Every so often, I’ll visit with a Delta Medallion status holder taking an international trip. I say something like, “Remember your SkyTeam Elite benefits. Especially if you’re Gold Medallion or higher and traveling with a companion. You can get into lounges and enjoy some other perks.”
“Nah, I already have a credit card that gets me into Delta lounges,” many inevitably say. “And I can’t bring guests. I’m Sky Priority and all that. So it doesn’t matter.”
Oh, yes. It does. So, if you’re a Delta Medallion member — or about to become one — you may find this interesting.
SkyTeam Elite (and Elite Plus)
SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus statuses give members certain privileges. These vary by tier, of course.
When traveling an itinerary involving international flights, SkyTeam Elite members are entitled to:
- Priority reservation waitlist (when fares permit)
- Preferred seating (Hi, exit rows!)
- Priority check-in counters (think Sky Priority)
- Priority boarding or at your leisure
- Extra baggage allowance
SkyTeam Elite Plus members, get even better perks. In addition to preferred seating, priority checking, and priority boarding, these lucky folks get:
- Guaranteed full-fare Y-class reservation on sold-out long-haul flights, at least 24 hours prior to departure
- Access to SkyTeam partner airport lounges worldwide, whatever the class of travel, for members in possession of a boarding pass, accompanied by a guest.
- Priority baggage handling on arrival, whatever the class of travel
- Extra baggage allowance
Again, this is when traveling on an itinerary involving international flights.
Cool Story, Bro. How Do I Earn SkyTeam Elite Status?
Each level of Delta Medallion status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) is some kind of SkyTeam Elite member.
Silver Medallions are SkyTeam Elite members.
The other tiers (Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) are SkyTeam Elite Plus.
(It’s kind of like that Modern Family episode when Jay is all excited to earn Excelsior status in Las Vegas. But only after achieving that level does he learn there’s an Excelsior Plus tier and he gets all mad.)
What Are Some Real-Life Examples of Using SkyTeam Elite Perks?
I’ve used my SkyTeam Elite Plus perks plenty of times. I especially enjoy accessing SkyTeam partner airline lounges and SkyTeam-branded clubs.
For instance, my friend Tim and I flew to London via LAX-SLC-LHR. I then went on to Paris (CDG). We flew a combination of Main Cabin and Comfort+.
Because this was an international itinerary, both of us were able to access Delta Sky Clubs at LAX and in Salt Lake City. It didn’t matter we flew coach. Nor did either one of us need any Amex card. Tim is a basic SkyMiles member. His wife has a United credit card. None of that matters because my SkyTeam Elite Plus status got us into the lounge.
I flew home from Paris two days later and visited an Air France salon (that’s fancy for “airport lounge,” you know) before my Delta flight back to the United States.
On our way home, we flew LHR to Portland (PDX) to LAX. Again, SkyTeam Elite Plus status got us into the Delta Sky Club in Portland.
Two years ago, my buddy Rick and I flew to LHR via LAX and JFK. Again, a combination of Main Cabin and Comfort+. We enjoyed complimentary Sky Club access at LAX and JFK. On the return, we hit the SkyTeam Lounge at LHR before flying to Paris. Rick is a general SkyMiles member.
Don’t get all jealous if you’re a Gold Medallion member. You, too, have the same benefits on international trips! (To be fair, some of the participating SkyTeam lounges are accessible with Priority Pass.)
I’ve flown Air France several times between London and Paris. If there’s an exit row seat open, I’m able to snag it for free.
Final Approach
If you’re a Delta Medallion status holder, make sure you take advantage of your SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus benefits when flying on an international trip with a SkyTeam carrier! Lounge access for you and a guest — regardless of which class you fly — can be an especially nice perk.
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I assume that we need to use our Delta Skymiles number in the reservations? Thanks
If you’re earning toward Delta, yes.
But lets say I am flying Air France but my status is with Delta, how would Air france know that I am Sky elite?
You’re able to select Delta as your loyalty partner and then insert your SkyMiles number.
The problem with Elite/Plus and picking exit row seats is when travelling with a companion, the Elite member can choose a seat but the companion can’t 🙁
As a Platinum Medallion when you purchase a Main Cabin ticket for a DL international flight, are you automatically upgraded to C+ as in domestic flights?
If you opt-in for the upgrade and there’s available inventory, yes.
Thank you!
When I gifted one of my sisters GM status because I’m DM, that benefit was great. She didn’t have to pay for her kids (2) into the SC lounge when trying to Mexico. She has Amex platinum card and GM status which made for a good trip for them. Plus you get two bags for free on the same PNR
Just had to pay for the third bag they’d for misc gifts.
Yes, that lounge access helped me greatly. I flew LAX-SYD on Delta to connect with Virgina Australia SYD-MEL but my layover in Sydney was quite long, even after clearing customs and passport control. My ticket was coach on both westbound segments but my SkyTeam status was Elite Plus (Delta Platinum) and my stop in the Virgin Australia lounge afforded breakfast and, of equal importance, charging time and WiFi to work email for over an hour.
My SO (she is Gold thanks to my Diamond status) and her daughter recently took an awards trip to London and Paris. They flew Delta to London and Air France on the return and took full advantage of the Elite Plus benefits and loved it. A great benefit that should not be forgotten. Thank you, Chris, for the reminder.
It really makes a difference on international trips!
It does make a difference if the SC staff understand the rules. We flew with family (5 of us sky elite and have platinum Amex cards) 1 did not have status or card and 2-2 year olds. TR International via Atlanta.. We had to pay for the 2 — 2year olds and 1 adult without status or card..????The 2 year old slept thru it
What about if someone (me) is a lowly Member (or whatever Delta’s entry level is) that is flying on KLM or Air France and wants to go into the Sky Club (with a Platinum card if that’s needed). Can I get in still?
Unfortunately not.