SkyTeam - SkyTeam Introduces SkyPriority For Top Customers

http://www.skyteam.com/en/About-us/Press/News/2011/SkyTeam-Introduces-SkyPriority-For-Top-Customers/

Love the marketing-spiel. To me this looks like a streamlining of existing services pretty much offered by all airlines to their Elite and F/C customers. DL, as you all know, already even uses the term SkyPriority (http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/airport_information/sky_priority/index.jsp).

Still, harmonisation is welcome and might indeed lead to improved clarity over the services offered.

I was actually quite pleased / impressed to see this announcement.

Yes, a lot of these benefits may already exist, but at the moment details can vary depending on airline and FFP - and application can be inconsistent. I've appreciated using Delta's SkyPriority service, as it seems to manage to apply priority services consistently, at most (not all!) of the points during a journey where they are needed. As it is very clearly branded, premium pax can easily see where to go and what to expect, and because it's printed on the boarding card, handling staff can easily check who is entitled to it. The press release recognises that "Delta Air Lines created the SkyPriority brand", and due to its success, it is now being rolled out across the alliance.

To look at the points in detail:

Priority check-in areas: this already seems to work well, in general;
Priority baggage drop-off: not sure I've seen this in many airports (it often seems to be combined with premium check-in);
Priority service at airport ticket offices: where available (eg: AMS, GVA, LHR) this seems to work, but quite a few ticket offices (eg: NBO) don't have it yet.
Priority service at transfer desks: again, this exists in some hubs (eg: AMS, SVO/D), but not others (I think NBO used to have it, but took it away!) - it would be good to see it everywhere;
Priority lines at security, where available: this is an important point, given the length of security queues in some airports these days. Unfortunately, many airports either don't seem to have priority queues for security, or the benefit is restricted to pax in J, not Elite+ in Y (eg: LHR/T4). Would be great to see this available in more airports.
Priority boarding: this generally already exists in theory, but application can be very inconsistent. It would be great to see it more consistently applied.
Priority baggage handling: again, this generally exists in theory, but check-in staff often seem to forget to apply the priority tags (especially if it involves contracted staff at outstations, Elite+ pax flying in Y, or pax from one FFP flying on a different airline). And even if the tags are applied, it often seems to have little impact on the order in which bags arrive on the conveyor. It would be really great to get this benefit provided more consistently.


And one benefit which isn't listed, but they will hopefully consider adding:

Priority lines at immigration: in some airports this de facto exists, especially for departures if it is linked to security (and there are priority lines for security). However, I haven't often seen priority queues for immigration upon arrival (and where it does exist, in some cases it is only for J-class pax (eg: KQ at LHR/T4)). Given the extremely lengthy queues that can be found in Immigration in some airports/countries, it would be great to have more priority queues for Skyteam premium pax.

Good news without any doubt.

However, I hope this doesn't amount to only make those services visible and "branded", but to actually expand them. In particular, I have in mind the following one:


Priority lines at security, where available: this is an important point, given the length of security queues in some airports these days. Unfortunately, many airports either don't seem to have priority queues for security, or the benefit is restricted to pax in J, not Elite+ in Y (eg: LHR/T4). Would be great to see this available in more airports.


At LIS, there is a priority line for security called 'green way'. Unlike other airlines (such as TP, IB or LX), AF/KL/UX have chosen not to pay the extra €2/pax for its premium pax (be it C or Y+, or STE+). I'm curious to know whether the implementation of the SkyPriority initiative will mean that this will change.

What I like about it is that, hopefully, there will be no discussion with DL staff anymore as to whether SkyPriority also applies to FB customers.

I just hope we will not see an accelerated devaluation of the Elite (not +) status!
We are just Flying Often but some perks are really valuable: priority check-in, priority at transfer desks and some gratitude from the staff.

Definitely agree with GuillaumeD, read in the Delta forum Silver Medallions were affected by the Skypriority big time. Elite and Elite Plus are both Elites, why call Elites (not +), Elites if you might be taking things away that they have the right o have? IMO, this Skypriority Skyteam should be adding more services to Elite+ but not affect Elites in any way!

Definitely agree with GuillaumeD, read in the Delta forum Silver Medallions were affected by the Skypriority big time. Elite and Elite Plus are both Elites, why call Elites (not +), Elites if you might be taking things away that they have the right o have? IMO, this Skypriority Skyteam should be adding more services to Elite+ but not affect Elites in any way!

+1. But I assume that with example KLM, their own Silver Elites can continue to make use of priority baggage/security/check-in.

At DL counters in Europe and in US airports, you find big posters with SKYPRIORITY and sometimes, at the bottom, you see; Silver Medallion.
There is only two SkyPriority benefits Elite members are not entitled to: Fast security and priority bagage handling.
(For security, it depends on the airport as I have it @ CDG and AMS).
Would have been a nice gesture to give them to Elite members as the most valuable perks IMO are for Elite+: lounge access and free premium seating.

SkyPriority will align all members to a common and consistent service standard for priority airport services across the alliance. The distinctive SkyPriority branding will help customers clearly find their way and travel faster through the airport. At the same time, it will be easier for airport staff to recognize and assist eligible customers

In this paragraph they are basically saying, Elite Members will NOT experience commen and consistent service standard for priority airport services, even though they are entitled too around the world.

I am not at all sure, why they only decided too serve consistent priority service for Elite Plus in the future which they are kinda also doing now including Elites, but for the future they are deciding to improve this service and drop Elites? Mind is spinning, I don't get it.

Indeed. It seems that Elites are currently entitled to most of these benefits - so I would agree that it would be very unfortunate if the introduction of SkyPriority (which, as mentioned below, seems to be a positive thing for Elites+) resulted in the service for regular Elite being downgraded.

Indeed. It seems that Elites are currently entitled to most of these benefits - so I would agree that it would be very unfortunate if the introduction of SkyPriority (which, as mentioned below, seems to be a positive thing for Elites+) resulted in the service for regular Elites being downgraded.

Priority lines at immigration: in some airports this de facto exists, especially for departures if it is linked to security (and there are priority lines for security). However, I haven't often seen priority queues for immigration upon arrival (and where it does exist, in some cases it is only for J-class pax (eg: KQ at LHR/T4)).

Works for both departures and arrivals at CDG, for Elite+ as well as J passengers (P passengers have their own specific process).

At LHR, it is not available IIRC for EU passport holders upon arrival.

...the most valuable perks IMO are for Elite+: lounge access and free premium seating.

The free premium seating (or Economy Plus) is only available on AF for FBG and FBP but on KLM FBG get's a discount whereas FBP don't have to pat anything.

I'd say that the lounge access in itself is not a winner IMO based on how much time, money and energy it takes to reach E+ and don't get me wrong, it is nice to have access to these for sure ^

The real winner is the fast track at security and emigration/immigration ^^^

At LHR, it is not available IIRC for EU passport holders upon arrival.

When I did the A380 flight from CDG to LHR some time back we did in deed go through the Fast Track upon our arrival at LHR.

Don't know if this was a one off thing, but I know that other fellow travelers with E+ status did the same (I sneaked-a-naughty-peak at their BP's ;)) The person checking the BP's did seem a little reluctant to begin with but finally gave in...

SkyPriority video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9e-KaLCT4s&feature=g-all&context=G2d4b844FAAAAAAAAAAA)

This month's (April 2013) issues of both the 'Holland Herald' (KLM) and 'Msafiri' (KQ) have an update on the rollout of SkyPriority. In particular:
- 75% of airports already covered
- AR and AM to start roll out this month
- All ~1,000 SkyTeam airports to be covered by end of this year.

The articles also mentioned 'new benefits being added to the programme'. In terms of specifics, the Holland Herald only mentions a SkyPriority desk in baggage halls in arrivals. I don't have a copy of Msafiri to hand, but I think it also mentioned something about a SkyPriority phone service (not sure if this would mean a SkyTeam-managed callcentre, or just a re-brand of each airline's existing lines for premium pax) and perhaps even something about seating.

Somewhat surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be a press release on the SkyTeam website about any of this yet.

OK, I found the Msafiri article, which mentions new initiatives under development that include:
- A dedicated SkyPriority Call Centre
- Information about SkyPriority on all member airlines websites, and in FFP welcome packs sent to new ST E+ members
- A preferred seating system for all SkyPriority pax (which may of interest to posters in this thread: Rant: seat selection (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/skyteam/1458286-rant-seat-selection.html))
- SkyPriority counter at baggage desks in arrivals halls

However, there wasn't much detail given on any of these initiatives.

- A dedicated SkyPriority Call Centre
- A preferred seating system for all SkyPriority pax
- SkyPriority counter at baggage desks in arrivals halls


Bless them, bless them, bless them.

I personally dont like the sky priority as there is very little to no diffence between handling platinum, gold and silver pacs anymore. Three weeks ago at CDG the sky priority line was a zoo on an AF long distance flight. The line almost reach the next gate. I am not so sure if this lumpsum of all "cardholders" in one line is really something for the passengers or only for the airline to have less different levels to call for boarding.

I personally dont like the sky priority as there is very little to no diffence between handling platinum, gold and silver pacs anymore. Three weeks ago at CDG the sky priority line was a zoo on an AF long distance flight. The line almost reach the next gate. I am not so sure if this lumpsum of all "cardholders" in one line is really something for the passengers or only for the airline to have less different levels to call for boarding.

I can't see how this could be a consequece of SkyPriority. AFAIK, the priority boarding rules did not change with SkyPriority as far as AF is concerned, did they?

I can't see how this could be a consequece of SkyPriority. AFAIK, the priority boarding rules did not change with SkyPriority as far as AF is concerned, did they?

you are correct : no change here
the positive change with SkyPriority is that now, people eligible to the lane are checked. This was rarely the case before.

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I can't see how this could be a consequece of SkyPriority. AFAIK, the priority boarding rules did not change with SkyPriority as far as AF is concerned, did they?

you are correct : no change here
the positive change with SkyPriority is that now, people eligible to the lane are checked. This was rarely the case before.

Ditto with AZ. Rules are enforced a bit better than before.

I think the main advantage is really that gate staff finds it easier to check and therefore is actually enforcing it.

Before/in other alliances they are sometime rather hesitant because they are confronted with all sort "rules" (aka excuses) where they, as gate staff, can only lose: Either they don't enforce and upset all those really entitled or they do enforce rather strictly and risk a complaint from someone who's entitled but sent back. SkyTeam priority - together with the easy to spot logo - gets them the confidence they need.

you are correct : no change here
the positive change with SkyPriority is that now, people eligible to the lane are checked. This was rarely the case before.
AND they really board SkyPriority first, before initiating general boarding and other kinds of priority boarding (Premium Eco, Abonnés, Silver, etc.).

They also implemented priority boarding on French domestic flights ^^^ (except La Navette), which is a big, big improvement from my (selfish) perspective.

Is SkyPriority (check in, boarding, hold luggage, etc) available on flights operated by Flybe? In July I have a flight RNS-MAN, AF coded but BE operated, and I am dreading getting stuck behind all the tourists and their kids ...

No way

Is SkyPriority (check in, boarding, hold luggage, etc) available on flights operated by Flybe? In July I have a flight RNS-MAN, AF coded but BE operated, and I am dreading getting stuck behind all the tourists and their kids ...

Come on, they operate a Q400 on this route :rolleyes:!
All is done in the blink of an eye with such aircraft (plus, you won't hear kids screaming due to the noisy turboprop :p).
It's not like you'll have to wait for a full A380 boarding.

Come on, they operate a Q400 on this route :rolleyes:!
All is done in the blink of an eye with such aircraft (plus, you won't hear kids screaming due to the noisy turboprop :p).
It's not like you'll have to wait for a full A380 boarding.

+1. Furthermore, RNS is a small airport with only RJ-operated flights, so it's rarely the big crowd !

Okay okay! I've never been to RNS before. :)

Okay okay! I've never been to RNS before. :)

Yes, don't worry ;). I took a flight from RNS today and cleared security in 2 min (1 pax before me).
AF/HOP check-in counters have a priority desk (although not labeled as SkyPriority but listing the usual class of travel and FFP cards eligible). I don't know how it works for BE flights (ground ops done by AF/HOP or other staff ?). No priority lane for security but, again, not really needed.