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SkyTeam Introduces Changes to Lounge Access Policy
SkyTeam has announced updates to its lounge access policy, effective 1 April 2025. SkyTeam claim these changes aim to enhance the airport experience for Elite Plus, First, and Business Class customers by refining lounge access benefits and introducing new policies to streamline the experience.
This is a very welcome and timely change. For those us who have just completed the Flying Blue status match (link here) and have qualified as Platinum, you automatically qualify for SkyTeam Elite Plus and the associated benefits.
One of the biggest benefits of Oneworld status, is the blanket lounge access policy and whilst this isn’t quite that, it’s obviously a great step forward and something SkyTeam obviously see as a priority so we expect more announcements to come later in the year.
New Domestic Lounge Access for Elite Plus Members
In a significant enhancement, SkyTeam will extend lounge access to Elite Plus customers traveling on domestic flights for the first time. This new benefit will initially roll out at selected lounges operated by:
- Air France
- China Eastern
- Garuda Indonesia
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- SAS
- Saudia
- Vietnam Airlines
SkyTeam plans to expand domestic lounge access to more locations over time, though access may not be available at all lounges. Additionally, policies for members of Aerolíneas Argentinas’ Aerolíneas Plus and Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles programs may vary.
Visit SkyTeam to find a full list of their lounges.
Revised Guest Access Policy
Another change is that Elite Plus members will continue to enjoy the privilege of bringing one guest into the lounge, however, the guest must be traveling on the same SkyTeam-operated flight as the Elite Plus customer. This ensures a smoother and more consistent guest experience across the alliance’s network.
3-Hour Lounge Access on Departure
SkyTeam is also introducing a 3-hour lounge access window for eligible Elite Plus, First, and Business Class customers before their departing flight. However, Elite Plus members connecting between two SkyTeam-operated flights will retain their existing benefit of same-day/24-hour access at their connection point.
Lufthansa Reopens Renovated Lounge at Heathrow T2
On 21 January 2025, Lufthansa reopened its newly refurbished passenger lounge at London Heathrow Airport, located in Terminal 2, South Level, Level 5. The Senator and Business Lounge has been closed since October 2024 for renovations and has been redesigned to provide an upgraded travel experience.
The refreshed lounge features a sleek modern design, with improvements to flooring, lighting, and furnishings. Enhanced workspaces now include chain curtains for added privacy, and the Business area offers two new private phone booths with improved acoustics. The Senator Lounge has also undergone significant upgrades, with redesigned seating, work areas, and a locally inspired decorative theme.
Sven Thaler, Senior Director Sales Northern Europe, said:
“We are delighted to reopen our refurbished lounge in a prime location just after the security checkpoint. As the second largest airline group at Heathrow, with over 360 weekly Lufthansa Group flights, we remain committed to enhancing our premium customer experience and strengthening our presence in Terminal 2. We look forward to welcoming customers to enjoy the upgraded lounge.”
The lounge, which spans 1,600 square meters and accommodates up to 350 guests, will operate daily from 04:15 to 22:00. It is Lufthansa’s largest lounge outside Germany in both size and capacity. Amenities include a buffet, complimentary newspapers, wifi, printers, photocopiers, lockers, TV, and panoramic runway views.
Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounge Access Criteria
Senator Lounge Access
- Passengers with Senator status in Lufthansa’s Miles & More programme or Star Alliance Gold status can access the Senator Lounge, regardless of their travel class.
- Passengers flying in First Class on Lufthansa or any Star Alliance airline can use the Senator Lounge.
Business Lounge Access
- Passengers flying Business Class on Lufthansa or any Star Alliance airline have access to the Business Lounge.
- Miles & More members with Frequent Traveller status (the tier below Senator) can access the Business Lounge, even when flying Economy or Premium Economy.
The lounge is accessible for passengers traveling on Lufthansa or any Star Alliance member airline.
Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch Reward Stay for 45,000 Virgin Points
We spoke in November about Virgin Red finally allowing points redemptions at Virgin Hotels, however, the redemption rates seemed very high and not a good use of your points, so it’s good to see now that Virgin Red are offering Reward Stays at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch for 45,000 Virgin Points per night on weekends until 31 March 2025.
Offer applies to weekend stays in a Chamber room before 31 March 2025
Cash rates are currently at around £275 per night meaning this offer of 45,000 Virgin Points equates to a value of approximately 0.61p per point. This is a fairly decent redemption rate, especially for Virgin Points, which typically aim for a range of 0.5p to 1p per point depending on how they are used.
To book, you will need to link your Virgin Red account to The Know and reserve your stay directly on the Virgin Hotels website. Weekend stays must be booked at least seven days in advance and are subject to availability. As a member of The Know, Virgin Hotels’ loyalty programme, you’ll unlock perks like free room upgrades and personalised treats.
Points cover room rates only; additional charges such as food and service are not included.
If you are saving for a flight redemption, this is always going to be a better use of your points, however, if you have some to burn and a night in London makes your fancy, this could be a great use for them. Just be quick, as the availability will probably be snapped up quite quickly.
