Originally Posted by FTraveler
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.
Similarly, Alitalia Club Ulisse members (ST Elite) like me get access to Alitalia lounges. I think of the SkyTeam benefits as the core benefits that I expect anywhere in the alliance, and then the individual benefits that each carrier attaches to its own status as something entirely separate.
I mean, DL FO and GM are both ST Elite, even though they are different tiers in SM.