5 Perks Your Existing Airline Status Gets You On International Carriers

Most major airlines have a frequent flier program, and as you fly more or spend more (depending on the benefits of your credit card), you will earn points and status. Our status can lead to an upgrade to a higher membership tier with a range of extra benefits. This article will examine how our benefits transfer between our airline of choice and their member partners in the world’s three largest airline alliances, oneworld, Star Alliance, and Skyteam. Earning points can depend on your credit card’s earning rate, the airline fare, or the distance flown on your respective airline or its partners.

United Airlines was the first to track and recognize its customers in the 1950s. However, Western Direct Marketing introduced the first modern frequent flier program for the Chicago-based carrier in 1972. Since then, the loyalty game has evolved substantially, and each airline can have memberships in the millions.

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The three major airline alliances have reciprocal agreements to acknowledge elite members and ensure that they can experience the same level of recognition they are used to expecting with their home carrier, even when the passenger could be on the other side of the world, with an airline they have never flown but is in the same alliance.

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This article will outline how your status can transfer from Delta, United, and American Airlines:

1

SkyTeam Elite

Delta: SkyMiles Silver Medallion

Those with Delta’s Silver Medallion status receive reciprocal benefits when traveling across the SkyTeam network. Before stepping onboard, perks include a priority waitlist for certain fares, preferred check-in counters, and priority boarding. While onboard, preferred seating and additional baggage allowances make the trip even more relaxing.

2

SkyTeam Elite Plus

Delta: SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion

All of the above benefits are included. However, additional perks include a full fare economy class reservation guarantee on sold-out long-haul services if booking at least 24 hours before departure and access to the SkyTeam airport lounges regardless of travel class.

3

Star Alliance Silver

United: MileagePlus Premier Silver

The inclusions are modest for silver members. They include priority reservation waitlists and priority airport standby, except on reward flights. Usually, when traveling on United Metal, you receive a free bag in the economy, economy plus seating for you and a companion, day of departure upgrades, and 7x earning privileges on UA flights.

4

Star Alliance Gold

United: MileagePlus Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K

In addition to the above, gold members are entitled to priority airport check-in and baggage handling and access to over 1,000 partner lounges worldwide. Priority boarding for first and business class itineraries will treat the frequent flier in addition to an extra checked bag on eligible itineraries. As a final sweetener, at participating airports, Gold Track will expedite you through airport security and immigration.

5

Oneworld Ruby

American: AAdvantage Gold

Simple inclusions for Gold members of American Airlines AAdvantage are business class priority check-in and pre-reserved preferred seating onboard. When traveling on American or Alaska Airlines, you are eligible for preferred seating, Main Cabin extra, complimentary upgrades to premium cabins within 24 hours of departure, and 40% more award miles on eligible itineraries.

6

Oneworld Sapphire

American: AAdvantage Platinum

Including the benefits of the previous tier, Platinum members receive priority boarding on any Oneworld flight and one extra bag. Depending on your itinerary, you can also access reciprocal business class lounges, such as the world’s first Oneworld branded lounge, located at Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN).

7

Oneworld Emerald

American: AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum

Further to the benefits of Gold and Platinum, passengers at this frequent flier tier will receive fast-track and priority lanes at participating airports around the globe, as well as access to first-class lounges on Oneworld-eligible itineraries.

Located near gate 28 at South Korea’s busiest airport is the world’s first Oneworld lounge, open daily for eligible airline members with Emerald and Sapphire status or traveling on a first or business class ticket with member airlines. The airport lounge offers a vibrant and calm space with various food and beverage options, specialty coffee, high-speed WiFi, and private showers. The alliance-wide lounge takes design inspiration from Korean culture and features a setting for up to 148 customers.

The world’s first Oneworld lounge was initially destined for Moscow Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport (DME); however, after widespread sanctions, the alliance opted for Seoul. It is expected that Oneworld will open more lounges worldwide in the next few years.

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A Complete Guide To Elite Status In The oneworld Alliance

Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphires are the tiers to strive for within the oneworld Alliance.