Kenya Airways, the only African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance since 2007, offers a wide range of benefits to its frequent flyers through its membership in this global network. The SkyTeam alliance connects 624 million passengers annually to more than 1,000 destinations in 160 countries. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of Kenya Airways' participation in the SkyTeam alliance, including status tiers, perks, and lounge access.
SkyTeam alliance aircraft at Narita Airport.
Understanding Airline Alliances
Airline alliances combine international carriers in a partnership to connect passengers to more destinations. The first alliance was developed in 1997 by five airlines looking to expand their route network. The concept was a success and additional alliances were formed. There are three major airline alliances:
- Star Alliance
- SkyTeam
- Oneworld
These alliances can affect you, even if you never give them a second thought. An alliance between American Airlines and British Airways, for example, may provide a flight from Newark to London on an American-operated plane - but your return flight on the same ticket may be on a British Airways-operated aircraft.
SkyTeam Alliance: Members and Benefits
Created in 2000, the SkyTeam alliance serves 1,150 destinations in 175 countries through its member airlines. The airlines making up the SkyTeam alliance include:
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- Aerolineas Argentinas
- Aeromexico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Garuda Indonesia
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Middle East Airlines
- Saudia
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Xiamen Airlines
Note that Aeroflot's SkyTeam membership was suspended after Russia invaded Ukraine. Also note that ITA Airways is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance.
SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus Status
If you have elite status with a SkyTeam airline, you'll also have Elite or Elite Plus status with the whole SkyTeam alliance. Here's a look at both tiers.
SkyTeam Elite
If you have SkyTeam Elite status, you'll get the following perks when flying SkyTeam airlines:
- Priority reservation waitlist (if your fare permits it)
- Priority check-in counters
- Priority boarding
- Extra baggage allowance
For example, one way to get SkyTeam Elite status is by having Delta Silver Medallion status.
SkyTeam Elite Plus
In addition to the benefits offered to SkyTeam Elite members, SkyTeam Elite Plus members also get the following perks when flying SkyTeam airlines:
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- Ability to book a full-fare Y-class reservation on sold-out long-haul flights (if you book at least 24 hours before departure)
- Access to select airport lounges worldwide with a guest
- Priority baggage handling on arrival
- Extra baggage allowance
If you have Delta Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion status, you'll also have SkyTeam Elite Plus status. Likewise, the top tiers of elite status with other SkyTeam airlines most likely coincide with SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
However, it's important to note that certain exclusions apply to the benefits. For example, preferred seating may not be available if you are traveling in basic economy. In practice, SkyTeam is usually believed to be worse than Oneworld and Star Alliance when it comes to all member airlines consistently honoring elite benefits.
SkyTeam Lounges
SkyTeam has more than 750 lounges worldwide. In theory, you should have access to these lounges on international SkyTeam flights if you have Elite Plus status or are traveling in a qualifying premium cabin. You can bring one guest into the lounge as an Elite Plus member when you're traveling on a qualifying flight. Your guest must travel internationally on a SkyTeam airline, and, as of April 1, they will need to be on the same flight as you.
Each SkyTeam lounge has a unique access policy, so it is recommended referring to the SkyTeam lounge finder for information on access policies.
SkyTeam lounge in Buenos Aires, Argentina. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
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As of April 1, SkyTeam now offers lounge access to some Elite Plus customers traveling on domestic flights as an additional benefit. Domestic lounge access will initially be available at select Air France, China Eastern, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, SAS, Saudia, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines lounges. Note that this does not include Delta Sky Clubs, and there are other restrictions.
Also, there is a three-hour time limit on lounge access. "To help deliver a more relaxing pre-flight experience for eligible Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers on departure, a 3-hour lounge access will be introduced at more lounges," SkyTeam noted in a press release. "Elite Plus customers transferring between two SkyTeam-operated flights will continue to enjoy same-day/24-hour access at the point of connection."
Kenya Airways Status Match Campaign
Kenya Airways has launched a new status match campaign, offering a fast track to elite status in their Asante Rewards program and, by extension, the perks of SkyTeam. Unlike many restrictive matches, this one is quite broad, welcoming elite members from other airlines, major hotel loyalty programs, and even select travel rewards credit card holders.
A status match is where an airline grants you elite status based on the equivalent status you’ve already earned with a competitor. In this case, you apply through the dedicated Kenya Airways portal on StatusMatch.com, submit proof of your current elite status (from an airline, hotel, or credit card), pay a one-time application fee, and if approved, you’ll be upgraded to the corresponding Asante Rewards tier.
The Kenya Airways status match is incredibly generous in its eligibility, accepting status from dozens of airline and hotel loyalty programs. Most applicants will be mainly after SkyTeam Elite Plus status, because it offers the most valuable and consistent benefits across all 19 SkyTeam member airlines. For the right person, this offer is fantastic. Consider this: you have Hilton Honors Diamond status from a credit card but primarily fly airlines in the oneworld alliance. You have a trip to Europe coming up on KLM or Air France.
How to Apply for Status Match
- Enter your name and Asante Rewards number.
- The StatusMatch.com team will verify your eligibility. This usually takes a few days.
There is a non-refundable application fee that must be paid to StatusMatch.com to process your request. The matched status is typically valid for a full 12 months from the date your application is approved.
Once you’ve secured your new SkyTeam Elite Plus status, the real fun begins: using it. The next step is to find great award flights to book.
Kenya Airways’ Journey to Net Zero || Flying with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Credit Cards and Airline Alliances
Credit cards do not work directly with Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. But you can accrue more miles through credit cards using partnerships with the carriers that are members of these alliances.
SkyTeam
For SkyTeam members, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is a good option. Cardholders earn 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta and also earn 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases. Terms apply.
The card offers a welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. Additional benefits include free checked bags, priority boarding, 20% off in-flight purchases and a $200 Delta flight credit after making $10,000 in purchases per calendar year. Terms apply.
| Credit Card | Airline Alliance | Rewards | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card | SkyTeam | 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta, 1 mile on other purchases | Free checked bags, priority boarding, 20% off in-flight purchases, $200 Delta flight credit |
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