Summary
- Travel on SkyTeam airlines offers benefits based on previous Elite and Elite Plus status with Star Alliance.
- Points earned differ between Star Alliance and SkyTeam flights, with no points earned on Star Alliance after September 1, 2024.
- EuroBonus members can redeem points for flights on SkyTeam airlines starting September 1, with similar rebooking and cancellation policies in place.
On September 1, SAS officially joined SkyTeam global airline alliance. Previously a Star Alliance member, the airline ensured a smooth transition for its frequent flyer members. SAS EuroBonus members will enjoy loyalty benefits with SkyTeam airlines, similar to those of Star Alliance Airlines.
The airline states that the EuroBonus loyalty program will remain intact, so membership, program level, and points earned by members will not be affected. SAS aims to expand its offerings in the new alliance to offer greater flexibility and a range of benefits to its members. This article explores the subtle changes frequent flyers will see with this transition.
Traveling on SkyTeam partner airlines
- EuroBonus Silver/Star Alliance Silver = SkyTeam Elite
- EuroBonus Gold/Star Alliance Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus
- EuroBonus Diamond/Star Alliance Gold = SkyTeam Elite Plus
Traveling on partner airlines means enjoying similar benefits in SkyTeam alliance as those were received with Star Alliance. SAS states that EuroBonus members will receive comparable program status and benefits with SkyTeam. For example, EuroBonus Silver members will become SkyTeam Elite members and receive benefits such as priority check-in and extra baggage allowance.
Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock
Similarly, EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members will become SkyTeam Elite Plus members and receive benefits such as lounge access. Fast track, and priority boarding.
Due to technical reasons, EuroBonus members will not initially be able to enjoy all Elite or Elite Plus benefits on the Middle East Airlines, Aeromexico and Aerolíneas Argentinas. We are working hard to enable it as fast we can and will notify you as soon as it is available.
Earning EuroBonus points on partner airlines
For departures up to August 31, 2024
- EuroBonus members earn basic points when flying on Star Alliance airlines.
- EuroBonus members can claim missing points on Star Alliance airlines completed up to August 31, until November 30.
For departures from September 1, 2024
- EuroBonus members will no longer earn EuroBonus points when flying on a Star Alliance airline, but instead earn Level and Bonus points when flying on most SkyTeam airlines.
- One exception is Singapore Airlines on which you’ll continue to earn Bonus and Level points after September 1.
- EuroBonus members will be able to claim missing points for flights departing from September 1, 2024, on most SkyTeam airlines and Singapore Airlines as soon as eight days after the flight and as soon as six months after the flight.
Photo: Omar F Martinez | Shutterstock
Redeeming EuroBonus points on partner airlines
| Star Alliance Airlines | |
|---|---|
| Booking | No new bookings on Star Alliance airlines will be allowed after August 31, 2024 |
| Rebooking | From September 1, 2024, members can rebook their Bonus trip to an SAS or certain SkyTeam airline flights (subject to availability) by contacting SAS Customer Service. |
| Cancelation | Members can cancel their Star Alliance Bonus trip at any time, up to 24 hours before the departure of the outbound flight by contacting SAS Customer Service. |
EuroBonus points can be redeemed for traveling on partner airlines, including Star Alliance Airlines. Beginning September 1, members can no longer create new bookings or use Amex 2-for-1 vouchers. Bookings done until August 31, even for travel after August 31, remain valid.
Beginning September 1, rebooking of Bonus trips with SAS or certain SkyTeam airlines can be made by canceling the original flight and booking a new trip on a SkyTeam airline. Rebooking can be done up to 24 hours before departure. Any expired points or vouchers used on the original booking will not be applied to the new booking.
As before, cancelations of any Star Alliance Bonus trip can be done up to 24 hours before the first departure. Once the trip is started, it cannot be rebooked. All non-expired points and vouchers will be returned to the original EuroBonus account.
| SkyTeam Airlines | |
|---|---|
| Booking | Beginning September 1, 2024, members can redeem EuroBonus points or Amex 2-for-1 vouchers to book award flights on most SkyTeam airlines for travel. |
| Rebooking | Award flights booked on SkyTeam airlines will be rebookable until 24 hours before the departure of the outbound flight, subject to availability. |
| Cancelation | Members can cancel their SkyTeam award travel at any time, up to 24 hours before the departure of the outbound flight by contacting SAS Customer Service. |
EuroBonus points can be redeemed to travel on SkyTeam airlines. Beginning September 1, members can also use Amex 2-for-1 vouchers. Members can rebook their SkyTeam airlines up to 24 hours before departure. Any expired points or vouchers used on the original booking will not be applied to the new booking.
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
As before, cancelations of any SkyTeam airline award travel can be made up to 24 hours before the first departure. Once the trip is started, it cannot be rebooked. All non-expired points and vouchers will be returned to the original EuroBonus account.