Originally Posted by FTraveler
Yes, that's correct, there is no benefit with regard to lounge access for someone with SkyTeam Elite status. The same rules, F or C ticket requirement, apply to SkyTeam Elites which are applicable to everyone.
SkyTeam Elite Plus status, on the other hand, grants access to these lounges without regard to class of service flown so long as the flight is in conjunction with a same day international flight.
In addition, SkyTeam members have rules specific to their individual programs which permit their own elites access to member-operated lounges which are different from SkyTeam rules. For example, a DL PM can access DL CRCs on a purely U.S. domestic itinerary - access is granted based on comp membership in the CRC program and not SkyTeam Elite Plus status. I believe AF F+ Rouge members have access to AF lounges on purely domestic French itins based on Rouge status, not SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
I used to be able to access the CRC on US domestic flights flying with Delta, but recently not anymore. As an AM Platino now I can only access other SkyTeam lounges like the CRC when I have a same day international flight. That's pretty bad since I fly a lot of domestic routes with Delta too
