SkyTeam Alliance Guide: Members, Credit Cards, Miles & Awards

There are three major airline alliances in the world: SkyTeam, Oneworld, and Star Alliance. Each of these airline alliances contains a number of member airlines, including the big U.S. carriers. The SkyTeam alliance is the newest of the three — but that doesn't make it any less valuable for travelers. SkyTeam alliance airlines collectively serve hundreds of destinations worldwide and allow travelers to earn and redeem miles across participating carriers.

Here's a look at SkyTeam, its member carriers, and all the details you'll need to know to make the alliance work for you.

Who is part of the SkyTeam Alliance?

SkyTeam alliance members include 18 airlines serving destinations across six continents.

• Aerolineas Argentinas

• Aeromexico

• Air Europa

• Air France

• China Airlines

• China Eastern Airlines

• Delta Air Lines

• Garuda Indonesia

• Kenya Airways

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

• Korean Air

• Middle East Airlines

• SAS

• Saudia

• Tarom

• Vietnam Airlines

• Virgin Atlantic

• Xiamen Airlines

Aeroflot is also a member of SkyTeam but it is temporarily suspended.

How does the SkyTeam Alliance work?

The SkyTeam alliance works like this: When airlines become members, they commit to seamless travel between member airlines across the global network. This means that guests can book a single ticket from one point to another and will only need to check in once, check their bags at the beginning, and pay for their flight in one go.

In practice, this means you can book a ticket with Delta from Atlanta to Ho Chi Minh using Delta's website. You'll be on flights operated by Delta Air Lines and then Vietnam Airlines, but you'll only ever need to check in at Delta's desk. You'll get boarding passes for your entire journey, and your bags will be automatically transferred from Delta to Vietnam Airlines.

The process is the same whether you're flying from San Francisco to London Heathrow, on Korean Air to Kenya Airways, or any other combination of routes and SkyTeam member airlines.

Best SkyTeam programs for booking award flights

One of the biggest misconceptions about SkyTeam alliance airlines is that each one charges the same number of miles for the same flight. In reality, award pricing can vary significantly depending on which frequent flyer program you use.

For example, a Delta-operated flight between the U.S. and Europe may be available through Delta SkyMiles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, or another SkyTeam partner. Different transfer partners may charge a different number of miles for the exact same seat.

Some of the most useful SkyTeam frequent flyer programs for booking award flights include the following options.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Flying Blue is often considered one of the most valuable SkyTeam loyalty programs. Flying Blue partners with all major transferable points currencies and regularly offers discounted Promo Rewards on select routes. Flying Blue can be especially useful for booking flights to Europe on Air France, KLM, and Delta.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Although Virgin Atlantic is a relatively recent SkyTeam member, Flying Club remains a favorite among points enthusiasts. The program partners with every major transferable points currency and can offer competitive pricing on flights operated by Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM, and other transfer partners.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles is the easiest SkyTeam frequent flyer program for many U.S.-based travelers to earn through flying and credit card spending. However, Delta uses dynamic award pricing, which means redemption rates can vary widely depending on demand and travel dates.

Aeromexico Rewards

Aeromexico Rewards receives less attention than Flying Blue or SkyMiles, but it can occasionally provide competitive pricing on select SkyTeam award flights, particularly for travel between North America and Latin America.

Because SkyTeam award pricing varies by loyalty program, comparing multiple options before transferring points can save a significant number of miles. Point.me makes it easy to see which frequent flyer program offers the best redemption value for your itinerary.

Best SkyTeam award flights to book with miles

One of the biggest advantages of the SkyTeam alliance is the ability to redeem miles across multiple airlines. While award pricing varies depending on the frequent flyer program you use, several SkyTeam award flights consistently stand out as strong redemption options.

Air France business class to Europe

Air France business class is one of the most popular ways to use SkyTeam miles. Travelers can often find award availability to Paris and other European destinations through Flying Blue, the joint loyalty program of Air France and KLM. Flying Blue's monthly Promo Rewards can make these redemptions even more attractive.

KLM business class to Amsterdam

KLM offers an extensive route network throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Flying into Amsterdam can provide convenient connections to destinations across the region, making KLM business class a valuable option for travelers looking to maximize their SkyTeam miles.

Delta One to Europe

Delta One remains one of the most sought-after premium cabin products within SkyTeam. While Delta SkyMiles pricing can sometimes be expensive, travelers may find better value by booking the same Delta-operated flight through a partner frequent flyer program such as Air France-KLM Flying Blue or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Korean Air business class to Asia

Korean Air operates one of the strongest route networks in Asia and offers convenient connections through Seoul Incheon International Airport. Award travelers can use SkyTeam partner programs to access destinations throughout South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class product offers lie-flat seats, premium airport experiences, and access to some of the airline's signature Clubhouses. Depending on the route and loyalty program used, Virgin Atlantic flights can provide excellent value for travelers redeeming transferable credit card points.

Which credit card points transfer to SkyTeam airlines?

Unlike some airline alliances, SkyTeam does not offer a single alliance-wide credit card. Instead of a SkyTeam credit card, travelers need to transfer points from major bank rewards programs to participating SkyTeam member airlines.

Many of the most valuable SkyTeam frequent flyer programs partner with transferable points currencies, making it easy to earn points through everyday spending and convert them into airline miles when you're ready to book.

Because transfer partnerships can change, it's always a good idea to confirm award availability before moving points. Transfers generally cannot be reversed once completed.

Even if your bank points don't transfer directly to Delta SkyMiles, you may still be able to book Delta-operated flights through SkyTeam partner programs. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to Air France-KLM Flying Blue or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, both of which can be used to book many Delta flights.

Not sure which transfer partner offers the best value? Point.me can compare award availability and options across multiple airline loyalty programs before you move your points, helping you avoid transferring to a program that requires more miles for the same flight.

What are the SkyTeam status levels?

One of the perks of flying with the SkyTeam alliance is that frequent flyers will receive reciprocal benefits on member airlines. While they won't be as full as the benefits you'll get with your home airline, there are definitely some nice perks.

There are two levels of SkyTeam alliance elite status: SkyTeam Elite and SkyTeam Elite Plus.

SkyTeam Elite benefits

Those who have SkyTeam Elite status will receive a number of elite benefits when flying with member airlines, including:

• Priority reservation waitlist (when fares permit)

• Preferred seating

• Priority check-in counters

• Priority baggage drop-off

• Priority boarding or boarding at leisure

• Extra baggage allowance

SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits

SkyTeam Elite Plus is the highest level of SkyTeam elite status. In addition to the above benefits, SkyTeam Elite Plus members get:

• Guaranteed full-fare Y-class reservations on sold-out long-haul flights, at least 24 hours prior to departure

• Access to airport lounges worldwide for members in possession of a boarding pass, plus a guest, no matter the class of travel

• Priority baggage handling on arrival, whatever the class of travel

• Increased baggage allowances

How do I get SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus status?

Earning SkyTeam alliance elite status is done through a member airline's loyalty program. For example, let's say that you fly with Delta Air Lines often enough to earn Silver Medallion status (along with a whole boatload of Delta SkyMiles). As a benefit of Silver status with Delta, you also have SkyTeam Elite status.

Beyond this, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion elite members have SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

SkyTeam lounges

Nothing feels as nice as an airport lounge when you're traveling. A respite away from crowded terminals, SkyTeam lounges give eligible passengers the ability to wind down and recharge before a flight.

Who gets access to SkyTeam lounges?

There are two types of passengers who can have SkyTeam lounge access:

• Those flying same-day international business or first class on a SkyTeam member airline

• Those with SkyTeam Elite Plus status, flying on a SkyTeam member airline that day

SkyTeam Elite Plus members are also allowed to bring one guest with them into SkyTeam lounges. The guest must also be flying on a same-day SkyTeam ticket, but they do not need to be on the same flight as the member with SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

There are some limitations to lounge access for SkyTeam Elite Plus members, however. Delta SkyMiles Medallion members receive SkyTeam Elite Plus status at the Gold Medallion level and above. However, Delta SkyMiles Medallion members should not assume that SkyTeam Elite Plus status guarantees access to Delta Sky Club lounges. Delta maintains separate lounge access policies that vary by route, cabin, and credit card eligibility.

All travelers should review Delta's current Sky Club access policies before assuming SkyTeam Elite Plus status will grant lounge access.

Where are SkyTeam lounges located?

With more than 750 SkyTeam lounges worldwide, it's rare to find an airport without one. Most are operated by SkyTeam member airlines, though there are a few SkyTeam-branded lounges accessible to SkyTeam Elite Plus members. These are located in:

• Frankfurt

• Vancouver

• Dubai

• Sydney

• Santiago de Chile

• São Paulo (joint with Global Lounge Network)

What facilities and benefits do SkyTeam lounges offer?

The amenities at SkyTeam lounges vary, but you can generally expect food, drinks, seating, a place to charge your phone, and restrooms. Other amenities can include nap pods, showers, relaxation rooms, and more.

SkyTeam's lounge website can help you find a lounge at your airport, and let you know what's on offer.

How do I redeem points and miles for SkyTeam awards?

Once you've identified a SkyTeam award flight you'd like to book, the next step is deciding which loyalty program to use. Because SkyTeam alliance airlines allow travelers to earn and redeem miles across the alliance, there are often multiple ways to book the same flight using points.

If you've already earned miles with SkyTeam members, you can simply log in to any of your accounts and look for flights — so if you have miles with Air France KLM Flying Blue, for example, you can browse and book flights with Air France, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, or any of the other SkyTeam members.

However, you don't need to have earned miles with a SkyTeam airline to redeem miles. If you've earned points with any transferable points currencies, you can move them over to a SkyTeam airline alliance member and then redeem.

A good example of this is Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club partners with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Citi ThankYou points — and you can transfer any of them over to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Then you'll need to head to the Virgin Atlantic homepage, complete a search using points, and find the flight you want to book, whether that's with Virgin Atlantic, Air France, or even one of Virgin's non-SkyTeam partners.

Frequently asked questions about SkyTeam

What airlines are part of the SkyTeam Alliance?

As of 2026, there are 18 members of the SkyTeam Alliance: Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, SAS, Saudia, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Xiamen Airlines. While Aeroflot remains a founding member of SkyTeam, the airline's participation is currently suspended.

How do I join the SkyTeam Alliance?

Only airlines can join the SkyTeam alliance. Those who have elite status with airlines that are part of the alliance will automatically be given elite status with SkyTeam.

Is SkyTeam membership free?

Again, you can't join an airline alliance directly, but earning elite status with SkyTeam is free.

What are the differences between SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status?

Travelers with Elite Plus status are entitled to more SkyTeam alliance benefits than those with SkyTeam Elite, including an additional checked bag and airport lounge access.

How do I become a SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus member?

If you have elite status with a SkyTeam member airline, you'll automatically receive SkyTeam elite status.

How many frequent flyer miles do I need for SkyTeam Elite status?

Each year, you'll need to qualify for elite status with a participating airline to be awarded SkyTeam elite status. Requirements vary by airline. For example, you earn elite status on Delta by qualifying spend.

What credit card points transfer to SkyTeam airlines?

Many major bank rewards programs transfer to SkyTeam member airlines. Depending on the program, travelers can transfer points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, Aeromexico Rewards, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Does SkyTeam have its own credit card?

There is no single SkyTeam credit card or shared SkyTeam points currency, because the alliance itself does not handle rewards or manage flights. Instead, travelers earn miles through individual SkyTeam frequent flyer programs and can transfer bank rewards points to participating airlines such as Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, Aeromexico Rewards, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

What's the best SkyTeam frequent flyer program?

There is no single best SkyTeam frequent flyer program for every traveler. Air France-KLM Flying Blue is often considered one of the most valuable thanks to its transfer partners, Promo Rewards, and broad access to SkyTeam award flights.

Can I use Flying Blue miles to book Delta flights?

Yes. Flying Blue miles can be used on Delta-operated flights, subject to award availability. In some cases, Flying Blue may charge fewer miles than Delta SkyMiles for the same flight.

Can I book SkyTeam flights through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club?

Yes. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members can redeem points on many SkyTeam partner airlines, including Air France, KLM, Delta, and others, subject to award availability.

What are the best SkyTeam award flights?

Popular SkyTeam award redemptions include Air France business class to Paris, KLM business class to Amsterdam, Delta One flights to Europe, and Korean Air business class flights to Asia. Award pricing varies by program and route.

How do I get access to SkyTeam lounges?

SkyTeam lounges are available to travelers flying in international business class on eligible SkyTeam flights, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling on a same-day SkyTeam itinerary. However, Delta SkyMiles Medallion members should review Delta's current lounge policies, as access to Delta Sky Club locations may be more restrictive than standard SkyTeam lounge access rules.

Is Virgin Atlantic a SkyTeam member?

Yes, Virgin Atlantic is a member of SkyTeam.

Is SAS in SkyTeam now?

Yes, SAS joined SkyTeam in 2024.

How much does a SkyTeam business class award cost?

There is no fixed SkyTeam award chart. The number of miles required depends on the airline, route, travel dates, and frequent flyer program used. A SkyTeam award search across multiple programs can often reveal lower-priced redemption options for the same flight.

How point.me simplifies SkyTeam award travel

One of the challenges with SkyTeam award travel is that the same flight can often be booked through multiple loyalty programs, each charging a different number of miles. A Delta-operated flight, for example, may be available through Delta SkyMiles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, with award rates varying by program.

Rather than searching multiple airline websites individually, point.me compares award options across dozens of loyalty programs to help travelers find the best redemption opportunities. Whether you're booking Air France business class to Europe, Delta One to London, or a Korean Air flight to Asia, point.me can show you available options and provide step-by-step booking instructions. Try it today.