Any unpublished benefits/restrictions for foreign SkyMiles members
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2005
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Any unpublished benefits/restrictions for foreign SkyMiles members
The title pretty much covers it. I'm likely switching to SkyMiles from OnePass and was wondering if there are any unpublished or poorly publicized perks or restrictions for foreign addresses. For example, with OnePass, European members earn 200% on TATL BF (published), while Golds and Plats receive PC memberships (unpublished).
Since I have a European home, but also a US mailing address, is there any reason to choose one over the other?
Since I have a European home, but also a US mailing address, is there any reason to choose one over the other?

#2
Join Date: May 2005
Location: West Yorks, UK
Programs: UA Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 361
The title pretty much covers it. I'm likely switching to SkyMiles from OnePass and was wondering if there are any unpublished or poorly publicized perks or restrictions for foreign addresses. For example, with OnePass, European members earn 200% on TATL BF (published), while Golds and Plats receive PC memberships (unpublished).
Since I have a European home, but also a US mailing address, is there any reason to choose one over the other?
Since I have a European home, but also a US mailing address, is there any reason to choose one over the other?
The use of the medallion market place is restricted to those with a US (50 state) address and US credit card, but I think you are covered there.
One thing possibly for the future, with a DL/NW merger, and the probable DL/AF alliance, European members may eventually be switched over to AF or KL Flying Blue program, as NW do with their European members. Therefore, different rules would apply. This is speculation though.

#3
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Join Date: Oct 2005
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I can't think of anything either.

#4
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Munich, Germany
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There is a good signup bonus for new international Skymiles members, which yields 6K miles for enrolling and doing the first flight in economy, or 11K miles for enrolling and doing the first flight in paid business or first class.
Apart from that, Delta does comp European Gold Medallion members to Platinum status to match the requirements for Skyteam Elite Plus status that Air France/KLM's Flying Blue program has. This benefit is not published, but it does exist.
Apart from that, Delta does comp European Gold Medallion members to Platinum status to match the requirements for Skyteam Elite Plus status that Air France/KLM's Flying Blue program has. This benefit is not published, but it does exist.

#5
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Thanks for the feedback.
Last edited by pbarnette; Feb 28, 08 at 8:16 am

#6
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: LH HON, DL FO/MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Accor Lifetime Platinum, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 6,174

#7
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On the other matter of European DL Golds being comped to Platinum, is the Gold to Platinum comp applicable to those who already have a DL account opened in the US and then relocate/return to Europe?

#8
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,639
My husband should reach GM during the year. Would he automatically be granted PM once he reaches it (eg. mid-year), because of being a European GM member, or would that benefit not be granted until January 2009 after he closes the year as GM?
Susan

#9
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Just out of curiosity, for those based outside the US... what is the advantage of having Elite status with a US Airline? Why not KL or AF?

#10
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,639
Susan

#11
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,806
I would think that for a number of people on this board it shouldn't be too difficult to be "based" in a variety of locations, and the address an airline has on file may have very little to do with where most of a member's flying is done.

#12
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Besides, I don't see AF/KL as having any real advantage, other than the lower thresholds for elite status. But, from a benefit perspective, they don't really seem to offer anything extra, even if flying their metal.

#13
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PDX
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That may not outweigh the drawbacks.

#14
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Berlin, Germany
Programs: DL DM/2MM, UA PE, HH Gold
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Also, they HAD a better FF programm compared with AF/LH/BA in the 90's when i started my FF career.

#15
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Help me follow here. Does this mean that if you earn Gold with a European address you are actually given Platinum? Or something else?
