Well, although new SkyTeam members are to be welcomed, this does not exactly compensate for the defection of CO.

The current SkyTeam scenario is really good for many WP members: genuine and unparalleled reciprocity with CO and KL, both of which are under threat. We also have limited reciprocity with DL and AF and even AS. And workable codeshares with others like CM.

Often I have three genuine choices for my itins: NW, CO, DL. While we may complain about the lack of reciprocal UG with DL, and the 50% EQM on low fare classes with CO, these are minor pecadillos compared with, say: StarNet filtering of awards at UA, or over at OW, the utter lack of basic FFP benefit for AA/BA flyers on converse TATL itins.

I doubt DL will maintain this level of integration. I wonder what happens especially to the NWKL JV, which is the bedrock of the alliance and, according to industry observers, an industry-leading contract.