In this post:
Eurostar SkyTeam Joining Date Pushed Back to Mid-2026
Eurostar’s long-awaited entry into SkyTeam has been pushed back once again. The partnership is now set to begin on 30th June 2026 and will see Eurostar becoming the first non-airline SkyTeam member.
Once the partnership launches, it will greatly benefit SkyTeam airlines based in one of the Eurostar stops in the UK, France and the Netherlands, specifically Virgin Atlantic, Air France and KLM. SkyTeam is becoming increasingly popular, especially since Virgin Atlantic joined and BA completely overhauled its loyalty programme!
You can expect intermodal journeys combining a SkyTeam flight with a Eurostar train (e.g. Eurostar from London to Paris, then Air France to New York, all in one ticket).
There are also plans to run direct trains from London to Frankfurt and Zurich in under 6 hours, though that won’t be as useful for airline connections as Lufthansa and Swiss are both Star Alliance airlines.
Loyalty Benefits
Due to being a rail company, it’s not yet clear how SkyTeam loyalty status will apply when travelling via Eurostar and vice versa. It’s also not clear how it will work with disruptions when on an intermodal journey.
Will the Eurostar Joining SkyTeam Have Similar Benefits to the Deutsche Bahn-Star Alliance Partnership?
Eurostar may be the first rail operator to join an alliance, but Deutsche Bahn has been partnered with Star Alliance since 2022. You can buy combined flight-ICE train tickets including seat reservations. Boarding passes are issued for both legs of the flight at check-in. If you’re flying in Business for First, you also benefit from lounge access on the rail side, and miles can be earned on the train sectors when booked via participating airlines.
Will Eurostar be yet another reason to join SkyTeam? We will have to see what the benefits are first.
It’s a frustrating delay, but not that surprising; 30th June 2026 feels like a more realistic launch date, given what SkyTeam has to sort out. I’m sure there’s lots to think about when integrating a rail operator into an airline alliance!
IHG Sale: 15% Off Reward Nights for Elite Members
IHG One Rewards has just launched a new promotion offering 15% off Reward Night redemptions across all brands and destinations. The discount is available exclusively to Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members.
To get this discount, you must book before 16th September and stay by 18th November 2025 directly via the IHG website.
When logged in and searching as a Platinum or Diamond member, you should be able to see the original rate crossed out and replaced with the discounted rate. If you can’t see the rate, keep trying, as there have already been some technical issues.
People have already reported some great savings on this offer, and it can dramatically increase the value per point! However, at some properties, the offer may flatten out inflated rates…
If you like the look of this offer, but don’t have anything planned before 18th November, this offer usually appears a few times per year. However, sometimes the offer only applies to specific regions.
On another note, the IHG Buy Points bonus has been extended. You can sign up for the offer here. Make sure you always do the maths before buying points. You can find out more about this in our guide here.
Things to Note
-
The offer is based on the time zone of the participating hotels at the time of booking.
- You don’t need to register for this offer. You need to search as a logged-in Platinum or Diamond member.
How to Reach Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite Status
For Platinum Elite status, you will need to stay 40 nights or earn 60,000 points. You can also get Platinum Elite status by purchasing an Intercontinental Ambassador membership, which is currently $225 (£166).
Diamond Elite status can be earned by staying 70 nights or earning 120,000 points.
For more details on the IHG One Rewards programme, make sure you read our guide, “Is IHG One Rewards Right for You?”
Plaza Premium T3 arrivals Now Open
The Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 has now reopened and is open from 6 AM to 2 PM daily. You’ll find the lounge around the corner from the T3 arrivals hall, very close to the taxi ranks and Aerotel.
The lounge is marketed at those who want a quiet space to unwind, connect with business partners or freshen up after a flight. Depending on the time of day, you can expect a continental breakfast or light lunch, along with tea, coffee and soft drinks.
The lounge is styled in calming natural beige tones, lifted by subtle splashes of colour and design touches. Plaza Premium describes the design as being “infused with the spirit of London.” Soft ceiling spotlights provide gentle lighting – ideal if you’ve just stepped off a long flight.
Pricing
It hasn’t yet been revealed whether or when this lounge will be open to PriorityPass and DragonPass membership holders. It’s not currently showing on either of the apps.
Prices start at £36 for 2 hours or £60 for 4 hours. This includes a shower. If you book direct with Plaza Premium and sign up to Smart Traveller, you can save 20%. The entry sign suggests access from £28 for 2 hours, which is much cheaper than booking online (odd), but then you won’t have guaranteed entry.
You can also book a 30-minute shower-only entry for £21 (£22 if booked online). If you don’t book ahead, Use is subject to availability and first-come, first-served.
This is a much-needed addition to the arrivals lounges at Heathrow T3!
You can view the lounge on the Plaza Premium website here >>>
