Questions and Answers

Hello Ben,

I know you are not exactly a Delta fan, but I have a Delta related question and was wondering if you could help me here.

I am a Chinese traveller who is in the UK often, and I am planning an upcoming trip to the US from London or Manchester. Out of curiosity for the overall experience on Delta, although I am a FlyingBlue Platinum member with Air France, I was intrigued by a low fare on Delta metal out of LHR flying to the US. Before booking any flights, I wanted to understand the elite level benefits for AF members travelling on Delta out of LHR T3, since Delta have this JV with Virgin Atlantic. So I asked Delta on Twitter explaining my situation, traveling in economy class as AF Platinum member out of LHR T3. I asked if elite/SkyPriority benefits are recognised for AF elite members and if I have lounge access. I know this type of travelers would be considered a minority since there is competition between DL and AF on the transatlantic market, although they have a separate JV on this market.

The feedback I got from Delta Twitter is I would have lounge access, but not SkyPriority benefits such as priority baggage delivery and priority boarding. I asked the question why, and the response is “that’s the agreement between [our] airlines”.

I understand the logic of Air France members based in the UK would want to fly Air France and KLM instead of another Skyteam member airline out of loyalty considerations, but in this case, Delta not offering (full) elite member benefits to their transatlantic partner Air France customers, is that coordinated maneuver as I understand it?

Your lost ST loyalist who is losing patience with ST
Weibin

Hello Weibin,

The Twitter response may have been official policy, but in practice, I think you will be okay.

Your SkyTeam elite status will show on your boarding pass with Delta (assuming you plan on crediting the flight miles to AirFrance). So, any gate agent would see that and immediately let you board.

As for baggage handling, do you have any trips coming up before this one? I’d just stop at any Air France ticket counter or lounge, and ask for an extra priority bag tag. Say that your kid collects them or something like that if they ask why.

Lounge access is spot on, as Twitter says. You’d have access.