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Swinney’s Business-Class Flight to Boston Cost £17,893

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 4:09 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney flew business class to Boston for £17,893, rejecting a £1,000 SFA charter.
Private secretary John Webster approved an exemption from normal travel rules for the trip.
The flight let Swinney answer First Minister’s Questions on Thursday and the following Tuesday.
Total government travel expenses for the World Cup visit, including accommodation, reached £98,442.
Special adviser Colin McAllister also flew business class, costing £9,864.

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Story summary

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney flew business class to Boston for £17,893, rejecting a £1,000 SFA charter.
Private secretary John Webster approved an exemption from normal travel rules for the trip.
The flight let Swinney answer First Minister’s Questions on Thursday and the following Tuesday.
Total government travel expenses for the World Cup visit, including accommodation, reached £98,442.
Special adviser Colin McAllister also flew business class, costing £9,864.