Summary
- Elite Plus members get priority baggage handling, saving 20-40 minutes on international flights.
- Elite or Elite Plus status grants access to more than 750 SkyTeam lounges worldwide.
- Elite Plus members receive guaranteed full-fare Y-class reservations on sold-out long-haul flights.
The SkyTeam alliance rewards its frequent fliers with two status tiers: Elite and Elite Plus. Having Elite status with a SkyTeam airline can also earn Elite or Elite Plus status with SkyTeam. The Elite status comes with a range of benefits, including priority positions at different points at the airport. The Elite Plus includes all the benefits of Elite plus a handful of additional benefits. This article explores the top perks of having Elite or Elite Plus status with SkyTeam.
1
Priority everything
SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members
- Priority check-in
- Faster airport security
- Priority boarding
- Priority waitlist
Both the SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members receive priority access to a number of points at airports. Members can get in the priority line (First/Business line at many counters) for check-in. Similarly, priority access to airport security (at some airports) and priority boarding can be granted to the SkyTeam members.
Photo: Craig Russell | Shutterstock
Members also receive a priority reservation waitlist, meaning they will receive the first dip at the airport standby list when flight fares permit. It is noteworthy that the waitlist policies greatly differ based on the airline. For example, Korean Air excludes Elite members from receiving priority airport standby.
![A Delta Air Lines Airbus A321neo flying in the sky](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2361911251.jpg)
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2
Preferred seats
SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members
- Selection of seats in advance
- Preferred seats may be excluded
- Extra leg-room seats may be excluded
- Seats cannot be selected on basic economy fares
Most global airlines restrict passengers from selecting a seat of their choice in advance, up until the check-in in most cases. SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members can generally select a preferred seat in advance without a charge with SkyTeam member airlines. It is noteworthy that different airlines in the alliance may have varying policies about preferred seating.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
For example, according to Korean Air, a SkyTeam member,
“Elite members can select a seat in advance without charge, with the exception of Extra-legroom Seats and Preferred Seats, and Elite Plus members can select a seat in advance without charge, with the exception of Extra-legroom Seats.”
While both Elite and Elite Plus members are entitled to preferred seats, according to SkyTeam, only Elite Plus members can select a complimentary preferred seat with Korean Air. Notably, preferred seating may not be available when traveling in basic economy.
![A Vietnam Airlines Airbus A350 in SkyTeam Livery flying in the sky.](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/shutterstock_2317922607-1.jpg)
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SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members
- Extra weight allowance
- An additional piece of luggage allowance
- The extra allowance varies by airline
As an overarching perk for Elite and Elite Plus members, extra baggage allowance is granted. However, that policy may also differ based on airlines. Some airlines may allow an extra piece of baggage, others may allow added weight in the regular allowance. Moreover, the allowance may also differ between Elite and Elite Plus members.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
According to Korean Air,
“When traveling with Korean Air, Elite and Elite Plus members are entitled to one extra piece of luggage on all routes except transpacific routes for Elite members traveling Economy Class. When traveling with other SkyTeam carriers, Elite Plus members are entitled to extra 20kg (44 pounds) or one piece of luggage. Elite members may be entitled to 10kg (22 pounds) or one additional piece of luggage.”
![Air France A350 taking off on runway](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Air-France-Airbus-A350-900-F-HTYI-1000x667.jpg)
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4
Priority baggage handling at airports
SkyTeam Elite Plus members
- Special tags on the baggage
- One of the first to arrive on the carousel
- Saves 20-40 minutes on international flights
How many times have you waited long before your checked luggage arrived at the baggage carousel? Did you know that SkyTeam Elite Plus members do not have to wait at the baggage claim? Irrespective of the travel class, Elite Plus members have priority baggage handling on arrival.
Photo: Antwerp International Airport
As a member, your bags will be identified with a special tag upon check-in. As such, the bags will be among the first on the carousel when you arrive at your destination. If you have Elite status with some airlines, you can also take advantage of this perk. It is one of those added benefits of an elite status that may save you a considerable amount of time after arrival.
![A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 pictured from above](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/delta-air-lines-boeing-757-pictured-from-above-1.jpg)
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5
Guaranteed full-fare Y-class reservation
SkyTeam Elite Plus members
- Normal fare tickets are designated with Y (YRT, YRTKE, YOW, YOWKE) as the Fare Basis
- For Korean Air and Air France, this benefit applies only to long-haul flights
- Flights that are over six hours for Korean Air
Travelers with Elite Plus status get guaranteed full-fare Y-class reservations on sold-out long-haul flights when booked at least 24 hours prior to departure. Airlines guarantee an Economy Class reservation when purchasing normal fare tickets.
Photo: Senohrabek | Shutterstock
Airline policies greatly differ when honoring such perks to SkyTeam elite members. The Points Guy notes that SkyTeam is believed to be the least consistent with its elite status perks compared to Oneworld and Star Alliance. SkyTeam members must check with their airlines about specific benefits based on their elite status.
![An Air France Boeing 777-300ER in SkyTeam Livery flying in the sky.](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Air-France-(SkyTeam-Livery)-Boeing-777-328(ER)-F-GZNE-(2).jpg)
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6
Access to airport lounges worldwide
SkyTeam Elite Plus members
- Complimentary lounge access for member and one guest
- More than 750 SkyTeam lounges worldwide
- You may also receive a qualifying premium cabin
One of the greatest perks of having the SkyTeam Elite Plus status is access to more than 750 SkyTeam lounges worldwide. Whether it is before your flight or during a long transit, members enjoy all benefits of the SkyTeam lounge, including food, beverages, and showers (where available).
Photo: Abid Habib | Simple Flying
Members can also bring one guest to the lounge for free on qualifying flights. While the guest does not have to travel on the same itinerary or flight, they must travel internationally with a SkyTeam member airline. The Points Guy highlights that each SkyTeam lounge has a unique access policy, so members must check with the airline and airport they’re flying to and refer to the SkyTeam lounge finder.
![0E96A71C-0602-46BD-95EF-4513DBD6F06C](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/0E96A71C-0602-46BD-95EF-4513DBD6F06C.jpeg)
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What are your thoughts on the perks of having a SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus status? Have you traveled with a SkyTeam airline as an elite member? Share your experience in the comment section.