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SkyTeam has enhanced its elite member experience with a new benefit that began rolling out on April 1st. Since then, SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers have been able to enjoy lounge access when traveling on domestic flights across select member airlines. This marks a significant expansion of privileges, bringing the alliance in line with competing global networks such as oneworld® and Star Alliance. But, don’t get too excited as Delta Air Lines elite members still won’t see access in the United States.
The new policy opens the doors to more than 70 participating lounges in destinations ranging from Monterrey International Airport (MTY) to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) offering SkyTeam’s most loyal travelers more flexibility and comfort even on shorter flights. Participating lounges are operated by Aeromexico, Air France, China Eastern, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, SAS, Saudia, Vietnam Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines. Eligible Elite Plus members have access before departure regardless of whether their trip is international or domestic. The full list of participating lounges can be found here.
Travelers flying domestically in China now benefit from 32 lounges operated by China Eastern and Xiamen Airlines, creating one of the largest domestic lounge networks within the alliance. In the United States, the upgrade has also been notable, with Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and SAS offering access to more than ten lounges across major airports such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD). Passengers are encouraged to verify lounge locations, hours, and access conditions before visiting.
Two frequent flyer programs remain exempt from the new benefit: Delta SkyMiles members traveling domestically within the United States and Aerolineas Argentinas Aerolineas Plus members on domestic flights worldwide. Looking ahead, SkyTeam and its member airlines plan to expand domestic lounge access to additional locations to reaffirm the alliance’s commitment to elevating the customer journey from check-in to boarding.
Anthony’s Take: With this update, SkyTeam Elite Plus members now enjoy an enhanced travel experience that spans both international and domestic itineraries while offering a seamless and elevated journey across one of the world’s most connected airline alliances. I just wish Delta somehow was in the mix, but we don’t need to restart the overcrowding issue.
(Featured Image Credit: SkyTeam.)
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