SkyTeam's new queue-busting SkyPriority service for frequent flyers

The SkyTeam airline alliance will upgrade its airport services for business class, first class and Elite Plus top-tier frequent flyers from March with new SkyPriority services to speed you through the airport.

Originally introduced by SkyTeam member Delta, SkyPriority consists of:

• priority check-in areas
• priority bag drop
• priority queues at airport ticket offices
• priority queues at transfer desks
• priority boarding
• priority baggage handling

You'll see a distinctive SkyPriority brand at all the priority lanes, and there'll be a SkyPriority indicator on your boarding pass if you're eligible to skip the queues.

"SkyPriority is one part of our ongoing effort to improve the customer experience. By increasing consistency at airports, we make travel faster and more convenient for our customers," said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam's Managing Director.

SkyTeam is planning to roll SkyPriority out in March 2012, with Amsterdam, Atlanta, Guangzhou, Nairobi, Shanghai and Taipei among the first to see the new priority services.

Check out our primer on SkyTeam's frequent flyer tiers and benefits for more information on what you can expect when flying with one of the SkyTeam airlines.

While there's no Australia-based SkyTeam member airline, you can look forward to a faster trip through the airport on Australian flights with China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta, Korean Air and Vietnam Airlines.

The fifteen SkyTeam members worldwide are: Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, TAROM and Vietnam Airlines.

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.