Members of frequent flier programmes operated by airlines in the SkyTeam alliance will stop earning miles and status points on Continental Airlines after tomorrow (24 October).

The change comes as Continental follows through on plans announced last June to build closer relationships with United Airlines and join with its airline partners in the Star Alliance. The change will affect members of programmes such as Air France KLM’s Flying Blue and Delta’s SkyMiles.

Continental intends to become a full member of the Star Alliance on Tuesday 27 October. From that date, members of Continental’s OnePass programme will start being able to earn and redeem miles on United, Lufthansa, Bmi and other Star carriers. At the same time, members of Bmi’s Diamond Club will begin earning miles for flights taken on Continental.

Members of Continental’s OnePass will not need to make any changes to their accounts and mileage balances will not be affected by the transition.

The airline says that it will make every effort to ensure that passengers travelling on a Star Alliance airline on either 25 or 26 October will automatically receive OnePass mileage credit (including Elite Qualification Miles/Points) as well as lounge access.