Any Reason for DL to Remain in SkyTeam?
 

Now that NW and CO are in SkyTeam, is there any reason for DL to remain in SkyTeam. It's becoming evident that AF views Delta as a second-class member, given the recent award blackouts they've imposed exclusively on DL. Since DL is now having serious problems, what are the chances that SkyTeam could evict DL, or impose further restrictions that would make DL membership in SkyTeam meaningless.

I would hope for us DL ff that they do remain in SkyTeam. If they were to be booted, then I could see that as the beginning of the end for DL. I wouldn't see any reason why CO or NW would impose the same restrictions that KL/AF did this summer. (I am still somewhat unclear as to why AF/KL did it) I bet as a "founding" member, they would have some pull. I don't know the details of the SkyTeam agreement, but sincerely hope that there is a process to evicting someone.

OTOH, if DL does go into CH 11 or CH 7, that cannot be good for SkyTeam as a whole. So maybe as the time comes closer to DL's bankruptcy, SkyTeam will want to cut its losses and get rid of DL.

As you can probably tell by now, I have absolutely no idea. This is a great question and I would love to hear some thoughts from people much more knowledgeable than I.

As a founding member of SkyTeam, I doubt very much if DL will get the boot. I mean look at UA, which has been in bankruptcy for the past two years and is a founding member of Star. No hint of problems there.

As far as AF/KL clamping down on award availability for DL ffers, it could be due to DL not paying for the award seats within a reasonable time, or a surge of DL ffers cashing in their skymiles for AF/KL seats across the pond in anticipation of bankruptcy which has exhausted award availability for all, or a combination of the two.

Reasons for Delta to stay in Skyteam? Lots of connecting traffic from the other members as well as several ground handling contracts, to name two reasons.

Delta leaving SkyTeam as a founding member won't happen, this suggestion is completely absurd.

There's a big difference between the UA/Star example, and the DL/SkyTeam example. Until UA/US started their agreement, UA was the only U.S. airline in Star. SkyTeam has DL, CO, and NW. AF/KL have a financial interest in NW and/or CO.

Um, perhaps not Leaving, but what about being marginalized/forced out? We're already seeing that AF/KL are trying to marginalize DL by not making awards available to DL, while continuing to make them available to CO/NW. Certainly. AF/KL can apparently restrict awards on a per-carrier basis. What's to prevent them from further restricting awards from DL? Then, as ground handling/service contracts expire, switching over to NW, where feasable? For example, in PHL, AF checkin and gates are handled by DL. The NW counters are directly next to the DL counters. The NW gates are directly across from the DL gates. The switch would seem to be pretty simple.

Couple of little points that are missed. DL allowed these other airlines to join, as did AF and the rest of the original members, therefore this could not happen and the argument is quite silly/minor and pedestrian, AF and DL are the key big members of ST, much as UA and LH were/are from Star Alliance, whether other US carriers entered later doesn't really matter. As for ownership, KLM sold most of its NW stake quite some time ago, considering that at its height it was never more than 24.9% (I do believe that at one point it was very briefly slightly more than this, but corrected due to regulatory concerns), this point is immaterial. As for integration, it is not yet done, try booking a RTW with KL or CO in at as part of a ST RTW, not possible (maybe a codeshare will slip in, but that is about it) there are a few other examples out there.

I would hate to see Delta kicked out. I still need to use the last of my SkyMiles on Emirates. I think the entire SkyTeam program would collapse before Delta is kicked out. I have always considered SkyTeam as something Delta is in charge of. I know that's wrong but that is my impression.

Hfly, you can book a Skyteam RTW on all members since 04/15/2005. Apart from that, I have to concur with your post ;)

Kibison, both Delta and Air France were in charge when the founded SkyTeam. Definetely, Delta has lost some of its power. Regardless, Emirates has nothing to do with SkyTeam so as long as Emirates decides to partner with Delta, you are fine.

Thanks rcs, I do not doubt your info but do note that just 2-3 weeks ago I tried to book a RTW with both KL and DL and neither would let me utilize the others flights "yet". Maybe this has not yet filtered through the ranks.

Definetely, it is a training issue. ;)

Try calling NW's RTW desk in the US. They are already trained properly (at least the agents I talked to).

Could it be because DL's FF program is called SKYmiles?

I don't think AF/KL would be deliberately trying to marginalize DL. This has to be a business decision brought upon itself by DL, which sucks, for it's best paying/ loyal flyers.

That's so off base. The core codeshare/reciprocity agreement in the alliance is NW/KL, which far predates CO, AF, DL or the Asian carriers. NW/KL was in place and working great back when the Star Alliance was taking its baby steps and nobody had even thought of Skyteam. Now NW/CO are in close cahoots and KL/AF have the same owner, and DL is definitely a junior/peripheral influence. If DL were to get thrown out of SkyTeam you'd still have a solid alliance in CO/NW/KL/AF, strong everywhere except the Pacific, and if DL collapses altogether it doesn't hurt that foursome at all. In fact, some would welcome it. In the meantime DL is definitely a junior partner.

I'd be willing to bet the blackout stems from an extremely high tide of Delta miles being used to capture AF seats from people concerned they might lose their miles if Delta collapses (but, if already ticketed on AF, they'd be safe).

Doesn't DL allow one to use double Skymiles to override capacity controls on AF as part of their close tieup? If so, that would only increase the one-sided flow of mileage use.

Steve

Aren't SkyTeam Elite Plus's provided extra award availability generally?