Introduction: A SkyTeam Adventure in the Middle East

I’m closing in on my goal to try every member airline of the three of major alliances.

My last trip focused on SkyTeam, with an opportunity to fly three new carriers: Aeromexico, Air France, and Middle East Airlines. Both the Aeromexico and Air France longhauls featured the carriers’ latest business class products.

Also note that between LA and Washington I never left the airport, unless you count the airport hotel I spent the night in at Paris between flights.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Los Angeles (LAX)
Delta Sky Club Los Angeles (LAX – T2)
Aeromexico 737 Business Class Los Angeles to Mexico City
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City (MEX)
Aeromexico Salon Premier Lounge Mexico City (MEX)
Aeromexico 787-9 Business Class Mexico City to Paris
Air France Business Class Lounge Paris (CDG – 2E/M)
Air France 777-300ER Business Class Paris to Dubai
Middle East Airlines A320 Business Class Dubai to Beirut
Cedar Lounge Beirut (BEY)
Middle East Airlines A330 Business Class Beirut to Frankfurt

I will not review the United Airlines business class flight I flew from Frankfurt to Washington Dulles.

This SkyTeam portion of the trip included two tickets, both of which were paid for using points.

LAX-MEX-CDG-DXB = 80K Korean Air SkyPass miles + $129 (booked as part of a round-trip award)
DXB-BEY-FRA = 49,945 American Express Membership Rewards Points + $0

Stay tuned for the full trip report. I’ll give you a hint – every single flight was a good one. This is going to be a very positive trip report.