When it comes to choosing a frequent flyer programme within the SkyTeam alliance, travellers have several options, each tailored to different regions and travel habits. Whether you’re based in Europe, North America, or the UK, selecting the right programme can make a huge difference – from earning elite status perks to securing the best reward redemptions. In this SkyTeam frequent flyer programmes review, we’ll cover the top three SkyTeam frequent flyer programmes: Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. We’ll explore how easy it is to earn status with lounge access, the typical costs involved, and the value of redeeming points for premium travel. Join us as we break down each programme and determine which one stands out as the best choice for frequent flyers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Before we start, it’s important to note that only SkyTeam Elite Plus status grants lounge access across the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam Elite does not include this benefit. While some individual frequent flyer programmes may offer lounge access at lower tiers, these perks do not apply when flying with other SkyTeam airlines. For this reason, we’ll focus exclusively on SkyTeam Elite Plus tiers in our comparison.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
How easy is it to obtain status with lounge access?
Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue is first in our SkyTeam frequent flyer programmes review, and offers several elite tiers, with Gold and Platinum statuses granting SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits, including lounge access. To reach Gold status, you need to accumulate 180 Experience Points (XP) within a 12-month period. Earning XP is straightforward: the number of points you earn depends on the distance flown and the cabin class. For example, a business class flight within Europe might earn you 15 XP per segment, while a long-haul business class flight could yield 60 XP.
How much would it typically cost to obtain this tier?
The cost to achieve Gold status varies based on your travel patterns. For instance, if you frequently fly long-haul in business class, you might reach the required 180 XP after approximately three round trips, depending on the routes. Given that long-haul business class tickets can range from €2,000 to €3,500 per round trip, you might expect to spend between €6,000 and €10,500 to attain Gold status. However, strategic planning, such as taking advantage of promotional fares or selecting flights with higher XP earnings, can reduce this cost.
How easy is it to redeem points for business and first class?
Flying Blue is known for its monthly Promo Rewards, offering discounted award tickets in business and economy class on select routes. Availability is generally good, especially if you’re flexible with dates and destinations. However, taxes and fees can be relatively high, particularly on long-haul flights departing from Europe.
Do points expire? If so, how long?
Flying Blue miles expire after 24 months of inactivity. However, any qualifying activity, such as earning or spending miles, resets the expiration clock.
Where in the world is it best to be based to take advantage of the Flying Blue programme?
The Flying Blue programme is most advantageous for travellers based in Europe, particularly near Air France or KLM hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol.
Who is the Flying Blue programme best for?
This programme is ideal for frequent travellers in Europe who fly regularly with Air France, KLM, or other SkyTeam partners. It’s also beneficial for those who can take advantage of the Promo Rewards and the extensive European route network.
Who is the Flying Blue programme worst for?
It’s less suitable for those based outside Europe, where Flying Blue partners are less prominent. Additionally, the high taxes and fees on award tickets can make it less attractive for those looking to maximise the value of their miles.
Are there other ways to earn points, such as a credit card?
Yes, Flying Blue members can earn miles through a variety of co-branded credit cards, particularly in Europe. Additionally, miles can be earned through hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping with Flying Blue’s network of partners. Points from American Express Membership Rewards can also be transferred to Flying Blue miles.
Delta SkyMiles
How easy is it to obtain status with lounge access?
Delta’s SkyMiles programme offers four Medallion tiers, with Gold Medallion and above granting SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which includes lounge access. As of 2025, Delta has streamlined its Medallion Qualification requirements, focusing solely on Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). To achieve Gold Medallion status, you need to spend $10,000 MQDs within a calendar year.
How much would it typically cost to obtain this tier?
Achieving Gold Medallion status requires $10,000 in MQDs. This spending can be accumulated through various means, including flight purchases and certain co-branded credit card expenditures. If you only fly, you would need to spend $10,000 on base fares and carrier-imposed surcharges on Delta-marketed flights. Remember that taxes and fees don’t count.
How easy is it to redeem points for business and first class?
Delta SkyMiles uses dynamic pricing for award tickets, meaning the number of miles required can vary based on demand, route, and time of booking. While this provides flexibility, it can also lead to higher mileage requirements for premium cabins, especially on popular routes. However, Delta has no blackout dates, and availability is generally better on Delta-operated flights.
Do points expire? If so, how long?
SkyMiles do not expire, offering great flexibility for those who may not travel frequently but want to save up miles over time.
Where in the world is it best to be based to take advantage of the SkyMiles programme?
The SkyMiles programme is most advantageous for travellers based in the United States, particularly near Delta hubs like Atlanta, New York JFK, or Los Angeles.
Who is the SkyMiles programme best for?
This programme is ideal for frequent U.S. travellers who regularly fly with Delta and value the extensive domestic and international network. It’s also great for those who appreciate miles that don’t expire.
Who is the SkyMiles programme worst for?
It’s less suitable for travellers based outside the U.S., where Delta’s network is less prominent. Additionally, those who prefer predictable award pricing may find the dynamic pricing model frustrating.
Are there other ways to earn points, such as a credit card?
Yes, Delta SkyMiles members can earn miles through several co-branded American Express credit cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards. These cards offer generous sign-up bonuses and earn miles on everyday purchases. For example, holders of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent, while Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card members earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent. Additionally, miles can be earned through hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping with SkyMiles partners.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
How easy is it to obtain status with lounge access?
Continuing our review of SkyTeam frequent flyer programmes, we move to Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club. The Flying Club has three membership tiers: Red, Silver, and Gold. To gain lounge access, you need to reach Gold status, which requires earning 1,000 Tier Points within a rolling 12-month period.
Tier Points are awarded per flight based on the cabin class and fare type:
- Economy Light – 25 Tier Points per flight
- Economy Classic – 50 Tier Points per flight
- Economy Delight – 50 Tier Points per flight
- Premium – 100 Tier Points per flight
- Upper Class – 200 Tier Points per flight
For example, three round trips in Upper Class between London and New York (earning 400 Tier Points per return trip) would be enough to qualify for Gold. In Economy Classic, you’d need 10 round trips (or 20 one-way flights).
How much would it typically cost to obtain this tier?
The cost to hit Gold depends on your travel habits. If flying Economy Classic, you’d need around 20 one-way flights (or 10 round trips), each earning 50 Tier Points. With round-trip fares averaging £500, this would cost roughly £5,000.
In Upper Class, where each round trip earns 400 Tier Points, three round trips would be enough, but with ticket prices starting at £2,000+, you’d likely spend upwards of £6,000 to £8,000 to reach Gold.
How easy is it to redeem points for business and first class?
Virgin Atlantic has moved to dynamic award pricing, similar to Delta SkyMiles. This means there are no blackout dates – if you have enough points, there will be a seat available. However, the number of points required for premium redemptions can be significantly higher on peak routes and dates.
For example, an Upper Class seat from London to New York previously cost 47,500 points, but now it can fluctuate much higher, depending on demand. Taxes and fees on redemptions also remain relatively high compared to some other frequent flyer programmes.
Do points expire? If so, how long?
Yes, Virgin Points expire after 36 months of inactivity. Any earning or spending activity resets the expiration clock.
Where in the world is it best to be based to take advantage of the Flying Club programme?
Flying Club is most beneficial for UK-based travellers, especially those near London Heathrow or Manchester. However, Virgin’s partnerships with Delta, Air France-KLM, and other SkyTeam members make it useful for those based in the US and Europe as well.
Who is the Flying Club programme best for?
UK-based frequent flyers who primarily fly Virgin Atlantic or its partners. Those who regularly travel long-haul in premium cabins, as that’s where redemptions and Tier Point accumulation are most valuable. American Express Membership Rewards users, who can transfer points to Flying Club for redemptions.
Who is the Flying Club programme worst for?
Travellers who prefer fixed award charts – dynamic pricing means redemptions can be unpredictable Those who mainly fly outside Virgin’s core UK-US routes.
Anyone wanting low-fee redemptions – Flying Club award tickets can have high surcharges
Are there other ways to earn points, such as a credit card?
Yes, Flying Club has multiple ways to earn points beyond flights:
- Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Cards (UK) – Both free and paid versions exist.
- US credit cards – Virgin Points can be earned via American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points.
- Hotel and car rental partners – Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Avis, Hertz, and others allow point transfers.
- Retail and shopping partners – Earn points with everyday spending.
Virgin’s tie-ins with American Express and Chase make it easy to accumulate points, even without flying.
What about the others that didn’t make the top 3?
While Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, and Virgin’s Flying Club are among the most popular and accessible within the SkyTeam alliance, there are several other programmes worth considering. For instance, Aeromexico Club Premier provides strong benefits for those based in Latin America, though the programme’s high mileage requirements for premium awards can be a drawback. Additionally, smaller programmes like China Eastern Eastern Miles and Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles offer niche advantages for regional travellers, but they lack the global reach and versatility of the top three.
Which is the worst SkyTeam frequent flyer programme?
ITA Airways Volare, the successor to Alitalia’s MilleMiglia programme, has struggled to find its footing since its launch. While ITA Airways has made efforts to modernise the programme, we would approach Volare with caution – particularly as ITA is set to leave SkyTeam on 30 April 2025.
One of Volare’s biggest drawbacks is ITA Airways’ limited network, with fewer long-haul routes than its major SkyTeam counterparts. This makes it less appealing for travellers looking for a broad range of redemption opportunities. The transition from MilleMiglia to Volare has also been rocky, with some members frustrated over the lack of clarity in mileage transfers and programme rules.
Premium award availability is hit-or-miss, and Volare lacks the robust partnerships and earning potential of Flying Blue or Delta SkyMiles. If you’re considering earning SkyTeam status via ITA, be aware that once the airline formally transitions to Star Alliance, your SkyTeam Elite perks will likely disappear. For those looking for stable, long-term frequent flyer programmes within SkyTeam, our review suggests Volare is a risky choice.
BG1 Verdict
This SkyTeam frequent flyer programmes review highlights that Air France-KLM Flying Blue remains the best choice for European travellers, thanks to its extensive route network, generous monthly Promo Rewards, and reasonable status qualification requirements – despite the downside of high taxes on award redemptions. Delta SkyMiles is the strongest option for US-based travellers, offering a vast network and the advantage of miles that never expire, though its dynamic award pricing can be frustratingly unpredictable. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club appeals to UK-based flyers, particularly those loyal to Virgin Atlantic and its transatlantic partners, but its recent shift to dynamic pricing and high redemption costs make it less appealing for those seeking value. Overall, Flying Blue edges out the competition for its balance of elite status benefits, partner availability, and consistent redemption opportunities, while Delta remains a strong choice for US frequent flyers.
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