SkyTeam Expands Domestic Lounge Access: Use Status to Access More Than 70 Domestic Lounges Worldwide

In April 2025, SkyTeam made some significant updates to its lounge access rules, including who can access select SkyTeam lounges, how long you can stay, and whether your guest can join you. Although some of these changes felt like a downgrade for longtime Elite Plus members, access to lounges on select domestic itineraries was a very welcome change.

Today, domestic passengers can access more than 70 lounges worldwide, offering more options than ever for top-tier travelers. Let’s break down SkyTeam lounge access so you can elevate your next trip.

SkyTeam Lounge Access Changes 2025

SkyTeam lounge access is one of the key perks of SkyTeam Elite Plus status. Until April 2025, access to more than 750 lounges worldwide was limited to Elite Plus members flying internationally with one of SkyTeam’s 18 member airlines. As of April 1, 2025, select SkyTeam Lounges became accessible to more travelers — but with new time limitations.

Select domestic passengers can now access select lounges in the U.S., Europe, China, Saudi Arabia, and other regions.

However, this comes with a catch. Travelers with SkyTeam Elite Plus status via Aerolineas Argentinas Aerolineas Plus won't receive lounge access on domestic itineraries worldwide. In addition, those with SkyTeam Elite Plus via Delta SkyMiles don't receive lounge access on domestic U.S. itineraries.

Participating lounges

There are now more than 70 lounges worldwide that are accessible to Elite Plus travelers on domestic itineraries. Here’s where you can expect the new rules to be in effect:

You may notice that Delta Sky Club locations are notably absent from the list. Here's what you need to know about getting Delta Sky Club^® access. In short, Delta and select Amex cards are still the best shortcut to getting into Delta lounges — but the best cards for Sky Club access don't come cheap:

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Limited-Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.

Apply Now

Annual Fee$650Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)

Credit ScoreExcellent, Good

• 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
• 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card

Limited-Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after spending $15,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/25.

Apply Now

Annual Fee$650Rates & Fees

Credit ScoreExcellent, Good

• 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
• 1.5X miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases, plus all eligible purchases after spending $150K per calendar year
• 1 mile on every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

American Express Platinum Card^®

Welcome Offer As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply Now

Annual Fee$895Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)

Credit ScoreExcellent, Good

• Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
• Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• Earn 5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings.

How to access other domestic SkyTeam lounges

Trying to access a lounge that's not on this list? The good news is that SkyTeam Elite Plus members can still access other lounges on domestic flights, but with a caveat: You must have an itinerary comprising a transfer from a domestic flight to an international flight, or a domestic flight to another domestic flight that eventually leads to an international flight.

If you're traveling on a domestic-only itinerary, you only have access to the select lounges above. Regardless of access method, you'll need to show a same-day boarding pass to get in, along with a valid Elite Plus membership card.

The SkyTeam Lounge in Istanbul (IST) Credit: SkyTeam

Three-hour limitation at lounges

SkyTeam Elite Plus members, along with First and Business Class travelers, can only access lounges up to three hours before their flight. And for those flying in First or Business Class, every leg of the trip needs to be booked in that same cabin.

Related: Beginner's Guide to Airline Alliances & Partnerships

Lounge access for guests

Guest access is now more restrictive, too. Elite Plus members used to be able to bring in anyone as a guest — now that guest has to be on the same SkyTeam-operated flight. Other SkyTeam flights — including on the same route but before or after your flight — don’t count.

Final Thoughts

These lounge changes mark a notable shift for SkyTeam — especially for travelers used to more flexible access. While opening lounge access on domestic flights is a major win in some regions, the restrictions on time limits and guest access may leave frequent flyers frustrated. As more lounges adopt these rules, it’s worth planning ahead to make the most of your SkyTeam status or premium cabin perks.

What do you think about the changes to SkyTeam lounges' access policies?

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), and American Express Platinum Card^® (Rates & Fees)

AwardWallet Tip of The Day

Did you know that you can track loyalty accounts and travel plans for your entire family with one AwardWallet account? Simply add your family members and then add their programs to AwardWallet.
Show me how

Hide image