When does NW join Skyteam?
 

I know there have been posts in threads about this, but As we are now at August 14th, I thought it was time for a specific thread on the questions:

• When is NW joining Skyteam?
• When will we be able to earn mileage on Skyteam partners?
• What will the mileage accrual be on Skyteam partners?
• Has this been delayed?
• When would we even see answers to these questions?
  
• Why haven't I won the lottery?

Yes, I'm impatient. :)

Steve

Rumor has it next month. The mileage accrual will be just like when you fly on all other SkyTeam partners I assume. Seems like it has been delayed about 3 times now. It was June, then July, now September.

Nothing big on details here, but from Richard Reports dated the 16th of August:

SkyTeam on track
Things continue to be on track for our entry into the Sky Team alliance in September. It's a very strategic move for Northwest and we're really excited about the prospects for our becoming part of the strongest global alliance in the world.

He's apparently operating under the impression that it's getting close! ^

Strongest Alliance in the World?
 

I too look forward to NW's SkyTeam entry (unless there are significant changes to EQM requirements) but to call it the "strongest alliance in the world" is a bit of a stretch. It's patchwork at best with some members (AZ and DL) in very poor financial shape and some carriers (e.g. CSA) are not exactly world class.

I guess we'll see what reciprocal benefits & changes are in store!

As far as members in financial trouble, *A has 3 carriers in trouble: Air Canada, United and U.S. Airways. Just thought I'd mention that.

They also have SQ, Air New Zealand, ANA, Thai and LH.

I'm looking forward to NW filling out SkyTeam. It'll make it more competitive with the other alliances.

NW will definately strengthen SkyTeam, but *A (especially with SAA and TAP joining) and OneWorld are definately the top two.

Now if SkyTeam could pick up EK (who has said they aren't really interested in joining any right now) and get QF to switch, that might be another story.

Mid-Sept new pin to wear...
 

Flight Attendants are getting new ST pins to wear the day we join ST. Pins are being distributed early Sept. It will be a mandatory for us to wear this pin.

You'll see some ST logos at every corner your turn when flying NW.... I know they're working on it now and whether you like it or not, ST here we come...

CO, KL, NW estimated start date for SkyTeam is 15 September!

I'm just amazed that we're inside 30 days of the scheduled date and no word has come through... I would have thought we'd know for sure by now.

Steve

Call me a pessimist, but I think one possible reason we're not hearing much is because it could finally be the big, bad EQM "enhancement" we've been waiting for: 50% EQMs for cheap tickets.
If they keep 100% EQM on NWA, I promise I'll fly NWA forever! :D

That's technically impossible. :D

Yes, as much as it will be nice for NW to join skyteam, I'm also holding my breath because of the EQM situation.

It would be a very big surprise to me if NW goes to 50% EQM on NW metal. I suspect that for Skyteam, they'll be even more aggressive than they are with DL and CO. Effectively the same rules that most airlines have within Star and oneworld.

If they *do* go to 50% EQM on Northwest metal, that'll disintermediate them for most spoke flyers that have a choice..

Steve

I think 100% EQM is bringing them a lot of business!! If you think there was a swift response when they removed Spinzels from First, imagine the response if they Remove miles!

Maybe we should send a few e-mails BEFORE the announcement just thanking Beth for keeping us loyal by giving us full miles on cheap fares.