News: SAS SkyTeam launch date confirmed, Edinburgh twilight check-in extended

News in brief:

SAS confirms it will join SkyTeam on 1st September

Three weeks ago, Scandinavian airline SAS confirmed that it will leave the Star Alliance airline alliance on 31st August – click to read.

This follows the acquisition of a stake in the airline by Air France KLM, core members of the competing SkyTeam alliance.

At the time of the announcement of the Star Alliance departure, it was not certain that SkyTeam membership could be secured in time. It made the woolly statement that:

“EuroBonus members can enjoy similar loyalty benefits when travelling on most SkyTeam airlines beginning 1 September 2024.”

However, things have progressed and the SkyTeam paperwork has been signed. SAS will become a full SkyTeam member on 1st September.

For UK readers, the most obvious benefits will be the ability to earn Virgin Flying Club or Flying Blue status and redeemable points from SAS flights, and to redeem Virgin Points and Flying Blue miles for SAS services.

Edinburgh Airport boosts twilight check-in

Edinburgh Airport is expanding its twilight check-in service, with expanded hours and a new parking offer.

From 1st May, the following airlines will allow you to check in your luggage the night before you fly:

If you have booked the official airport car park for the duration of your holiday, you will now be able to use the ‘1 hour’ parking area for free on the previous evening in order to use twilight check-in.