Strike brewing at Edinburgh Airport

Unite, the union behind the Heathrow T5 strikes, are now threatening to cause “chaos” at Edinburgh airport after members voted for strike action. No dates for a strike have been set yet. Edinburgh Airport said it had offered an 11% pay rise along with a £1,000 cost-of-living payment and has also now made an improved offer.

The Union are saying it is not enough as Gatwick were recently given 12%. The staff involved include those in airport security and passenger support so it could have a substantial impact on travellers if the strike goes ahead without enough contingency.

Lufthansa’s Purchase Of ITA Airways Imminent

It has been rumoured for a long time that Lufthansa would be a substantial stake in the Italian airline ITA which is the rebirth of Alitalia. It has now been announced that Lufthansa and the Italian government have secured an agreement for the German airline to take over ITA, with formal confirmation imminent.

The Lufthansa Group is anticipated to invest 300 million euros in ITA Airways, resulting in the acquisition of a 40% interest that would subsequently expand to 90% upon the payment of an additional 500 million euros. The Italian government intends to retain a 5% to 10% ownership stake in the airline. ITA recently took delivery of its first A330neo.

ITA is currently part of Skyteam and was offering status matches which allowed many people to get status when they first started. However, the status has rarely worked properly and is often not recognised by other members. If Lufthansa were to take over, it would be interesting to see if ITA moved to Star Alliance like the rest of the Lufthansa group. You can read our review of ITA here.

The purchase of such a substantial stake seems a very risky move from Lufthansa, given that the various iterations of the airline have been unprofitable for many years and did not serve Etihad well when they had a stake in the airline.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays discount

Virgin Atlantic Holidays have a new Spring Bank Holiday Sale that applies to new package holidays where the price includes flight and accommodation or flight and car, that is booked between 00:01 Friday 26th May 2023 and 23:59 Tuesday 30th May 2023.

The savings are as follows:

• Save 5% for departures 1st June 2023 to 31st December 2023. 
• Save 10% for departures 1st January 2024 – 30th June 2024

You can find more details and book here.

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Half-term Holidaymakers Will Travel As Normal

Despite there being another strike by security officers at Heathrow T5, Heathrow are saying that passengers will ” have a smooth journey through Heathrow during the half-term getaway”. No flights should be cancelled during the upcoming security officer strikes (25 – 27 May).

Heathrow have used managers to fill in during the previous strike periods, with most passengers waiting less than 5 minutes, and almost all waiting less than 10 minutes for security.

Heathrow says that they have been proposing a 10% pay increase which has been on the table since 1st January. They have also subsequently improved this offer with a £1,150 lump sum and a guarantee of an inflation-linked increase in 2024. However, Unite are refusing to put the offer to their members. 

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

“Passengers should not be concerned about strike action by Unite over the half term getaway. The 15 days of strike action over the Easter peak and Coronation weekends have had no impact on the smooth running of the airport, and passengers have not noticed any difference from the normal great service they expect at Heathrow.”

“These strikes are completely unnecessary. When I speak to colleagues the overwhelming message is that they just want to vote on our pay offer, but Unite won’t let them. We made a generous 10% offer early on, to make sure colleagues got a substantial increase when they needed it most. Unite’s delays mean non-union colleagues as well as the majority of colleagues who are union members, who voted to accept our previous offer are losing out.”

British Airways Begins Brand-new Uniform Roll Out

British Airways has started the rollout of its brand-new uniform, with more than 5,000 colleagues working in the airline’s engineering, maintenance and airport operations teams across the world wearing the new garments from this week. 

The uniform, designed by British, Ghanaian Saville Row fashion designer and master tailor, Ozwald Boateng OBE, will be worn by more than 30,000 of the airline’s colleagues in total, later this year. The next stage of the rollout will include British Airways’ cabin crew, pilots, and customer facing colleagues in September this year. The uniform received very mixed reviews from customers with some likening it to a bank uniform.

The entire collection was developed in collaboration with the airline’s colleagues over five years, with more than 1,500 colleagues across the airline volunteering their time to help shape the look and feel. Colleagues took part in more than 50 workshops from design workshops to prototype feedback and garment trials to help create the designs.

During the design process, Boateng shadowed different airport roles to understand each role’s requirements and ensure the suitability of the designs. Once developed, the new garments were put to the test with secret trials. As part of the trials, deluge showers and freezers at -18 degrees Celsius were used to ensure water resistance and durability of the garments. 

BA is looking at ways to use the old uniforms sustainably, such as donating them or exploring multiple options for recycling the garments, including creating a sustainable range of merchandise and gifting certain items to the British Airways Heritage Centre.

New AC Hotel by Marriott in Malta

AC Hotels by Marriott^® has expanded its European footprint with the opening of its first property in Malta. AC Hotel by Marriott St. Julian’s brings The Perfectly Precise Hotel experience to the coastal town of St. Julian’s. The new lifestyle hotel is located in the heart of the town within close proximity to picturesque beaches, restaurants, and the capital city of Valletta. Marriott already has two other hotels in St Julian’s with the Westin Dragonara that I have stayed at twice and a Marriott that is slightly further out. 

AC Hotel by Marriott St. Julian’s offers 106 contemporary guestrooms and suites, all of which feature high quality bedding, Nespresso coffee machines and an ergonomic workspace.

AC Hotel by Marriott St. Julian’s features the AC Lounge^® on the rooftop terrace: the perfect place to unwind with a signature cocktail and European tapas along with stunning views of St Julian’s skyline. The creative cocktail menu features  classics with a modern twist, including the signature AC Gin Tonic. Other facilities include a heated outdoor rooftop pool, an indoor pool, and a gym featuring state-of-the-art Matrix equipment. 

AC Hotel by Marriott St. Julian’s is located centrally on a quiet road just a stone’s throw from St. George’s Bay, Bay Street shopping complex and other entertainment hubs, AC Hotel by Marriott St. Julian’s is situated 11 kilometres from Malta International Airport, which is a 15-minute taxi journey or just over an hour by public transport from the hotel.

As it is not right on the sea, it’s very good value with prices off season starting from £105 or 20,000 points per night. It will be interesting to see how it compares with the Hyatt Regency Malta which I really liked and would be its main competition for a central St Julian’s hotel.

You can check prices and book here.

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Twilight bag-drop service

British Airways and Ryanair passengers can now use the Twilight bag-drop service at Edinburgh Airport in Scotland. As a result, travellers on early-morning flights can arrive at the airport the night before to check their bags, allowing them to skip the morning queues. The BA bag drop is open Monday to Friday, between 4pm and 7pm, for flights departing before noon the following day. One person can check in all the luggage but they must have everyone’s passports with them.

Passengers can also use this service through Jet2.com and EasyJet. The bag-drop timeframes vary slightly across the various airlines.

Adam Wilson, chief operating officer at Edinburgh Airport, said, “Extending the Twilight bag-drop service to passengers using all four of our busiest airlines is something we’ve been working on to help make the journey through the airport as smooth and efficient as possible. By checking-in bags the night before, passengers will be able to head straight to security and into the departures lounge. We’re glad to see this work with our airlines come to fruition and we hope passengers will take the chance to start their holiday off in a bit more of a relaxed fashion.”

IHG One Rewards “You Choose” Bonus Promotion

Finally there is a new points bonus offer from IHG. The “You Choose” summer deal from IHG is now available for registration for stays taken between 6 June and 31 August 2023.

There is a choice of two offers. Earn 2,000 bonus points every two nights (1,000 bonus points each night) OR 10,000 bonus points every four nights (2,500 bonus points each night) with IHG One Rewards.

You can access this offer on IHG’s website here.

However, your decision between these two offers cannot be changed after you’ve made it.

Even though Award & Points + Cash Nights count toward elite status, they are not eligible for this offer to get extra points.

Emirates offer free hotel stays in Dubai

Travel in First Class or Business Class with Emirates and get two nights at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central for free. As usual you will also get the Chauffeur‑drive service to and from the airport and airport lounge access.

If you fly in Premium Economy or Economy Class, you get a complimentary night’s stay at the Novotel Trade Centre hotel.

If you are stopping over for at least 24 hours in Dubai, remember to keep a copy of your Emirates boarding pass to make the most of exciting offers and special discounts in the city and across the UAE. 

Once you’ve booked your flight online, through the call centre or your travel agent, send an email to EmiratesOffer@emirates.com with your booking reference, date of arrival in Dubai, passenger names, contact phone number and email address to receive your hotel confirmation.

Offer validity

Booking period: 22 May 2023 – 11 June 2023

Travel period: 26 May 2023 – 31 August 2023

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British Airways to open Concorde Room at T3

Rumours have been circulating for a while about big changes at Heathrow T3’s British Airways lounge. For those travelling in First from T3 or who are Gold Guest List, the BA experience is pretty substandard. However, with the Cathay First lounge and the Qantas Business and First lounges as better substitutes, savvy travellers have simply been foregoing the BA lounges. Whether the rumored improvement are to stop the no doubt large bills from BA travellers lounge hopping or just a desire to fit in with their vision to be a more premium airline, I’m not sure. 

Travellers are now reporting there will be a new Concorde Room at T3, where the current dining area is. This will obviously be a smaller version of the T5 Concorde room, but will have a cocktail bar and dining area. I have now heard this from numerous sources, so I am assuming it to be true. It is due to open by July. This is welcome news, and hopefully, they have the same Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle champagne as they do at T5. However, I personally think the Concorde Room dining menu is still in need of improvement compared to other lounges such as Cathay and Qantas. So I wouldn’t be surprised if people still carry on with their lounge tours!

You can see everything you need to know about flying First class with British Airways in this article. 

Skyteam deal extends to UK with return business class to US from £1066

I recently wrote about a new Skyteam deal from Europe to the US. This has now extended to include the UK but seems to be mainly to New York, Boston and Washington. There are some very good prices, and it shows that, at least for the US, the ridiculous pricing period is over for the time being. If only this could also apply to BA’s European flights, which show no signs of reducing from the current eye-wateringly high prices.

You need to book on/before 30 May, and you can travel from January to March 2024. 

These are the included airlines:

• Air France
• Delta
• KLM
• Virgin Atlantic

Here are the departure points and prices to New York in business class return:

• Birmingham £1,228
• Edinburgh £1,242
• Glasgow £1,233
• Inverness £1,066
• London £1,333
• Manchester £1,301

Thanks to Luxury Flight Club for the fares.

Emirates free wifi for all passengers

The trend of airlines offering free wifi for passengers is continuing with Emirates being the latest airline to announce their

All Emirates Skywards members in every class of travel can now enjoy some form of free connectivity. Skywards members, whether Blue, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier, travelling in any class, whether Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First Class will enjoy free app messaging. Additionally, First Class passengers will have unlimited free internet if they are Skywards members, as will Silver, Gold and Platinum Skywards members travelling in Business Class. Platinum Skywards members have complimentary internet access in all classes.

Patrick Brannelly, SVP Retail, IFE & Connectivity commented: “Emirates has persistently worked with our service providers to optimise and improve the connectivity experience. In March we delivered about 55% more data per customer session compared to early 2022 despite the number of sessions increasing by 68% in the same period. We will continue to work to invest in upgrades and enhancements, and our A350 aircraft will arrive with the next generation of satellite connectivity already equipped.”

Emirates also announced that it will offer new high-speed, inflight broadband powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, onboard 50 new Airbus A350 aircraft – scheduled to enter service in 2024. The new agreement will significantly improve the passenger experience with enhanced connectivity and greater global coverage, even on flights over the Arctic

Emirates also confirmed an investment of over US$ 350 million to equip a 50-strong fleet of A350s coming in 2024 with enhanced passenger connectivity via Thales’ AVANT Up system and Optiq – the first smart display in the industry to offer two Bluetooth connections, built-in Wi-Fi for passengers to pair multiple devices including phones, tablets, headphones or even game controllers, while supporting up to 60 watts USB-C to fast-charge personal devices.

So if you are flying Emirates, make sure you join Emirates Skywards before your flight to make it easy to get the free wifi. 

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Clarification for BA and oneworld status holders on Finnair new policies

I wrote previously about big changes being introduced by Finnair on 1 June. These include a new Super Light fare as the basic economy class fare on short haul. This new fare only includes one small carry-on bag meaning that you will only be able to take a bag that fits under the seat in front, meaning that most wheelie bags will have to be paid for. There were also changes in the business class luggage allowances and seat booking policies. You can read the full article here.

It wasn’t 100% clear what those with BA or oneworld status would be entitled too, so I wanted to clarify with Finnair before I went into more detail. Here are the official rules from 1 June. 

As a new Finnair Plus benefit, oneworld Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald members can also take one complimentary carry-on bag on flights within Europe when travelling with a Superlight ticket that otherwise includes only a small bag. You will also get checked luggage:

Total allowance when travelling with Economy Superlight:

• oneworld Ruby: small bag, carry-on bag
• oneworld Sapphire: small bag, carry-on bag, checked bag 23 kg
• oneworld Emerald: small bag, carry-on bag, checked bag 23 kg

However, there is more bad news. Starting from 1 June 2023, oneworld Emerald members can no longer take heavy or oversized bags with them free of charge. If your bag weighs 23-32kg or exceeds the standard size of 90cm x 75xm x 45cm, you will need to pay a heavy or oversized bag charge.  Personally, I think this is pretty poor as there are very few airlines that I know of that have such a small business class baggage allowance, and even fewer still that would not give more to status holders. It would definitely put me off using them on a long-haul trip where I would take over 23kg in one case, which is not unusual. You do still get an extra bag which helps soften the blow as oneworld emerald. 

Finnair Plus (oneworld) members continue to have their current advance seat reservation benefit:

• Finnair Plus Silver members: You’ll get a 50% discount from advance seat reservations for Finnair flights (excluding Comfort seats and seats with extra legroom).
• Finnair Plus Gold members: You can pre-select a seat through Manage booking for Finnair flights. This also includes the option of reserving a Comfort seat. Please note that reserving an Extra Legroom seat is not included as an option.
• Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members: You can pre-select a seat through Manage booking for Finnair flights free of charge. This also includes the option of reserving a Comfort seat and seats with extra legroom.

Business class EU to US and beyond offers

This offer is brought to you by our partners Luxury Flight Club.

Although BA has some good fares in their current sale, these are definitely a bit cheaper for the West Coast in particular. You can fly on Air France, KLM or Delta. If you live outside London, it can make more sense to fly Air France or KLM rather than connecting through Heathrow. I used KLM and Air France to fly long haul with recently and found both connections very painless. I was particularly impressed with Air France’s business class food and service, which was among the best I have had. 

Flying through Dublin has the advantage of US pre-clearance, which means you clear customs and immigration in Dublin so you arrive in the US like a domestic passenger. The fare is available to travel between November and April 2024. There is a minimum 5 day stay, but you can do a stopover in Europe for €75 and in the US for €600. 

From Barcelona (BCN)

• Toronto (YYZ) £1202 ​
• Montreal (YUL) £1295
• Dallas (DFW) £1356
• Chicago (ORD) £1379
• San Francisco (SFO) £1397
• Vancouver (YVR) £1436

From Dublin (DUB)

• Las Vegas (LAS) £1335 ​
• Austin (AUS) £1335
• Chicago (ORD) £1335
• Nashville (BNA) £1335
• Charlotte (CLT) £1335
• Toronto (YYZ) £1355
• Portland (PDX) £1357
• Los Angeles (LAX) £1367
• Vancouver (YVR) £1375
• San Francisco (SFO) £1377
• Cancun (CUN) £1379
• Montreal (YUL) £1405
• Mexico City (MEX) £1409
• New York (JFK) £1475

From Madrid (MAD)

• Toronto (YYZ) £1,426 ​
• Montreal (YUL) £1240
• Calgary (YYC) £1368
• San Francisco (SFO) £1381
• Houston (IAH) £1388
• Chicago (ORD) £1396
• Los Angeles (LAX) £1404
• Havana (HAV) £1455

You can check prices with KLM here, Air France here and Delta here.

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Hawaiin Airlines reveal new business class suites

Getting to Hawaii in comfort is surprisingly difficult with many US airlines using standard short-haul aircraft on the 5-6 hours from the west coast. Flying with Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii’s hometown carrier since 1929, can be a more pleasant experience. If you collect Virgin Atlantic points, you can spend these on Hawaiian Airlines, although seats are tricky to get. You can also earn points with them.

Hawaiin have revealed its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner interior and new business class  – the Leihōkū Suites. Guests onboard Hawaiian’s 787 will enter service beginning early next year on select routes to the West Coast of the US. The design is island-inspired and even has sunrise and sunset lighting settings. They are expecting to receive two of the B787s by March to start the services. 

“The combination of our evocative cabin design and unparalleled service will make our 787 the most relaxing and enjoyable choice for travel to and from Hawaiʻi,” said Avi Mannis, chief marketing and communications officer at Hawaiian Airlines. “We take pride in sharing our home with our guests, and the design and details of this product truly reflect what it means to be the flagship carrier of the Hawaiian Islands.”

Hawaiian’s 300-seat 787 features its newest premium product, Leihōkū (garland of stars): 34 suites with fully lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging and direct aisle access. Set in a 1-2-1 configuration with doors, the suites can offer privacy or a shared experience, with combined double seats. I love the idea of the starlit ceiling too!

In developing its Leihōkū Suite, Hawaiian became the first airline to partner with Adient Aerospace – a joint venture between the Boeing Company and Adient, a world leader in automotive seats. However, Qatar actually beat them too it in terms of launching a new seat with Adient due to delays with Hawaiin’s order. 

New Fairmont hotel in UK

Fairmont Cheshire The Mere is the newest addition to the Fairmont brand (by Accor) in the UK. The hotel is a luxury golf and spa resort located near Knutsford in Cheshire, England. It is Accor’s fifth Fairmont hotel in the UK and Ireland. The resort currently offers 81 rooms, an 18-hole championship golf course, and wellness facilities. After a period of restoration and expansion, it will reopen in 2024 with 120 rooms including 27 suites, while retaining its golf course and expanding its wellness and culinary offerings.

The resort is situated on the shores of Lake The Mere, a beautiful natural lake that is popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. The resort also has its own private beach. The surrounding countryside is home to rolling hills, forests, and quaint villages.

Fairmont Cheshire The Mere is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities to suit all tastes, including:

• 18-hole championship golf course
• Spa and wellness center
• Swimming pool
• Tennis courts
• Fitness center
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Jacuzzi
• Children’s club
• Fine dining restaurant
• Casual dining restaurant
• Bar
• Library
• Business center
• Meeting rooms
• Event space

Atlantis Paradise Island summer sale with 25% off

You can save 25% + receive a $25 Daily Resort Credit with the latest Atlantis Bahamas offer. The offer is valid at The Coral, The Royal and The Reef with a minimum 4-night stay.

You can travel from May 15, 2023 to September 30, 2023, but must book by June 8, 2023.

You can find the sale page here. 

You can read my review of the Cove at Atlantis Bahamas here (it features an adults-only pool). Although this particular resort is not included, it gives you an idea of the overall facilities and feel of Atlantis Paradise Island.

Birmingham becomes latest UK airport to scrap 100ml rules

Birmingham Airport has revealed plans to scrap the 100ml liquids rule in line with government requirements to do so by June 2024 through a £20m security screening upgrade.

The move will allow passengers to bring up to two litres of liquids in their carry-on luggage and also end the need to remove electronics when going through security.

Birmingham Airport is the latest UK airport to announce plans to scrap the 100ml liquids rule. London City Airport became the first major UK airport to end the restriction in April, with others including Stansted and Gatwick currently trialling new equipment and screening processes.

The government requires UK airports to replace current X-ray machines with 3D image scanner technology and increase the number of body scanners in operation by June 2024.

The new security screening technology will allow airport security staff to more easily identify potential threats, while the new body scanners will provide a more comfortable and privacy-friendly experience for passengers.

As part of its security revamp, Birmingham Airport will also implement an iLane automatic tray return system. The iLane system uses robotic arms to collect and return trays, which will help to speed up the security screening process.

Stephen Barker, Birmingham Airport’s development and construction director, said: “Once built and operational in June 2024, our new pre-flight screening area will further enhance our already high standards of security as well as improve the efficiency of our operation. This improved efficiency will enable us to process customers quickly, especially at peak travel times.”

The new security screening upgrade is part of a £500m investment program at Birmingham Airport, which is also due to include a new terminal building and a new runway.

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Finnair introduces negative changes to baggage, seats and upgrades

Baggage and Super Light fares

Finnair is introducing a new Superlight ticket for journeys within Europe and making changes to its baggage allowances as of 1 June. The move, which follows low-cost airline models for hand baggage, is being blamed on excess amounts of carry-on baggage, causing delays in boarding and punctuality of flights. Finnair has been hit particularly hard by Russian airspace closure as previously, its core business was fast connections to Asia. 

As of 1 June, the Superlight ticket type will replace Economy Light tickets on Finnair journeys within Europe. It includes a small bag (40 x 30 x 15cm) , which goes under the seat, but no other carry-baggage. It gets worse as any purchases made at the airport are counted in the allowance, so they must also fit into the underseat bag. The only good news is if you have status with Finnair as Plus tier members (silver and above) travelling with a Superlight ticket will have one carry-on bag in addition to the underseat bag as a tier benefit.  Otherwise, you can purchase a bigger carry-on bag (55x40x23cm) as a travel extra.

“Punctuality is very important for our customers, and the target of the changes we are now making is to ensure smooth boarding, on-time departures, and comfortable travel for everyone. Excess carry-on baggage on board is a known issue, impacting both punctuality as well as travel comfort,” says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer, Finnair. “We are also enhancing monitoring of carry-on baggage at airports, and excess carry-on baggage will be moved to the cargo hold at cost.” 

Light tickets, which include a regular carry-on bag as well as a small underseat bag, will continue to be available only for long-haul journeys and for Business Class on European flights. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a Classic ticket on short haul if you want both checked and carry-on baggage.  Obviously it will depend on the pricing for the Super Light fares, if these are cheaper than the Light fares, it would not be so bad but if they are the same then it is definitely a change for the worst. 

As of June 1, Finnair will also decrease the baggage allowance for Business Class for both European and long-haul flights. The Business Light ticket includes one small bag (40x30x15cm) and one carry-on bag (55x40x23cm), while Business Classic and Flex tickets include one checked bag at a maximum of 23kg in addition to the carry-on allowance.  At present, this is a minimum of two pieces and three pieces to Japan on Classic tickets. In addition, all special baggage allowances, such as golf bags and ski equipment, will be excluded from the new ticket classifications and will only be available for an additional charge. 

There will be some adjustments to the baggage-related Finnair Plus tier benefits. Sports equipment is no longer available as a tier benefit for Finnair Plus Gold members, and heavy and oversized bags are not included in Platinum and Platinum Lumo members’ tier benefits. Finnair Plus Silver members no longer have an extra checked bag as a tier benefit, but it will be available for purchase with a 50% discount.   

However, if you have BA or oneworld status you should be OK as you are allowed an extra bag. 

Seat reservations charges

Finnair will also start charging for seat selection for Superlight, Light or Classic tickets, which will require you to purchase a seat if you want a particular seat, even at online check-in. This means complimentary seat selection is not available during check-in with these ticket types when the ticket is purchased on 1 June 2023 or later. 

If you buy your ticket by 31 May 2023, you will travel with your original ticket type and the services included in it.  So if you have been considering buying something on Finnair, make sure you do it by the end of May!

Oneworld status benefits

Loyalty Lobby clarified these as the benefits of oneworld status on Finnair:

Oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald members can also take one complimentary carry-on bag on flights when travelling with Economy Superlight ticket.

Total allowance when travelling with Economy Superlight:

oneworld Ruby: small bag, carry-on bag
oneworld Sapphire: small bag, carry-on bag, checked bag 23 kg
oneworld Emerald: small bag, carry-on bag, checked bag 23 kg

 

Points pricing and surcharge

Even if you don’t collect Finnair points, you can still transfer Amex Membership Reward Points into Finnair Plus points making an easy way to upgrade. However, if you were planning to do this, again, you need to do it soon. The new pricing applies to new upgrades and points bookings made made on or after 15 June 2023. There will be an increase on straight points redemptions at the same time. These will also have an additional surcharge from €10 within Finland to €120 to Asia in business class. 

Obviously, if you collect Avios, you could purchase Finnair tickets through ba.com on Avios. Whether the taxes and charges on these will also rise remains to be seen. 

As an example of the new rates for upgrades, they will cost (one way):

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European Strikes update

Strikes in France are ongoing over the proposed rise in retirement age. The next major strike is scheduled for 6 June when there is due to be a national strike which is likely to affect all forms of public transport in France as well as overflights due to the air traffic controllers being on strike. Usually, a small proportion of flights to France are cancelled in plenty of time. Those flying elsewhere in Europe are likely to find delays and possibly even the odd cancellation due to knock-on delays. 

In Spain, the Spanish pilots union have voted for strikes which will affect Iberia, Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Norwegian,  Air Nostrum, Air Europa, Eurowings and Vueling. Strikes have been announced at all Spanish airports on  22, 23, 25, 26, 29 and 30 May, and 1 and 2 June. Spain has a law that requires pilots to crew 90% of flights even when taking industrial action, which is ironically what they are striking about. The pilots union is also trying to persuade air traffic controllers and cabin crew to join the strikes, which would have a more substantial impact. 

A nationwide general strike is due to take place on 26 May in Italy. It will definitely affect buses, tram and metro lines, but it is not certain if trains will be disrupted. There will be a minimum level of service as this is required by law, but it does mean public transport will be crowded. 

Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa

The first Grand Hyatt hotel to open in Spain, the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa has now opened near Murcia in southeast Spain. The property has undergone extensive refurbishment and now has 192 Mediterranean-inspired Guestrooms including seven signature suites, and spa-inspired marble bathrooms.

One of the key elements of the hotel transformation is the new 18,298-square-foot (1,700-square-meter) world-class wellness centre. The Arabian-inspired Alma’ Spa – with ‘alma’ meaning water in Arabic and soul in Spanish has water as a key influence throughout the spa. Treatments and beauty therapies use high-end Natura Bissé skincare products in six treatment rooms, and the spa features a hydrotherapy pool and multi-sensory circuit.

Other hotel facilities also include an adult-only infinity pool with views across the golf course towards the coast, plus an outdoor family pool and fitness center. The Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa is also home to three of the best 18-hole golf courses in Europe and has a Golf Academy and Practice Center. 

As well as golf, there is a newly refurbished Racquets Center with 28 tennis and seven flood-lit paddle courts, cricket facilities including two artificial pitches, five artificial net lanes and a fielding practice area. The professional La Manga Club Football Center also features eight natural grass FIFA-sized pitches and a 750-capacity stadium that make it the ideal official training ground for FC Cartagena.

The hotel has 11 different dining options, from an Italian trattoria to a Japanese izakaya sushi bar, and the beautiful beachfront setting of La Cala restaurant.

If you fancy a stay, don’t forget if you book through a Hyatt Privé agent such as GTC you get extra privileges:

• Early check-in priority, based on availability
• Room upgrade priority on availability (excludes non-suites to suites)
• Daily full breakfast credit for two
• Connecting room priority, based on availability
• Welcome amenity – $50 – $100 property credit 
• Late check-out priority, subject to availability

You can see the hotel website here. 

New Etihad route

Etihad Airways has announced a new route to Osaka in Japan, flying five times per week beginning 1 October 2023. 

Known as the ‘Kitchen of Japan’, Osaka boasts a world-class culinary scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants and eclectic eateries offering delicacies such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and sushi.

In the city itself, you can visit Osaka Castle to experience the samurai-era, visit the vibrant Dontonbori district, with its neon-lit streets and countless entertainment options, or indulge in retail therapy in one of the many shopping districts dotted across the city. Osaka is also well connected from the airport by train and is a good airport to fly into to visit Kyoto, which I think no visit to Japan would be complete without. It is also relatively close to Hiroshima, which makes a fascinating but sobering place to visit. 

Etihad will be flying its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the new route which features its Busines Class Studio seats. 

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Accor Offers 25% Off Flexible Rate 

Accor is launching a brand-new offer this summer with a 25% discount on all flexible rate bookings of a minimum of three nights at more than 1500 participating hotels across Europe and North Africa.

The offer will be valid for two weeks, for bookings made between 16th May – 1st June 2023, for stays between 8th July to 3rd September 2023. Members of Accor’s global loyalty scheme ALL: Accor Live Limitless will have exclusive access to the first day of the sale on 16 May. Members’ rates will also give an extra 10% off for members only.

For more information and to book, click here.

1000 Avios bonus or 500 points with Accor

You can get a special bonus by simply linking your Qatar Airways Privilege Club and ALL – Accor Live Limitless accounts and making a purchase.  You could then transfer the Avios over to your BA account instantly if you wanted. 

There are then two different bonuses once the accounts are linked. Book a stay at any participating ALL Accor hotels and resorts before 10 June for stays until 31 August and earn 500 bonus Reward points from ALL.

To get the Avios bonus, you need to book a flight with Qatar Airways before 10 June for flights until 31 August to earn 1,000 Avios from Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

If you collect Avios and stay at Accor it is a no-brainer to link your accounts, as you will earn 1 Avios per £1 spent at Accor on top of your usual Accor points. If you collect Avios in BA, it is probably not worth using your Qatar account for flights just to get a few extra Accor points on Qatar flights if you need tier points. If you mainly use Privilege Club, then it’s worth it for the 1 Accor hotel point per $2 spent on Qatar Airways. 

You can find the offer page here.

Marriott extend massive 40,000 point bonus on Homes and Villas

Marriott’s biggest promotion of the year has been extended! Marriott Bonvoy Members who book a private home rental between May 15 – May 19, 2023 will earn 40,000 bonus points for 4+ night stays until 9 September 2023. This will be the last chance for this promotion. The catch is that there is a minimum spend of $1500. 

When:

• Booking Window: May 15, 2023 (12:01 AM EDT) – May 19, 2023 (11:59 PM EDT)
• Stay Window: May 15, 2023 – September 9, 2023

How:

Marriott Bonvoy members can sign into their account on homes-and-villas.marriott.com and book a home between May 15 – 19, 2023 for 4+ nights during the stay window from May 15 – September 9. Once their stay is complete, they will earn their base points, plus a 40,000 points bonus per eligible paid stay.

Provided that the correct Marriott Bonvoy membership account number is added as part of the booking process, Points will automatically appear in the member’s account 21-42 days following the completion of their stay. The minimum spend for the stay is $1,500 USD (or foreign exchange equivalent).

You can find the offer page here. 

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British Airways to finally revamp IT

British Airways have had a few IT meltdowns but as well as that; there are so many things that don’t work day to day on the app and website, it has become a running joke. It took about a year for me to actually be able to go into my app and see my bookings without being told I did not have any and having to refresh it multiple times. Currently, there is an issue with their reward flights finder that is not showing correct return availability, and OnBusiness has not been working for a considerable amount of time either online.

Finally, it looks like good news may be on the horizon. Cabin crew blog, Paddle Your Own Kanoo is reporting that British Airways have secured funding to fix the IT issues from parent company IAG. To be fair to be BA, a lot of the issue is that they have is caused by legacy systems and their interaction with newer systems. However, outsourcing the IT that they did a number of years ago probably didn’t help either.

Apparently, a team of 200 people are working on fixing the current issues and the plan is to offer a “seamless and personalised experience”. I just hope they take a look at the latest version of Manage My Booking, which while it looks nice, has lost a lot of functionality that was there previously and makes it impossible to find some simple functions. The newly revamped website is due to be launched later this year.

There is one alarming piece of news, however, in the story, which is not clear what it refers to. The article mentions “dynamic live pricing” but does not say whether this is referring to cash or Avios. Since I would regard the cash pricing as dynamic already, I wonder if this is referring to Avios.  Previous CEO Alex Cruz had already announced that the airline would like to introduce dynamic Avios pricing, which for many people would mean bad news with higher prices on more popular dates rather than a fixed pricing system like they have now. The main barrier to this was the IT system, so it sounds like the revamp may come with a sting in the tail. 

Qatar Airways Louis Vuitton lounge and Dior spa

I noticed a comment on a forum the other day about a Louis Vuitton lounge in the new Qatar Garden business class lounge at Doha that I wrote about here. On further digging, the lounge staff have been telling customers that there is due to be a Louis Vuitton branded cafe/lounge within the Qatar that can be accessed from the lounge and leads into the store itself and vice versa. This is not open yet, but there is now a sign-up for the Louis Vuitton lounge. 

There is also expected to be a Dior-branded spa which is also not open yet.

I would expect that you would have to pay for both of these experiences. 

You can now see the a la carte menu for the Qatar Al Mourjan Garden lounge here.

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