Skyteam Mileage upgrade program
Nov 24, 2008, 9:24 am
#1
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Skyteam Mileage upgrade program
Just found this and did not find it in this forum. Aparently you can now upgrade from a full Y international flight on any skyteam airline using miles from your particular skyteam account, regardless of the skyteam airline where you bank miles. So as a delta skymiles member I could purchase a flight on Korean Airlines and upgrade with skymiles. It is 25,000 miles one way, there has to be availability, and it has to be a full Y fare but it mentions this is a first step. Might help some folks whose companies say they must buy coach seats. I would be more interesting if they increase the possible fare classes.
http://www.skyteam.com/EN/aboutSkyte...r/pr141108.jsp
http://www.skyteam.com/EN/aboutSkyte...r/pr141108.jsp
Nov 25, 2008, 4:09 pm
#2
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Aerolflot now allows upgrades on other ST airlines using Bonus miles!
Press release in Russian (from SU website, not available on English part of SU site):
24 ноября 2008
Новая услуга от Аэрофлот Бонус
НОВАЯ УСЛУГА ПРОГРАММЫ «АЭРОФЛОТ БОНУС»
24 ноября 2008 года, Москва. – ОАО «Аэрофлот – российские авиалинии», член глобального альянса авиаперевозчиков SkyTeam вводит программу повышения класса обслуживания часто летающих пассажиров на рейсах любой авиакомпании-участницы альянса SkyTeam в рамках инициативы Mileage Upgrade.
Теперь клиенты бонусных программ Аэрофлота имеют возможность премиального повышения класса обслуживания за накопленные мили на один уровень от экономического класса на рейсах любой авиакомпании-участницы альянса SkyTeam (кроме а/к Alitalia)
Чтобы воспользоваться данной услугой необходимо:
– приобрести билет по полному экономическому тарифу на перелет, включающий хотя бы один международный участок, любым из 10 перевозчиков альянса (данная программа не распространяется на рейсы по соглашению «код-шеринг»);
– связаться с колл-центром бонусной программы для подтверждения возможности повышения в классе обслуживания;
– после подтверждения агенты по бронированию спишут мили со счета пассажира и выпишут новый электронный билет с подтверждением повышения в классе обслуживания.
Введение новой услуги – первый этап программы Mileage Upgrade альянса SkyTeam. На основании полученных результатов будет осуществлена возможность запроса и подтверждения премиального повышения в классе обслуживания через интернет.
Более подробно ознакомиться с программой по повышению в классе обслуживания можно на сайте «Аэрофлот Бонус» или любой другой программы лояльности альянса SkyTeam.
Summary: Passengers that have enough miles in their Aerolflot Bonus account can now use them to upgrade on other SkyTeam airlines flights (except Alitalia). This is a test program called Mileage Upgrade within Sky Team initiative. Based on the results they are expecting to recieve they will implement this award redemption (upgrade) via Internet in the future.
Here is the announcement from Sky Team webiste directly, apparently its available to all ST airlines frequent flyer programs members, but the ticket has be purchased in full fare coach for it to be elegible for the upgrade. Nonetheless, I think its pretty exciting! I havent seen it being mentioned anywhere before, and the first airline's website I saw it on was, surprisingly, Aeroflot's!
SKYTEAM LAUNCHES MILEAGE UPGRADE PROGRAM
Alliance passengers can now use miles from one program to upgrade on flights operated by another member
November 13, 2008 – SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, today announced the launch of the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades program. SkyTeam Frequent Flyers on international flight itineraries can now use their miles to upgrade to Business class on most SkyTeam member airlines.
“The ability to earn and redeem miles has always been a key passenger benefit of alliances,” said Leo van Wijk, SkyTeam chairman. “With the launch of SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades, we are responding to passenger requests as we look to continuously expand upon the benefits we offer our customers.”
To take advantage of SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades, passengers must:
Purchase an international, published, full fare Economy class reservation on one of the 10 participating SkyTeam member airlines. The flight must be marketed and operated by the same SkyTeam carrier, as code-share flights are not permitted.
Call the award reservation line of their frequent flyer program at least three days in advance of departure to verify eligibility, check account balance and confirm if upgrade seats are available. At the current time, all requests must be made via telephone. The number of miles necessary for an upgrade varies based on the frequent flyer program to be debited and the itinerary. Passengers should visit their frequent flyer program Web site and consult the individual award charts for approximations.
If the passenger is eligible, has the necessary miles in their account and upgrade seats are available, the award reservation agents will debit their frequent flyer account and reissue the tickets with the upgrade confirmed.
For example, an Air France-KLM Flying Blue member traveling on Delta Air Lines from Paris to Atlanta on a full fare economy class ticket can use 25,000 miles from their Flying Blue account for a one-way upgrade to Business class. Once at the airport, the Flying Blue member can enjoy all of the additional benefits of Business class travel, such as additional luggage allowances, priority services and lounge access.
For full terms and conditions, and details of each alliance members’ participation in the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrade program, passengers should visit their frequent flyer program Web site.
This is the first phase of the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrade program. The alliance will use feedback from and results of phase one to improve future phases of the offer, including expanded criteria for eligible flights, the inclusion of Associate-operated flights and the ability to make and confirm requests online.
24 ноября 2008
Новая услуга от Аэрофлот Бонус
НОВАЯ УСЛУГА ПРОГРАММЫ «АЭРОФЛОТ БОНУС»
24 ноября 2008 года, Москва. – ОАО «Аэрофлот – российские авиалинии», член глобального альянса авиаперевозчиков SkyTeam вводит программу повышения класса обслуживания часто летающих пассажиров на рейсах любой авиакомпании-участницы альянса SkyTeam в рамках инициативы Mileage Upgrade.
Теперь клиенты бонусных программ Аэрофлота имеют возможность премиального повышения класса обслуживания за накопленные мили на один уровень от экономического класса на рейсах любой авиакомпании-участницы альянса SkyTeam (кроме а/к Alitalia)
Чтобы воспользоваться данной услугой необходимо:
– приобрести билет по полному экономическому тарифу на перелет, включающий хотя бы один международный участок, любым из 10 перевозчиков альянса (данная программа не распространяется на рейсы по соглашению «код-шеринг»);
– связаться с колл-центром бонусной программы для подтверждения возможности повышения в классе обслуживания;
– после подтверждения агенты по бронированию спишут мили со счета пассажира и выпишут новый электронный билет с подтверждением повышения в классе обслуживания.
Введение новой услуги – первый этап программы Mileage Upgrade альянса SkyTeam. На основании полученных результатов будет осуществлена возможность запроса и подтверждения премиального повышения в классе обслуживания через интернет.
Более подробно ознакомиться с программой по повышению в классе обслуживания можно на сайте «Аэрофлот Бонус» или любой другой программы лояльности альянса SkyTeam.
Summary: Passengers that have enough miles in their Aerolflot Bonus account can now use them to upgrade on other SkyTeam airlines flights (except Alitalia). This is a test program called Mileage Upgrade within Sky Team initiative. Based on the results they are expecting to recieve they will implement this award redemption (upgrade) via Internet in the future.
Here is the announcement from Sky Team webiste directly, apparently its available to all ST airlines frequent flyer programs members, but the ticket has be purchased in full fare coach for it to be elegible for the upgrade. Nonetheless, I think its pretty exciting! I havent seen it being mentioned anywhere before, and the first airline's website I saw it on was, surprisingly, Aeroflot's!
SKYTEAM LAUNCHES MILEAGE UPGRADE PROGRAM
Alliance passengers can now use miles from one program to upgrade on flights operated by another member
November 13, 2008 – SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, today announced the launch of the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades program. SkyTeam Frequent Flyers on international flight itineraries can now use their miles to upgrade to Business class on most SkyTeam member airlines.
“The ability to earn and redeem miles has always been a key passenger benefit of alliances,” said Leo van Wijk, SkyTeam chairman. “With the launch of SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades, we are responding to passenger requests as we look to continuously expand upon the benefits we offer our customers.”
To take advantage of SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades, passengers must:
Purchase an international, published, full fare Economy class reservation on one of the 10 participating SkyTeam member airlines. The flight must be marketed and operated by the same SkyTeam carrier, as code-share flights are not permitted.
Call the award reservation line of their frequent flyer program at least three days in advance of departure to verify eligibility, check account balance and confirm if upgrade seats are available. At the current time, all requests must be made via telephone. The number of miles necessary for an upgrade varies based on the frequent flyer program to be debited and the itinerary. Passengers should visit their frequent flyer program Web site and consult the individual award charts for approximations.
If the passenger is eligible, has the necessary miles in their account and upgrade seats are available, the award reservation agents will debit their frequent flyer account and reissue the tickets with the upgrade confirmed.
For example, an Air France-KLM Flying Blue member traveling on Delta Air Lines from Paris to Atlanta on a full fare economy class ticket can use 25,000 miles from their Flying Blue account for a one-way upgrade to Business class. Once at the airport, the Flying Blue member can enjoy all of the additional benefits of Business class travel, such as additional luggage allowances, priority services and lounge access.
For full terms and conditions, and details of each alliance members’ participation in the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrade program, passengers should visit their frequent flyer program Web site.
This is the first phase of the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrade program. The alliance will use feedback from and results of phase one to improve future phases of the offer, including expanded criteria for eligible flights, the inclusion of Associate-operated flights and the ability to make and confirm requests online.
Last edited by asnovici; Nov 25, 2008 at 4:15 pm Reason: Update with more info from Sky Team website
Nov 26, 2008, 2:41 am
#3
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Nov 26, 2008, 12:17 pm
#4
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Getting better but still not great. I use SU miles for this already (50k round trip from FRA to OVB via SVO mostly). The 3 day rule is laborious but, again, this is a step in the right direction.
Kudos SU and ST!
Kudos SU and ST!
Nov 26, 2008, 5:30 pm
#6
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Not fully defined, but in each program that I have researched the rules for "full fare" upgrades today are only for the "Y" fares. Even though the airlines call the next tier down "full" in some marketing junk the upgrade rules are pretty specific. CO calls Y & H "full" but only Y gets the "full fare" upgrade rates. Ditto for NW and DL. I'm pretty sure that the European and Asian carriers are the same way.
Nov 26, 2008, 8:57 pm
#7
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No, absolutely NOT true, as I stated above, On KL it IS Y and S, on AF the same. On Delta it is Y B or M fares. I do not know what CO's rules are, but then again they are leaving Skyteam in the next 12 months anyway. Again, you may be right, but we don't know, although I should add that in Star alliance it is generally the top 2-3 fares on most member airlines and this program has been instituted in order to compete directly with Star Alliance.
Nov 26, 2008, 9:24 pm
#8
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With SU you can upgrade from Q fares and those higher using SU Bonus miles. The higher fares are (highest to lowest - Y, I, S, B, M, H, K, V, T, Q). I assume you can upgrade on SU using other ST miles also from Q. That is what I assume at least...
Nov 26, 2008, 9:43 pm
#9
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http://www.KLM.com/travel/nl_en/flyi...d/index.htm#11
Upgrade awards for other SkyTeam airline partners
[..]
* Members must purchase an international, full-fare Economy Class reservation on any SkyTeam prime flight (i.e. using the operating carrier’s flight number)
[..]
Carrier Full-fare Classes
Aeromexico Y
Continental Airlines Y
China Southern Airlines Y
Delta Airlines Y
Korean Air Y,W
Czech Airlines Y,M
Aeroflot S,Y
[..]
* Members must purchase an international, full-fare Economy Class reservation on any SkyTeam prime flight (i.e. using the operating carrier’s flight number)
[..]
Carrier Full-fare Classes
Aeromexico Y
Continental Airlines Y
China Southern Airlines Y
Delta Airlines Y
Korean Air Y,W
Czech Airlines Y,M
Aeroflot S,Y
Nov 26, 2008, 11:19 pm
#10
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Good catch as this hadn't been published elsewhere.
So Alitalia isn't involved
I assume that NW is subsumed into DL for this purpose.
Three carriers allow them for a fare below Y.
Their commincation is quite bad, and to be frank this program isn;t too impressive. I suppose its a sap to the economy, allowing those travelling on business for companies with economy only restrictions to sit up in Business class, as I cannot imagine anyone doing this for leisure (especially when many companies discount rates are listed as Y fares).
So Alitalia isn't involved
I assume that NW is subsumed into DL for this purpose.
Three carriers allow them for a fare below Y.
Their commincation is quite bad, and to be frank this program isn;t too impressive. I suppose its a sap to the economy, allowing those travelling on business for companies with economy only restrictions to sit up in Business class, as I cannot imagine anyone doing this for leisure (especially when many companies discount rates are listed as Y fares).
Nov 27, 2008, 3:26 am
#11
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Well its not all carriers can upgrade all others... don't know how well the other Skyteam carriers are implementing this but CO is only doing NW, DL, AF, and KL... in reality its only adding AF and DL since NW and KL could already be upgraded on more flexible terms.
Nov 28, 2008, 2:58 pm
#12
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This is not correct. Please read the ST rules in regard to that. It really does mean that ALL carriers can upgrade on ALL carriers (exception being SU cannot do AZ and vice versa, but all other combinations are possible). Has to be a full Y fare.
Dec 2, 2008, 1:11 pm
#13
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AZ and DL does not participate to this new Skyteam upgrade program.
Dec 2, 2008, 1:32 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2008
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New reward booking classes
AM : class Y
upgrade booking class R
CO : class Y
upgrade booking class F
CZ : class Y
upgrade booking class P (intra China), I (outside China)
KE : class W,Y
upgrade booking class I
OK : class Y, M
upgrade booking class I
SU : class Y, S
upgrade booking class O
AZ and DL are not yet in this new program
upgrade booking class R
CO : class Y
upgrade booking class F
CZ : class Y
upgrade booking class P (intra China), I (outside China)
KE : class W,Y
upgrade booking class I
OK : class Y, M
upgrade booking class I
SU : class Y, S
upgrade booking class O
AZ and DL are not yet in this new program