Originally Posted by kiam
Remember that SkyTeam Gold gives you min of 100% mileage bonus (except AF non-US account gets 50%) on ALL SKYTEAM operated flights. I don't see any other StarAlliance airlines doing this. Most airlines only offers 100% bonus on their own operated flights, but not on their partners, e.g. United Premier Executive gives 100% bonus only on UA and LH flights.
On this point, that is a good benefit, agreed (thought its not unique), but mid-tier status on Oneworld carriers (Sapphire) for e.g. gives you Lounge Access across the network even when flying in Y (plus 50% miles bonus)... so it is 6 of one, half a dozen of the other ! Depends on your preferences.
Oh, and on the subject of benefits, with top-tier status in QF I can go into the First Class lounges at any time, even when I am flying a totally unaffiliated airline that day (or on Oz Domestic even if I am not flying) ! (Does SkyTeam offer such a benefit to its most valued customers ?)
So if I can always make sure that when I fly SkyTeam I am in the same terminal as a QF lounge I won't need SkyTeam lounge access rights, but its unlikely this will be the case very often !