SkyTeam Cruise for its Top Sellers

Local SkyTeam representatives with their award-winning PowerPoint presentation once again, which the SkyTeam head office said was so professional that it was adopted as the basis for the 2004 and 2005 SkyTeam market presentations held around the world.

Last month, some of the top Greek sellers of SkyTeam alliance airlines’ 15,000 daily flights joined with local representatives of the airlines to enjoy a working 3-day cruise with Superfast Ferries. Some two dozen agents took the opportunity to spend time with friends and business partners, and to revitalize their knowledge of alliance and Superfast products and services.

The group was bused one early Friday morning from Athens to Patras where they boarded the ferry for Ancona. After a full day’s sailing, complete with more than a sampling of all the amenities afforded by a cruise ship, the group arrived late the next morning at their destination.

On Saturday, a few hours were spent exploring the graphic town of Urbino, and enjoying a full meal and interesting conversation at a traditional Italian taverna within the town. The evening hours were spent aboard the ship, and included samplings by the Superfast chef and then dancing. On the return trip, the group was wined and dined with presentations by both SkyTeam and Superfast Ferries. The trip was part of the continuous SkyTeam celebrations this year in honor of its fifth birthday.

Along with the many products and services, the agents were reminded of the associate airlines’ codeshare agreements with certain SkyTeam members and how this will allow member airlines to serve additional destinations.

Sponsors of the cruise included Superfast Ferries for its offer of special prices for accommodation, GTP for its complete bar service, and Amphitrion Holidays for its coach service between Athens and Patras and Ancona and Urbino.

On the international front, SkyTeam continued to celebrate its fifth anniversary with a bonus mileage offer of up to 20,000 miles. For the first time, SkyTeam passengers can take advantage of a joint frequent flyer promotion, earning 2000 bonus miles for every intercontinental flight operated by most SkyTeam member airlines.

Between December 5, 2005 and January 27, 2006, SkyTeam passengers can enroll in the SkyTeam Fifth Anniversary Promotion through a link at the SkyTeam web site. Then, between February 6, 2006 and April 30, 2006, travelers will earn 2000 bonus miles on each eligible intercontinental flight segment they fly. This offer is good on up to ten flight segments.

The four associate airline members (Air Europa, Copa Airlines, Kenya Airways, Tarom) also will adhere to several key alliance programs that will allow travelers to take advantage of numerous frequent flyer benefits.

Meanwhile, SkyTeam members Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines have come to a reciprocal arrangement concerning the use of their airport lounges. Members of Continental’s Presidents Club, Delta’s Crown Room Club and Northwest’s WorldClubs can now enter any of the three airlines’ global facilities when flying any airline.

Together, the three carriers have more than 90 lounges including the most popular business and leisure destinations in the U.S. and around the world. This new expanded access removes all previous flight restrictions on which club members can visit when traveling.

Admission to any of the lounges is valid for club members and up to two guests, or a spouse and children under 21 years of age.

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance partnering Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines, says this is just another way it attempts to offer an exclusive experience for all passengers.