers extended network benefits through alliances. Airlines can also share best practices on for example IT systems. Consolidation of cost, joint purchasing and co-locations at airports are also benefits. The prime example of a SkyTeam co-location is the joint check-in and lounge at London Heathrow T4.
Does SkyTeam have a CEO?
SkyTeam has a Managing Director. As head of the Management Team, the MD is responsible for implementing the strategic plan for the future as set forth by the SkyTeam Governing Board. The current MD is Michael Wisbrun. The Chairman of the Governing Board is Leo van Wijk.
How has SkyTeam transformed since it began a little more than a decade ago?
Over the last decade we have more than tripled our membership, doubled flights and nearly doubled destinations to offer our customers easier connections across all continents, becoming the second largest alliance we are today.
What are SkyTeam's target areas for growth?
Regions where we would welcome the right opportunities to strengthen our network even further to meet the demands of our customers, are India and Latin America. We are actively looking to fill these gaps by talking to several potential future partners.
Which airlines are scheduled to join SkyTeam in the near future?
Members joining in 2012 are Aerolíneas Argentinas, Middle East Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Garuda Indonesia.
What does SkyTeam deem most important when determining which carriers are ideal for membership?
Quality, with safety first (IOSA certificate is a prerequisite), network compatibility, and the growth potential of a candidate member.
What are SkyTeam carriers doing to minimize the environmental impact?
As a leading alliance in the global airline industry, we recognize that operating at such a high level comes with duties and responsibilities. That is why SkyTeam Member airlines have drafted a Corporate Social Responsibility Statement. This statement sets out the SkyTeam commitments. We want to ensure that our development as an alliance aims for high performance not only from a financial standpoint, but also from a social and environmental perspective. The CSR statement can be downloaded here.
Frequent Flyer Programs
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 15 member airlines, allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles across the global alliance network.
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 I 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?
Unfortunately not. Passengers are not permitted to transfer miles earned from one frequent flyer program to another program within the alliance.
Can I combine miles from several frequent flyer programs for reward tickets?
Unfortunately not. The frequent flyer programs within SkyTeam are independent and miles earned cannot be combined.
Can I combine miles from several frequent flyer programs for reward tickets?
Combining miles is not possible. Customers may chose to use one of the frequent flyers programs and earn miles on that account. These miles can be used to redeem on any SkyTeam member.
How do I book an award ticket?
To book an award ticket, contact a representative from your primary frequent flyer program.
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 members' 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 a representative at your primary frequent flyer program.
How do I check the balance of my frequent flyer miles?
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, please contact a representative from your primary frequent flyer program.
Elite & Elite Plus
What are the SkyTeam status levels?
SkyTeam has three status levels: SkyTeam frequent flyer SkyTeam Elite frequent flyer SkyTeam Elite Plus frequent flyer
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.
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 15 SkyTeam carriers.
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.
What benefits do I enjoy as a SkyTeam Elite Plus passenger?
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 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.
Lounge access
How many SkyTeam lounges are there worldwide?
SkyTeam members together offer 490 lounges globally.
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 490 worldwide member lounges on the day of travel when flying on or connecting to or from an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier.
What determines my lounge access – my SkyTeam status or my ticket?
- All international First and Business Class passengers traveling on or connecting to/from a same-day international flight operated by a SkyTeam Member airline have access to our exclusive lounge facilities. Simply present your same-day (First or Business Class) ticket for an international SkyTeam airline flight
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members, regardless of their travel class, are allowed access to a SkyTeam lounge at a particular airport if traveling on or connecting to/from a same-day international flight operated by a SkyTeam Member airline. Simply present your same-day ticket for an international SkyTeam airline flight and a valid Elite Plus membership card
- Access to a lounge must be within a 24-hour window before the scheduled departure time of the flight at the airport in question
- Lounge access will be provided only at your departure airport and not on arrival, unless you are connecting to a domestic flight or other qualifying international flight.
Am I entitled to bring a guest into the lounge?
SkyTeam Elite Plus members are allowed to invite a guest to join them in the lounge.
How can I find out where lounges are located and which facilities are offered?
You can use Lounge Finder functionality find out where lounges are located at different airports. This tool also provides information on the facilities offered.
Go Round the World Pass
On which SkyTeam flights is the Go Round the World Pass valid?
The SkyTeam Go Round the World Pass is valid on all flights operated by SkyTeam carriers.
How many flight coupons does the Go Round the World Pass include?
Passengers must make at least 3 and up to 15 stops during their journey.
How long is a Go Round the World Pass valid for travel?
The Go Round the World pass is valid for travel for one year from the date of issue.
Where can I depart and terminate my routing with the Go Round the World Pass?
Travel must commence and end in the same country.
Is it necessary to plan all flights of the Go Round the World Pass in advance?
Your itinerary must be established before departure, but you're free to schedule your flights as you go, depending on availability.
In which cabin classes is the SkyTeam Go Round the World Pass available?
The Go Round the World Pass may be purchased in First, Business and Economy classes of service.
Does the Round the World fare offer discounts for children?
Yes. A lap infant (without seat) will be charged 10% of the fare, an infant who will be using a seat will be charged 75% of the fare. Accompanied children from 2-11 years old will be charged 75% of the fare. Unaccompanied children from 2-11 years old are not permitted to travel on a Go Round the World Pass.
What is a stopover and how many stopovers does the Go Round the World Pass permit?
A stopover is when a passenger spends more than 24 hours in a given city before continuing onward with their journey. Up to 15 stopovers are permitted with the Go Round the World Pass.
What is a transfer and how many transfers are permitted?
A transfer occurs when a passenger transits one city (e.g. to make a flight connection) and continues onward with their journey within 24 hours. Up to two transfers are permitted per city.
Does the Go Round the World Fare Pass permit intermediate non-air-transportation sectors, so-called surface sectors?
Yes. If you choose to use a non air mode of transportation for one leg of your journey, you are free to do so. The mileage between the two cities where you have begun and ended your surface sector will be included in the calculation of your Go Round the World pass fare.
What is the free baggage allowance?
Baggage allowances are determined by each operating carrier. Please contact your operating carrier for more details.
Can I collect miles when using the SkyTeam Go Round the World Pass?
Yes, frequent flyer miles may be collected in accordance with each SkyTeam carrier's program terms and conditions.
Who do I contact to book a SkyTeam Go Round the World Pass?
You can contact a SkyTeam member airline or your travel agent to book your Go Round the World Pass.
Round the World Travel Planner
What is Round the World Planner and why should I use it?
The Round the World Planner is a tool that will assist you in creating Round the World (RTW) itineraries where you start and end in the same city, always traveling in the same direction (East or West). Such type of travel implies adhering to complex rules. Round the World Planner hides the complexity of such rules and helps you optimize your itinerary, saving your time and effort.
What are the benefits of booking a Round the World Trip with SkyTeam Round the World Planner tool compared to going through a travel agent or working directly with an airline?
With the SkyTeam Round the World Planner tool, you can tailor your Round the World Trip yourself, at your own pace. You can add/delete as many as cities as you want and choose your flights yourself. It gives you total control over your travel plans.
You can compare any number of routes and evaluate all the options. You may start planning an itinerary, save it, retrieve it and compare it whenever you like, and in a variety of formats. This lets you complete an itinerary in multiple sessions.
In addition, the interactive Map View lets you review your itinerary on a world map. It helps in checking the exact position of any city, explore regions and identify the best airports to visit them.
How can I access the Round the World Planner?
Follow this path: skyteam.com > your Trip > Round the World Planner and click the application ‘Round the World Planner’ to launch it in a separate view. Click Plan your trip around the world to get started.
Where can I find more detailed information about the Round the World Planner?
A more detailed Q&A document can be found here.
Contact Information
Where do I register comments about service received from SkyTeam member airlines?
Each individual member has its own customer care department in place. Please contact the applicable SkyTeam member.
How can I contact SkyTeam?
The SkyTeam Airline Alliance Management office is located in the Netherlands.
The address is:
Schiphol Boulevard 367
1118 BJ Schiphol
The Netherlands