Summary
- Delta’s Medallion status perks extend to SkyTeam partners, granting benefits regardless of airline.
- Being a part of the Medallion status tier can grant you SkyTeam Elite or SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
- International lounge access is available for SkyTeam Elite Plus members at Delta Sky Club and partner lounges globally.
Airlines that are members of major airline alliances can enjoy various benefits by sharing resources and offering more travel options to their customers. Since 2000, Delta Air Lines has been a part and the founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. Membership in this global alliance allows Delta to share resources with other carriers and offer additional benefits to its passengers through the SkyMiles loyalty program.
This means that Delta’s Medallion status holders, the airline’s most loyal passengers, can enjoy benefits even when traveling with other SkyTeam carriers, not just Delta. Here are those benefits.
Unlocking the eligibility
Similar to other traditional loyalty programs, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles’ frequent flier program offers elite status based on the amount of miles you accumulate. The more you fly with Delta, the higher your elite status becomes.
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
The US legacy carrier has four tiers: Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, and Diamond Medallion. The higher your tier, the greater the benefits you receive. However, when dealing with members of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta’s Medallion tier hierarchy has little influence on the benefits you receive with partner airlines.
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As per Delta’s policy, Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members are granted SkyTeam Elite Plus status when flying with any SkyTeam airline. Silver Medallion members receive SkyTeam Elite status, both providing a wide range of benefits across all SkyTeam airlines. The SkyTeam airline list includes:
- Aerolíneas Argentinas
- Aeroméxico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Czech Airlines
- Garuda Indonesia
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- Middle East Airlines
- Saudia
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Xiamen Airlines
- SAS (joining the alliance on September 1st, 2024)
Photo: Minh K Tran | Shutterstock
The SkyTeam alliance’s collective route network currently connects 1,150 destinations in 175 countries. As of January 2024, the alliance includes 18 carriers, with Aeroflot currently suspended due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions imposed on the Russian aviation sector.
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Unlocking the benefits
Delta Air Lines guarantees that when you fly with their partner airlines, Medallion benefits such as priority boarding, preferred seats, and waived baggage fees will accompany you worldwide. Beyond these mentioned benefits, there are additional advantages, including airport lounge access around the world. Let’s explore both tiers.
Benefits |
SkyTeam Elite (Delta Medallion Silver) |
SkyTeam Elite Plus (Delta Medallion Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) |
---|---|---|
Guaranteed reservation |
❌ |
✅ |
Priority reservation list |
✅ |
✅ |
Priority airport standby |
✅ |
✅ |
Priority check-in |
✅ |
✅ |
Priority security |
❌ |
✅ |
Extra baggage allowance |
✅ |
✅ |
Lounge access |
❌ |
✅ |
Priority boarding |
✅ |
✅ |
Preferred seats |
✅ |
✅ |
Priority baggage handling |
❌ |
✅ |
Mileage upgrades |
✅ |
✅ |
It is worth noting that certain exclusions to benefits apply. For instance, preferred seats are available for SkyMiles Medallion members, except those traveling on basic economy fares. On Air France-operated flights, preferred seats are available only for members in Y and B class.
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International lounge access
Having Medallion status and being part of the SkyTeam Elite Plus tier can grant you airport lounge access. In addition to Delta’s Sky Club lounges, SkyTeam airlines have more than 750 lounges located all over the world. Here’s a breakdown of the lounges you will have access to, depending on your status and ticket fare.
Photo: LukeandKarla.Travel | Shutterstock
Delta Sky Club lounge |
SkyTeam partner lounges |
|
---|---|---|
Delta One |
✅ |
✅ |
Medallion Diamond, Platinum, Gold members |
✅ |
✅ |
SkyTeam Elite Plus members (non-Delta members) |
✅ |
✅ |
First and business class SkyTeam member flights |
✅ |
✅ |
It is worth noting that lounge access is not offered when traveling between the United States and the Caribbean, regardless of Medallion tier or cabin purchased. In addition, as of February 2, 2023, Delta Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members have no access to Delta Sky Club when traveling internationally in Main Cabin or Delta Comfort Plus.
Access to the Sky Club lounge remains available for these members when flying on Delta One or Delta Premium Select, or through other qualifying methods. Also, as of January 1st, 2024, passengers flying on the same day on a Delta Air Lines-marketed and Delta-operated flight, or on a Delta partner airline flight not operated or marketed by Delta, with basic economy tickets, cannot access the Delta Sky Club or Grab and Go services.
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Bottom line
Acquiring SkyTeam Elite or SkyTeam Elite Plus status through Delta’s SkyMiles Medallion program can bring considerable advantages and convenient perks. However, it is important to note that there are specific exclusions to these benefits that should be taken into consideration.
What are your thoughts on this? Are you a member of Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program? Let us know in the comments section below.