SkyTeam Lounge Access Guide

SkyTeam is an airline alliance of 19 member carriers, offering reciprocal lounge access across their network. This guide explains who can access SkyTeam lounges and under what conditions.

SkyTeam Member Airlines

Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and XiamenAir.

Access by Ticket Class

First Class Passengers

Lounge Access: First class and business class lounges at departure and transfer airports.

Guest Policy: One guest permitted (must be traveling on the same SkyTeam flight).

Important Note: Unlike oneworld and Star Alliance, SkyTeam has no formal alliance-wide first class lounge reciprocity. Access to premium first class facilities depends on individual airline policies rather than alliance rules.

Requirements:

• Same-day SkyTeam first class boarding pass
• Departure and transfer airports only (not arrival)

Business Class Passengers

Lounge Access: Designated SkyTeam business class lounges at departure and transfer airports.

Guest Policy: No guest privileges.

Requirements:

• Same-day SkyTeam business class boarding pass
• All segments must be booked in business or first class
• Departure and transfer airports only

Critical Restrictions:

• Mixed cabin itineraries: If any segment of your journey is in economy, lounge access may be denied entirely
• Delta to Canada/Mexico: Delta business class (non-Delta One) to Canada or Mexico does not qualify for Sky Club access

Three-Hour Rule: Lounge access is officially limited to three hours before departure, though enforcement varies.

Access by Elite Status

SkyTeam Elite Plus Status

Elite Plus is the top tier in SkyTeam, earned through programs like Delta SkyMiles (Diamond, Platinum), Air France Flying Blue (Gold, Platinum), and Korean Air SKYPASS (Morning Calm Premium).

Lounge Access: SkyTeam lounges regardless of travel class on international itineraries.

Guest Policy: One guest permitted (must be traveling on the same SkyTeam flight).

Requirements:

• Same-day SkyTeam boarding pass (any cabin class)
• International travel only
• Must show Elite Plus status card or digital equivalent
• Departure and transfer airports only

Critical Delta Exception: Delta SkyMiles Elite Plus members (Diamond, Platinum Medallion) do NOT receive Delta Sky Club access for:

• US domestic flights
• US to Caribbean flights

This means a Delta Diamond member flying domestically within the US cannot access Sky Clubs based on status alone.

Other Domestic Restrictions:

• Aerolíneas Argentinas members: No domestic lounge access
• Most programs: Limited or no domestic lounge access

SkyTeam Elite Status

Elite is the entry-level tier, offering benefits like priority check-in and boarding but no lounge access.

Departure and Transfer Only

Unlike some alliance benefits, SkyTeam lounge access is strictly limited to:

• Departure airports - Where your journey begins
• Transfer airports - Where you connect between flights

No access at arrival airports - After your final SkyTeam segment, you cannot access lounges.

This is more restrictive than oneworld, which allows access until 6:00 AM the following day for layovers.

Delta-Specific Rules

Delta operates the largest network of SkyTeam lounges in the United States. Understanding Delta's specific rules is essential.

Delta Sky Club Access

Who Gets Access:

• Delta One (international business class) passengers
• Delta First Class (domestic) passengers on different rules
• Delta Sky Club members
• Delta Reserve/Amex Platinum cardholders (with restrictions)

Who Does NOT Get Access:

• Elite Plus members on US domestic flights
• Elite Plus members on US-Caribbean flights
• Delta business class (non-Delta One) to Canada/Mexico
• Delta staff travel
• Passengers with mixed-cabin itineraries where any segment is economy

Delta One vs. Delta Business

• Delta One = International lie-flat business class (qualifies for Sky Club)
• Delta Comfort+ and standard business to nearby international destinations may NOT qualify

Three-Hour Rule

SkyTeam officially limits lounge access to three hours before departure. This is more restrictive than other alliances.

In Practice:

• Enforcement varies by lounge and location
• Some lounges are strict; others are lenient
• During peak times, the rule is more likely to be enforced
• If you arrive earlier, you may be asked to wait or return later

Quick Reference Table

*No formal alliance-wide first class reciprocity **Delta Sky Club specifically excluded for Delta members on domestic flights

Lounge Types in SkyTeam

Delta Sky Club

Delta's primary lounge product in the US and select international locations. Premium food, beverages, and amenities.

Air France Lounges

Air France operates business and La Première (first class) lounges at Paris CDG and other locations.

KLM Crown Lounge

KLM's business class lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol and other airports.

Korean Air Lounges

Korean Air operates first class (Kosmo) and business class (Prestige) lounges at Seoul Incheon.

Tips for Travelers

1. Check your full itinerary - Mixed cabin bookings can disqualify you from lounge access entirely.

2. Delta domestic caveat - Even Diamond Medallion members don't get Sky Club access domestically on status alone. Consider a Sky Club membership or eligible credit card.

3. Arrive within three hours - SkyTeam's three-hour rule is more strictly enforced than other alliances.

4. No arrival access - Plan accordingly; you won't have lounge access after landing at your final destination.

5. Canada/Mexico quirk - Delta business class to nearby international destinations may not qualify for Sky Club unless booked in Delta One.

6. Caribbean exclusion - Elite Plus members don't receive lounge access for US-Caribbean travel.

7. First class limitations - Don't expect automatic access to all first class lounges; SkyTeam's reciprocity is more limited than oneworld or Star Alliance.

Last updated: January 2025