Best way to sign up for SkyTeam?
 

Hello,

I have no experience flying with SkyTeam. But I have a couple of small flights coming up on Air Europa.

I am Air NZ Gold Elite, and do nearly all of my flying on the Star Alliance.

Based in New Zealand.

But, if there is the chance to sign up to the SkyTeam alliance for free… I am guessing that I should do it.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,

Best way to sign up for SkyTeam?
 

There is no way to Sign up for Sky Team. You sign up for a Sky Team member's frequent flyer program such as Air Europa or Delta.

I think that was obvious. The OP seems to be asking for help as to which program to sign up for.

Best way to sign up for SkyTeam?
 

It depends on how much flying you do and how likely it is you will fly on a SkyTeam airline.

I am an NZ Gold Elite as well, with most of my flights being Star Alliance or OneWorld (I'm QF Gold).

Given that I don't fly on SkyTeam often it is unlikely I'll get status with them. So I looked at three options-
Garuda: about to join and one if the airlines in the region;
China Southern: Fly to New Zealand and one I fly with a little bit. Points expire after a few years, from memory.
Delta: US based, points don't expire.

I ended up going with Delta simply because their points don't expire and I can't guarantee I'll fly enough with SkyTeam to get enough points for a reward flight on Garuda or China Southern before they begin to expire.

Of course, if Virgin Australia was to ever join (not sure it is likely) I would switch to them pretty quick!

Thank you Domestic Goddess, that is exactly the insight that I was after.

I will sign up with Delta as the miles don't expire, and I have the possibility of flying with them in the USA.

Very appreciated.

Thanks,

I would get SkyMiles as well if I were you. Good ATL hub too, which doesn't get affected by the winter storms like EWR, IAD, and ORD does.

The advantage of DL is that points don't expire but be sure to check their new earnings charts. The mainland Chinese carriers such as CZ and MU generally have poor FF programs. I also would avoid Garuda and AirEuropa as FF programs.

Some SkyTeam carriers have bilateral partnerships with VA, which could work for someone in NZ. Check whether your flights can earn points on VA = Virgin Australia. This also means that DL miles can be used for VA flights, but the same is not true for all SkyTeam FF programs. You should be able to credit AirEurope to DL and then use DL miles for VA flights. This could well be your best option as NZ based.

AFAIk you can sign up for any FF program online for free, although they might not send you a card until you have some miles.

ATL not affected by winter storms? Not the case today.

You can't sign up for Garuda without an address in Indonesia anyway.

Best way to sign up for SkyTeam?
 

I signed up for Garuda without an address in Indonesia. They posted a card to me (a Liverpool FC co-branded card) not long after.

Must have changed with the London flights coming on. Wasn't the case late 2011. Good to know.

My friend located in Toronto will be flying AF (International R Fare) soon. Any FFP suggestions?

There was a Flying Blue sign up bonus but expired end of 2013... Checked the forum noting seems to be available at the moment.

I was told KE Sykpass was another option but not sure if it is any better.

I am on *A and rarely looking into other programs...

R credits 100% to Delta, unfortunately 0% to Alaska which is what I would normally suggest

AF R still get 100% on DL? Wow. That's a surprise! Thanks for the tip. I will ask my friend to look into it and sign up.

have u considered join via Air France? after 40K miles you reach Gold Status for international flyers not based in Europe... any miles above 40K but below 70k (Platinum) will be kept for the next year so you can reach gold again easier or Silver...