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In the span of two weeks, the SkyTeam alliance partnered with two European rail operators, signing memorandums of understanding to create an intermodal transportation network. Details are slim, but sometime in 2025, SkyTeam's partnerships with Eurostar and Trenitalia will be implemented. From then on, travelers can connect by air to rail and vice versa and leverage extra benefits at airports and train stations.
Here's what we know so far about SkyTeam's newest partners.
What We Know about the SkyTeam-Eurostar Partnership
You may assume that Eurostar is the service that only operates in the channel tunnel between London and Paris. While historically, that may have been correct, Eurostar is now much bigger since it merged with Thalys, a European rail operator. Today, Eurostar operates a high-speed rail service between destinations in Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, and it's one of SkyTeam's newest partners.
When this partnership takes effect in 2025, customers will be able to book one ticket and travel by both rail and air. In other words, you can soon mesh a long- and medium-haul flight with a rail journey.
The biggest benefit of this partnership is the simplicity of booking one ticket. However, per the press release, customers should be on the lookout for more benefits next year.
What We Know about the SkyTeam-Trenitalia Partnership
Not too long after partnering with Eurostar, SkyTeam inked another memorandum of understanding with Trenitalia. This second intermodal partnership will expand air-rail connectivity to yet another country, offering customers a wider choice of destinations across Italy. For example, you'll be able to fly from New York to Rome and then take the train onwards to Verona after collecting your bags.
But unlike the Eurostar partnership, we have a better idea of the additional benefits that this partnership will bring. When it takes effect, SkyTeam frequent flyers can earn and redeem miles on rail itineraries, and CartaFRECCIA members will be able to earn and redeem points on SkyTeam flights.
Additionally, benefits are on the way for elite members. Details are still slim, but the press release suggests that SkyPriority services are coming to select rail stations. The fruits of these services will be available to those with SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status, as well as CartaFRECCIA Platinum and Gold members.
Final Thoughts
SkyTeam's new intermodal partnerships with Eurostar and Trenitalia make a lot of sense. Travelers can book a flight to a major SkyTeam hub like Paris or Amsterdam and then catch a train to their final destination — even if it is in another country. According to the SkyTeam-Eurostar press release, nearly 13% of Eurostar passengers fly long-haul into a SkyTeam hub connected by train to another Eurostar destination.
Any move that makes traveling easier and less burdensome is always excellent news. Booking travel and rail on the same itinerary could be a lifesaver. For instance, if your flight is delayed and you miss your train, the operator must accommodate your ticket since it was not your fault. Currently, since you book these independently, there is little you can do about the missed rail connection. While there's still a lot we don't know about what these partnerships will look like, we'll be sure to share more when we learn more details.
It's worth noting that SkyTeam isn't the first airline alliance to forge an intermodal partnership. In 2022, Star Alliance partnered with Deutsche Bahn, permitting travelers to connect from air to rail in Germany. Naturally, it seems like Oneworld could make a similar move next, but they're running out of major partners with which to do so.
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