SkyTeam is the second largest Airline Alliance in the world after Star Alliance. Even though it was formed the last of all three airline alliances, it has gone past Oneworld to become the second largest, a remarkable feat. It has some exceptional airline members providing you with excellent connectivity around the world. Let’s find out more about this Alliance and how Indian Travellers can make the most out of it.
Check here for the official website.
What is SkyTeam Alliance?
SkyTeam Alliance was formed in the year 2000. It has 18 members, with Virgin Atlantic joining as the 19th member in 2023.
Direct SkyTeam Alliance Airlines to India
In SkyTeam Alliance, there are no Airlines from India. But many of these Alliance airlines have direct flights to India. These Airlines fly directly to India, and the number of destinations they fly to:
| Airlines | Destinations |
| Air France | 211 |
| ITA Airlines | 64 |
| Kenya Airways | 53 |
| KLM Airlines | 145 |
| Korean Air | 121 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 64 |
| Virgin Atlantic | 32 |
Of the 18 alliance members, 6 have a direct flight to India or out of India. The remaining 12 airlines can usually be connecting flights outside India. New member Virgin Atlantic has direct flights to and from India.
Related: Find Flights Based on Alliance with Google Flights.
What is SkyTeam Alliance Status?
SkyTeam Alliance has two statuses. These statuses are based on the Elite Status you hold with the member airlines. Based on your elite status, you can have any one of the two statuses:
- SkyTeam Elite
- SkyTeam Elite Plus
How do you get a SkyTeam Alliance Elite Status?
Since this alliance does not have an Indian Airline member, you will have to earn elite status with a member of the alliance to get a SkyTeam Alliance Status.
Check here for the status you can get based on your Member Airline status.
Related: How to earn an Airline Elite Status in India?
Benefits of SkyTeam Alliance Elite Status
The most significant benefit of having an alliance status is sharing benefits across alliance member airlines, such as earning miles, etc.
SkyTeam Elite Status Benefits
This least elite status gets you benefits such as:
- Priority Airport Stand-by
- Preferred seating options
- Priority check-in
- Priority Boarding
- Priority Baggage drop-off
- Extra Baggage Allowance
SkyTeam Elite Plus Status Benefits
This highest tier of SkyTeam gives you these benefits:
- Lounge Access
- Guaranteed reservations on sold-out flights
- Priority at Transfer Desks
- Priority at immigration and security lanes
- Priority Baggage Handling
- All SkyTeam Elite Status Benefits
How to Get SkyTeam Elite Plus Status in India?
It isn’t easy to get an Elite status with SkyTeam Alliance in India. You will need to explore those six airlines with which you travel frequently.
SkyTeam Lounge Access
With over 750+ lounges worldwide, you can relax at most international airports. As a SkyTeam Elite Plus member, you get free access to these lounges even if you are flying in economy class. If you don’t have these statuses, then the Business class or first class cabin tickets can get you access to these lounges.
There are very few exceptions that are applicable for lounge access.
You can find the Airport-Wise SkyTeam Alliance lounges here.
Which are the best SkyTeam Alliance Airlines for Indian Travellers?
The best SkyTeam Alliance Airlines for Indian flight travellers depends on the part of the world they frequently visit.
Best for Asia and Oceania: Vietnam Airlines
The best SkyTeam airline member for travelling in Asia and Oceania is “Vietnam Airlines” for Indian Travellers. However, most of the flights will be connecting flights with a stopover in “Vietnam”.
Best Airways for America: Air France
The best way to get to America from India on SkyTeam alliance is with Air France. However, the cost may be slightly higher than other options in some cases. Even KLM works well for a few cities.
Best Airlines for Europe: Multiple
Since the SkyTeam alliance have a large size of European airline members, there are multiple airlines which work well for a particular country. For Example, ITA Airways has good connectivity to Italy from India, whereas KLM has good connectivity to the Netherlands. Even Saudia works well for a few cities.
Best for Africa: Air France
Although Kenya Airways is a member of this alliance, Air France has better connectivity to major African cities. But, connectivity is still not as good as “Qatar Airways”.
How to choose your best SkyTeam Alliance Airlines?
Air France, KLM or Vietnam Airlines will work well for most Indian Travellers. However, people who prefer to travel to Saudi Arabia can stick to Saudia. But there are not a lot of options to choose from.
Reward Flight Search
Since a few Airlines have a single frequent flyer program, “Flying Blue,” it makes sense to use it for finding a reward seat. The downside, however, is enormous fuel charges etc.
Bottomline
SkyTeam Alliance works well for Europe-bound travel and is not for regular Indian Travellers. Also, achieving an Elite status can be difficult in India.
