Effective March 1, Delta Gold Medallion members will be upgraded to SkyTeam Elite Plus status. Until then, Gold members will receive Elite status, the entry-level elite tier in SkyTeam. As an Elite Plus member, Gold Medallions and one companion will have complimentary access to SkyTeam partner lounges worldwide when traveling on an international SkyTeam airline flight. Other Elite Plus benefits include a guaranteed reservation on any SkyTeam long-haul flight when purchasing a full-fare coach class ticket 24 hours prior to departure, priority baggage handling and priority status at the airport and when boarding the plane.