Originally Posted by
jtatlanta
That is a surprise to me. I fly internationally all the time and this is the first time it has ever happened. I have been lucky. Really makes me re-think some Delta international flights now if this is the case going forward. So to be clear if I was flying KLM or AF ticket code I would have had access still?
It's about the operating carrier, not ticketing carrier. If you are flying on AF/KL metal through AMS or CDG, you can still get lounge access to third party lounges based on Skyteam Elite+ status even on DL ticket. If you are on a DL flight back to US, you are aren't entitled to lounge access to third party operated lounges (only lounges directly operated by DL Skyteam member partners like AF/KL. Note that VS isn't a Skyteam member, so rules for accessing their lounges are different). The policy has actually been in place since May 1, 2014 if you check the FT thread above. The EU outstations are generally staffed by contractors at check-in desks who often aren't very familiar with the rules and may hand out lounge invitation cards to any Skyteam Elite+ passengers even when flying on DL metal in coach.