Summary

  • Oneworld Sapphire may offer the best value in the alliance’s tier system.
  • Sapphire members get access to business class lounges and priority services,
  • Benefits include free checked bags and priority boarding.

The oneworld alliance, founded in 1999 and has grown to include 13 different carriers, has consistently made strides to improve the passenger experience and reward their most loyal travelers. The organization’s elite status system, which offers select benefits to those who have earned elite status on individual oneworld carriers, rewards its members in dozens of ways.

The lowest tier of the oneworld status system, Oneworld Ruby, offers relatively limited benefits, including priority boarding and access to premium check-in facilities. The highest tier of this system, Oneworld Emerald, offers far more premium benefits, which range from priority on waitlists and upgrades to access to first class lounges around the globe.

The middle tier of this status system is often overlooked and is likely the most rewarding, given how hard it is to achieve. In other words, Oneworld Sapphire gives you the best bang for your buck. In this article, we will examine the seven key benefits offered to oneworld members lucky enough to achieve this status tier.

1

Access to business class lounges

Passengers can access these facilities without a business class ticket

Those who have earned Oneworld Sapphire status can access almost any business class lounge worldwide that operates within the oneworld network. Some exceptions do apply, so passengers should be sure to check which specific lounges they anticipate visiting.

There are some benefits reserved for Oneworld Emerald members, however, such as access to the most exclusive first class lounges. Nonetheless, these opportunities will allow Sapphire status members to rest and recharge before their flights in lounges across the globe.

2

Access to business class priority check-in

oneworld carriers across the globe operate priority check-in facilities

Accessing priority check-in facilities can be a godsend when arriving at the airport. While standard check-in lines may be long, access to priority queues can offer a smoother experience.

Some oneworld carriers, like American Airlines, operate dozens of priority check-in facilities worldwide. These facilities can be accessed even when traveling on a different carrier. This benefit can come in handy when rushing to a flight or checking a bag.

Related

Marriott Bonvoy Status Holders Could Briefly Get Free oneworld Ruby Perks Through Cathay Pacific

The “preferred partnership’ allows members to transfer points between programs and allowed select Bonvoy customers to achieve airline status.

3

Access to preferred and pre-reserved seating

This can help passengers avoid two kinds of costly fees:

  • Fees to reserve preferred seating
  • Fees to reserve seats with companions (family, etc)

A new trend in commercial aviation involves how legacy carriers assign seats in the economy class cabin. Traditionally, passengers could select whatever seat they wanted (except for extra-legroom seats), but this has changed in recent years.

737Max-Aircraft-Interior-3-1000x667

Photo: American Airlines

Carriers have begun charging passengers to sit further in the cabin, labeling these seats as preferred or priority and requiring a reservation fee. However, this is no longer a concern for Oneworld Sapphire members as they are given complimentary access to all such seats.

Related

Oman Air Is Expected To Join oneworld After June

It will be more than two years since Oman Air announced its intentions to join the oneworld alliance.

4

Priority on waitlists

This also includes passengers on multiple kinds of waitlists, including:

  • Upgrade waitlists
  • Standby waitlists

As is often the case with Oneworld Sapphire members, priority on waitlists can be an important benefit. Most carriers will offer access to complimentary upgrade lists to those who have even the lowest tiers of airline status, but the order of who gets off these lists first is important to consider.

British-Airways-First-Class-700x386

Photo: British Airways

Oneworld Sapphire members will enjoy complete priority on almost all lists, with only the higher-ranking Oneworld Emerald members before them. This applies regardless of whether one has joined an upgrade list for a premium cabin, a standby list, or anything in between.

5

Priority boarding

Get on the plane early

Passengers who have earned Oneworld Sapphire status can always access priority boarding and take their seats before many others. This benefit ensures that one will never need to gate-check their carry-on bag and that the overhead bin in which they store their carry-on is located nearby.

This may not be the most flashy benefit, as many Oneworld Sapphire members will already have access to priority boarding. Nonetheless, it is nice to have.

Related

Could The World’s First Oneworld Branded Lounge Be In Seoul?

Construction is apparently already underway.

6

A free checked bag

In addition to the baggage allowance offered on a passenger’s ticket

There are several ways to access free checked baggage, either through airline cobranded credit cards or airline status. However, it is a little rarer to have the opportunity to exceed the typical baggage allowance offered by one’s ticket.

Accessing additional free baggage is straightforward for Oneworld Sapphire status passengers. This can really come in handy for large families or students traveling abroad for a semester.

Related

Air Canada’s Checked Baggage Fees & Policies: Everything You Need To Know

From standard checked bags to traveling with pets in the baggage compartment, here’s what you should know.

7

Priority baggage handling

Ensure your bags get with you to your destination with care

Priority baggage handling can be a nice perk, especially for those who travel with valuables or are looking for a swift exit from the airport. Ensuring your checked baggage is handled carefully can offer passengers peace of mind.

Several pieces of luggage on a baggage carousel.

Photo: Travel man | Shutterstock

Furthermore, this service, available to Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, can also help you get out of the airport and to your final destination faster. At the baggage carousel, suitcases tagged as priority baggage will be among the first to be placed out onto the carousel. The priority baggage process is as follows:

  1. Be sure to request a priority tag at check-in
  2. Attach it to your bag correctly
  3. Retrieve your bag from the baggage claim with no worries about what may have happened to it along the way

Related

Checked Baggage: Where Does It Go In The Airport & How Does The System Work?

The baggage system at an airport can span miles and effectively transfers luggage from the check-in desk to the aircraft and back, most of the time.

Have you ever had Oneworld Sapphire status? Let us know in the comments!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *