SkyTeam expands domestic lounge access—but Delta elites are left out

As of April 1, SkyTeam Elite Plus members can access the alliance’s lounges when traveling on domestic flights, not just international departures. However, a pesky caveat excludes Delta SkyTeam members on U.S. itineraries. Meanwhile, the three-hour cap on stays will be extended to more lounges, and the door policy for free guests has become stricter. SkyTeam has previously had a tougher door policy on its lounges than rival airline alliances oneworld and Star Alliance. When traveling in coach, Sky Team Elite Plus members—which include Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Medallion members and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold Members—have only been able to access lounges within the alliance’s network when flying on international itineraries, while the other alliances have rolled out the red carpet to their elites on many domestic flights.<br/>