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Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/feed/
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"><channel><title>Head for Points</title><atom:link href="https://www.headforpoints.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><link>https://www.headforpoints.com</link><description>Maximise your Avios points and frequent flyer miles</description><lastBuildDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 22:48:35 +0000</lastBuildDate><language>en-GB</language><sy:updatePeriod>hourly </sy:updatePeriod><sy:updateFrequency>1 </sy:updateFrequency><image><url>https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-HFP-insta-logo-blue-80x80.jpg</url><title>Head for Points</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com</link><width>32</width><height>32</height></image><site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">47606869</site> <item><title>JetBlue unveils its first airport lounge, BlueHouse, at New York JFK</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/jetblue-unveils-its-first-airport-lounge/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/jetblue-unveils-its-first-airport-lounge/#respond</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rhys Jones]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 03:11:02 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><category><![CDATA[three]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=862607</guid><description><![CDATA[Late last year, US airline JetBlue said it would (finally) introduce its own airport lounges at its hubs in New York and Boston. Just over a year later – and right on schedule – it is opening its first lounge at New York JFK. As the first lounge in its network JetBlue has had a […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Late last year, US airline JetBlue said it would (finally) introduce its own airport lounges at its hubs in New York and Boston. Just over a year later – and right on schedule – it is opening its first lounge at New York JFK.</p><p>As the first lounge in its network JetBlue has had a blank slate to work with. What it has delivered features a lot of different shades of blue and reminds me of the Amex Centurion Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3.</p><p>It is calling its lounges BlueHouse, which I think is playful and different to most airline lounge names.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3.webp"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3.webp" alt="JetBlue unveils its first airport lounge, BlueHouse, at New York JFK" class="wp-image-862631 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-3-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why is JetBlue introducing its first lounges?</h2><p>The bottom line is that <strong>it has been forced to</strong>, in order to keep up with the ‘premiumisation’ happening at American Airlines, Delta and United.</p><p>JetBlue has always pitched itself as a challenger airline that does things differently, and one of those things was <em>not </em>offering lounges to customers.</p><p><strong>The model started to creak when it launched long haul flights to Europe </strong>and failed to bundle lounge access for passengers flying in its Mint Suite business class cabin.</p><p>Whilst the experience onboard matches – and in some way surpasses – what legacy carriers offer, lounge access is glaringly absent.</p><p>In fact, I can’t think of any other airline that does not provide lounge access to long haul business class passengers. (Some airlines such as Finnair have introduced ‘Business Light’ which doesn’t come with lounge access but it <em>does</em> offer lounge access for all other business class passengers and status holders.)</p><p>I found it particularly annoying on a flight from Boston to London via New York, when I had a 2-hour layover at JFK and was trying to work in a chair by the gate.</p><p>To properly compete, <strong>JetBlue has realised that it needs to offer lounge access to long haul customers and elite members</strong>. It still won’t offer the widespread lounge networks of its competitors but it should keep its home base customers happy.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2.webp"><img decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2-500x333.webp" alt="JetBlue unveils its first airport lounge, BlueHouse, at New York JFK" class="wp-image-862632 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who can access JetBlue’s new lounges?</h2><p>Access will be more limited than many domestic airline lounges in the United States.</p><p>It will be restricted to:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Holders of a new US JetBlue Premier credit card (annual fee $499) including one complimentary guest</li><li>Top-tier TrueBlue Mosaic customers including one complimentary guest</li><li>Transatlantic Mint customers</li></ul><p>This means it should offer an elevated proposition in contrast to the ‘Club’ style lounges offered by American, Delta and United which have lower thresholds to entry. I would expect it to compete with the top level of international US lounges including United Polaris, Delta One and American Flagship lounges.</p><p>Limited access passes will also be sold for cash to other passengers from February 2026.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-1.webp"><img decoding="async" width="500" height="325" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-1-500x325.webp" alt="JetBlue unveils its first airport lounge, BlueHouse, at New York JFK" class="wp-image-862633 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-1-500x325.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-1-400x260.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-1-768x499.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-1-350x227.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JetBlue-BlueHouse-Lounge-JFK-1.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inside JetBlue’s new BlueHouse lounge</h2><p>The New York JFK Lounge is spread across two floors of JetBlue’s Terminal 5 home. At just over 800 square metres it has a capacity of 140.</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“We wanted customers to feel like they’re stepping into a warm and stylish New York City apartment filled with character, where layers of JetBlue history and New York iconography can be discovered with every visit.”</p></blockquote><p>JetBlue will offer some playful touches including a games room stocked with JetBlue-branded cards, chess, checkers and children’s toys. It will also feature a custom photo booth letting you immortalise your lounge visit!</p><p><strong>When it comes to food, don’t expect the world.</strong> It seems as if BlueHouse will largely offer cold sandwiches and wraps when it launches, with a kitchen that can handle hot food potentially coming at a future time.</p><p>JetBlue has partnered with Union Square Events for the catering, which will feature “fresh grab-and-go bites inspired by New York’s food food scene like bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches with New York cheddar in the morning, and pastrami on rye or chicken Caesar wraps later in the day.”</p><p>Draft beers, signature cocktails and artisan wines will be available, as will proper coffee from a barista bar.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2><p>The opening of JetBlue’s first airport lounge will be music to the ears of its loyal customers.</p><p>What is interesting is the level it has pitched this at. It seems to be a hybrid between US-style Club lounges and top-tier Polaris, Delta One and Flagship lounges. Elevated, but without the table service and hot food you’ll find in those places.</p><p><strong>My real concern is whether it will be overcrowded</strong> – is the 140-odd capacity enough for its elite members and transatlantic flyers, particularly given the ever-expanding European route network? In interviews, JetBlue’s president has been promising it is. We’ll have to wait until 18th December to find out.</p><p>The other question, at least from a transatlantic perspective, is <strong>whether JetBlue will now offer lounge access going the other direction, eg from London</strong>. It would be a pretty bizarre state of affairs where you get a lounge flying one-way but not the other, even though it would be a third party one from Europe.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/jetblue-unveils-its-first-airport-lounge/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">862607</post-id> </item><item><title>Important dates for your diary – offers about to close which you shouldn’t miss</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/important-dates-for-your-diary-offers-about-to-close-which-you-shouldnt-miss-188/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/important-dates-for-your-diary-offers-about-to-close-which-you-shouldnt-miss-188/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[HfP team]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 02:31:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=857882</guid><description><![CDATA[The aim of this feature is to summarise flight, hotel and points offers that are ending soon.  Everything listed below has been covered on HfP in recent weeks, but years of experience of running offers for HfP readers has made it very clear that a large proportion like to leave things to the last minute […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The aim of this feature is to <strong>summarise flight, hotel and points offers that are ending soon</strong>. Everything listed below has been covered on HfP in recent weeks, but years of experience of running offers for HfP readers has made it very clear that a large proportion like to leave things to the last minute ….</p><p>It pulls together the different deals mentioned in our daily articles and on our <em><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/avios-promos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top Avios Points Earning Offers</a></em>, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-hotel-points-promotions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Top Hotel Bonus Points Offers</em></a> and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Top UK Credit Card Offers</em></a> pages.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="591" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Calender-istock.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-698879 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Calender-istock.jpg 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Calender-istock-400x263.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Calender-istock-500x328.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Calender-istock-768x504.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Calender-istock-350x230.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Credit and debit card offers</h2><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Barclaycard Avios credit cards:</h3><p><strong>Until 15th January 2026, the sign-up bonus on the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard is increased to 35,000 Avios! </strong> You also get a 12-month subscription to Apple TV (new subscribers only). The spend target is changed to £6,000 in six months. Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/35000-avios-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full article is here</a>. Click <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-cards-joint-home/" data-shortcode="true">here to apply</a>.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">American Express Membership Rewards credit cards:</h3><p><strong>Until 13th January 2026, the sign-up bonus on ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is doubled to 40,000 Membership Rewards points. </strong>This converts into 40,000 Avios. The spend requirement is changed to £5,000 in six months for this offer. Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/12/amex-gold-bonus-40000-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full article is here</a>. Click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to apply</a>.</p><p><strong>Until 13th January 2026, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 75,000 Membership Rewards points. </strong>This converts into 75,000 Avios! <strong>You also get £250 to spend at Amex Travel</strong>. The spend requirement is £6,000 in three months. British Airways American Express holders CAN get the bonus on Platinum. Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/12/75000-points-american-express-platinum-card/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full article is here</a>. Click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to apply</a>.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Marriott Bonvoy debit cards:</h3><p><strong>Until 4th February 2026, the sign-up bonus on the NEW Marriott Bonvoy Premium Debit Card is increased to 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points</strong>. Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/20/new-marriott-bonvoy-debit-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full article is here</a>. Click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/marriott-bonvoy-debit-cards-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to apply</a>.</p><p><strong>Until 4th February 2026, the sign-up bonus on the NEW Marriott Bonvoy Debit Card is increased to 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points</strong>. Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/20/new-marriott-bonvoy-debit-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full article is here</a>. Click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/marriott-bonvoy-debit-cards-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to apply</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card.webp" alt="35000 Avios with Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard" class="wp-image-442138 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hotel promotions and ‘buy points’ offers</h2><p>Here are registration links for the current hotel promotions from the major chains:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Hilton Honors</strong> – earn 2,500 bonus points per stay, cash or reward, until 31st December – <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-31-december-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register here</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>IHG One Rewards</strong> – earn double base points on your second cash stay after registration, and triple base points on all subsequent cash stays, up to a total of 70,000 bonus points, until 31st December – <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-triple-points-31-december/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register here</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>IHG One Rewards</strong> – earn double base points from your second cash stay after registration for stays between 1st January and 31st March 2026 – <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-double-points-31-march-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register here</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Marriott Bonvoy</strong> – earn 2,025 bonus points on up to three cash stays between 28th October 2025 and 10th January 2026 (registration closes on 27th December 2025) – <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/marriott-bonvoy-autumn-promotion-10-january/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register here</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>World of Hyatt</strong> – earn double base points on all stays in Europe, the Middle East and Africa until 20th December – <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hyatt-double-points-1-december/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">registration is now closed, unfortunately</a></li></ul><p>The following<strong> hotel ‘buy points’ offers </strong>are currently running:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>World of Hyatt</strong> – Hyatt is offering a 20% discount when you buy points by 20th December, with the limit increased to 110,000 points. <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hyatt-buy-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to buy</a>.</li></ul><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-500x334.webp" alt="Miles and points offers ending soon" class="wp-image-547355 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-350x234.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp.webp 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dates for your diary</h2><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday 14th December</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/03/avios-announces-devaluation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book Avios redemptions on British Airways before the devaluation</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Monday 15th December</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/09/16/diamond-status-via-hilton-for-business/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">complete 10 nights at Hilton hotels to receive Diamond status under the ‘Hilton for Business’ promotion</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/24/marriott-bonvoy-homes-villas-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earn 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points with a Homes & Villas booking (stay by 31st December)</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday 20th December</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/25/get-a-20-discount-buying-world-of-hyatt-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get a 20% discount buying World of Hyatt points, with annual limit doubled</a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hyatt-buy-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to buy</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/09/04/hyatt-double-points-promotion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get double World of Hyatt points on stays in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (registration closes 6th December)</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/02/use-avios-at-pizza-express/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get a 30%-35% bonus transferring Avios (from a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account) into ALL Accor hotel points</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday 24th December</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/02/amex-dining-cashback/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get 20% cashback at 100+ restaurants with The Platinum Card and American Express Preferred Rewards Gold</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday 27th December</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/15/marriott-bonus-bonus-points-promotion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register for the Marriott Bonvoy autumn bonus points promotion (stay by 10th January)</a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/marriott-bonvoy-autumn-promotion-10-january/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to register</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday 31st December</h3><p>Last day for <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/13/free-marriott-silver-status-for-hsbc-premier-customers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HSBC Premier customers to claim free Silver status in Marriott Bonvoy</a></p><p>Last day for <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/09/17/ihg-one-rewards-autumn-promotion-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stays to count towards the IHG One Rewards triple points promotion</a> – click <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-triple-points-31-december/" data-shortcode="true">here to register</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/03/70-bonus-when-you-buy-virgin-points-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get a 70% bonus when you buy Virgin Points</a> – click <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/virgin-buy-miles/" data-shortcode="true">here to buy</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/09/30/hilton-autumn-bonus-points-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earn 2,500 bonus points on Hilton hotel stays</a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-31-december-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to register</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/10/marriott-bonvoy-american-express-cashback-deal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get £75-£100 cashback on a £200-£500 Marriott spend with American Express</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/01/american-express-and-hilton-hotel-cashback-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get £50 cashback on a £200 Hilton spend with American Express</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/16/75-cashback-ihg-american-express/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get £75 cashback on a £300 IHG spend with American Express</a></p><p>Last day for <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/05/new-air-france-flight-to-gatwick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Priority Pass customers to enter a Clubrooms lounge for the reduced upgrade fee of £10</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday 1st January</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/25/15-bonus-buy-hotels-com-gift-card/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get a 15% bonus on a Hotels.com gift card</a></p><p>FIRST DAY for <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/ihg-one-rewards-double-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stays to count towards the IHG One Rewards ‘double base points’ offer</a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-double-points-31-march-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to register</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Monday 5th January</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/19/bonus-accor-points-at-sofitel-heathrow-and-gatwick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book to earn double or triple ALL Accor points at selection Sofitel and MGallery hotels, including Heathrow and Gatwick (stay by 31st January)</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday 10th January</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/15/marriott-bonus-bonus-points-promotion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stay for the Marriott Bonvoy autumn bonus points promotion (register by 27th December)</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Monday 12th January</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/sandblu-santorini-joins-hilton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get 1,000 bonus ALL Accor points for a 2+ night stay at selected brands (stay by 27th February)</a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-1000-bonus-points-12-january/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to register</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday 13th January</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/12/75000-points-american-express-platinum-card/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get 75,000 Membership Rewards points and a £250 Amex Travel credit when you apply for The Platinum Card from American Express</a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to apply</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/12/amex-gold-bonus-40000-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get 40,000 Membership Rewards points with ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold</a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to apply</a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday 15th January</h3><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/35000-avios-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get 35,000 Avios as a sign-up bonus with the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard</a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-cards-joint-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to apply</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/virgin-hotels-redemption-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book four Virgin Hotels in the US with Virgin Points at a discount (stay dates vary)</a></p><p>Last day to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/19/9000-avios-iupplementary-card-ba-amex/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get 9,000 Avios for adding a free supplementary card to your free British Airways American Express Credit Card</a></p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/important-dates-for-your-diary-offers-about-to-close-which-you-shouldnt-miss-188/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>1</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">857882</post-id> </item><item><title>When do your ALL Accor hotel points expire? How can you stop it?</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/when-do-all-accor-hotel-points-expire/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/when-do-all-accor-hotel-points-expire/#respond</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 02:21:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[ALL Accor]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861219</guid><description><![CDATA[I receive occasional emails from readers asking ‘How can I stop my ALL Accor points from expiring?’ or ‘When do my ALL Accor points expire?’. This series, which we are updating this week, looks at the major hotel loyalty programmes and shows you how to keep valuable points intact. If you need to refer to […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I receive occasional emails from readers asking ‘How can I stop my ALL Accor points from expiring?’ or<strong> ‘When do my ALL Accor points expire?’</strong>.</p><p>This series, which we are updating this week, looks at the major hotel loyalty programmes and shows you how to keep valuable points intact.</p><p>If you need to refer to this article in the future, there is a link to it on <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-hotel-points-promotions/">our ‘Top Hotel Offers’ page</a> in the ALL Accor section. This also includes details of current Accor promotions.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="935" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sofitel-Heathrow-light.webp" alt="When do your ALL Accor hotel points expire?" class="wp-image-404478 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sofitel-Heathrow-light.webp 935w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sofitel-Heathrow-light-400x257.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sofitel-Heathrow-light-500x321.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sofitel-Heathrow-light-768x493.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sofitel-Heathrow-light-350x225.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 935px) 100vw, 935px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">About ALL Accor</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/le-club-accorhotels/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ALL Accor</a> is the hotel loyalty scheme for the Adagio, Fairmont, Ibis, M Gallery, Mercure, Novotel, Raffles, Sofitel, Swissotel and Pullman brands, amongst others.</p><p>Our comprehensive two-part <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/18/review-accor-live-limitless-hotel-loyalty-scheme/" data-type="post" data-id="442099" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HfP guide to ALL Accor is here</a>.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">When do ALL Accor points expire?</h2><p>According to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-faq-points-expiry/">the ALL Accor T&C here</a>, <strong>your points will expire if you do not have any earning ‘activity’ on your account within a 365 day period.</strong></p><p>We will look at the definition of ‘activity’ below. What is important to know is that <strong>you do not necessarily need a hotel stay.</strong></p><p>Accor came under a lot of criticism during the pandemic for its refusal to fully extend points expiry, even when members could not physically make a hotel stay because all hotels were closed. The rules have now changed.</p><p><strong>Any earning ‘activity’ extends the life of your points for an additional 365 days</strong>, based on the day that the activity is credited to your ALL Accor account.</p><p>For clarity, <strong>redeeming points does not count as ‘activity’</strong>. This is different to the policy of many other hotel programmes. <strong>There is one exception, however.</strong></p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do you check your last ALL Accor transaction date?</h2><p><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor/" data-shortcode="true">Visit the Accor website here</a> and log in.</p><p>Under your name in the top right, click on ‘Your points statment’. You can then see the date of your last activity.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James-500x333.webp" alt="When do your ALL Accor hotel points expire?" class="wp-image-742975 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sofitel-St-James.webp 1012w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The quickest option – donate 500 points to charity</h2><p>If you read the terms and conditions for points expiry, you will see that <strong>whilst only ‘earn’ activities count, there is one ‘spend’ exception – charitable giving.</strong></p><p>The T&C say you can stop expiry by: </p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>Some examples to extend the validity of your points:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Make a donation to an association : support a cause via our ALL x captain cause platform</li></ul></blockquote><p><strong>Donating just 500 points to any charity featured <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-charity-partners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on this page of the website</a> will stop your points expiring</strong>.</p><p>Whilst this should solve your problems, let’s look at the other options for completeness.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What counts as earning ‘activity’?</h2><p>The obvious earn activity, of course, is booking a hotel stay for cash and having it credit to your ALL Accor account.</p><p>You can also book a meeting or event <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-meeting-planner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via the ALL Meeting Planner scheme – see here</a>. You would earn one point for every €2 spent.</p><p>It is actually more flexible than that.</p><p>Accor lets you earn points when you eat or drink in a participating hotel <strong>even if you are not a guest</strong>.</p><p>Full details <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-earning-at-restaurants-bars/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are on the Accor website here</a>. Popping into your nearest participating property for a drink, snack or meal is all you need to do to keep your points active for another year.</p><p>There are also ways to earn points without going near a hotel:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>do an online shop <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-shopping-portal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via the Collections e-store portal</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>earn points via an ALL Accor partner (see below)</li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who are ALL Accor partners?</h2><p>Here are some of the options for earning Accor points via a partner:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/14/earn-accor-points-with-an-esim/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by buying an eSim from Orange Travel for your next trip</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-finnair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by transferring some Finnair Plus Avios into Accor</a> at a 4.6 : 1 ratio, minimum 2,300</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/qatar-airways-convert-to-accor/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">by transferring some Qatar Airways Avios into Accor</a> at a 3.5 : 1 ratio, minimum 3,500</li></ul><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Raffles-Singapore-500x334.webp" alt="When do your ALL Accor hotel points expire?" class="wp-image-408288 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Raffles-Singapore-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Raffles-Singapore-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Raffles-Singapore-768x513.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Raffles-Singapore-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Raffles-Singapore-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Raffles-Singapore-350x234.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Raffles-Singapore.webp 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-flying-blue-partnership/" data-shortcode="true">by transferring some Flying Blue miles into Accor</a> at a 4 : 1 ratio, minimum 4,000</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>by <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-club-eurostar/" data-shortcode="true">transferring some Club Eurostar points into Accor</a> at a 1 : 2 ratio, minimum 500</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/europcar-accor-site/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by crediting a Europcar car rental to Accor</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-hertz-earning-partnership/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by crediting a Hertz car rental to Accor (USA rentals excluded)</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a title="Priority Pass Accor deal" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/priority-pass-accor-deal/" target="_blank">by buying a Priority Pass airport lounge card</a></li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/05/23/clubopinions-accor-live-limitless/" target="_blank">by joining the free ClubOpinions market research panel (has a sign-up bonus)</a> </li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>by <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-bicester-village/" data-shortcode="true">shopping at Bicester Village</a> (Accor is the most generous travel rewards partner at Bicester)</li></ul><p>Accor also has ‘double dip’ arrangements with, in Europe and the Middle East, Flying Blue (Air France / KLM) and Qatar Airways.</p><p>If you link one of these airlines (you can’t link both) to your ALL Accor account, you will earn Accor points whenever you take a cash flight with Air France / KLM or Qatar Airways.</p><p>IMPORTANT: <strong>Accor uses the date that the points hit your account and NOT the transaction date</strong> to decide whether your activity occured before the expiry date of your points. If your points expire tomorrow, you cannot buy a drink in an Accor hotel tonight to save them because they will not post in time.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">I won’t be doing a stay or any of the things above. What I can do with the points I have before they expire?</h2><p>Given that<strong> you can earn some points, quickly and for free, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-clubopinions/" data-shortcode="true">by joining Club Opinions</a> and completing one market research survey</strong>, <strong>or donate 500 points to charity</strong>, I’m sure you can keep your points alive without going near an Accor hotel. However ….</p><p>In general, <strong>you need to earn 1,000 ALL Accor points to get any value from them</strong>. This will allow you to redeem for a €20 Accor hotel discount voucher.</p><p><strong>Transfers to airline partners generally require a minimum of 4,000 points</strong>. Club Eurostar has a 2,000 point minimum. If you want to transfer to Avios, convert to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/iberia/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Iberia Club</a> (where the rate is 1:1) rather than <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/british-airways/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The British Airways Club</a> (where the rate is 2:1). Iberia also has a lower minimum transfer level of 3,000 points.</p><p>There are some car, leisure and rail redemption options but nothing suitable for a UK resident.</p><p>You could get a discount on an item at the Limitless Experiences e-store but it isn’t exactly a huge selection.</p><p><strong>The bottom line is that, if you have more than 1,000 points, you should convert them into ALL Accor hotel vouchers or airline miles before they expire</strong> if you don’t have time to do some qualifying activity and have it credit in time.</p><p>For everyone else, you need to grab a coffee or a beer in the bar of your nearest Accor hotel and hope the points credit, or donate 500 points.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to be notified of upcoming miles and points expiry dates</h2><p><strong>If you want to track the expiry dates of all of your miles and points, I recommend signing up to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/award-wallet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AwardWallet</a> for free.</strong> It keeps all of your points balances, including non-travel loyalty schemes, in one place and updates them automatically.</p><p>If you pay for the premium version ($50 per year) it also tracks your all expiry dates and emails you when points are about to expire. On the free plan, you can track the expiry date for three loyalty schemes of your choice.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/when-do-all-accor-hotel-points-expire/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861219</post-id> </item><item><title>Click here for the forum and Sunday’s chat thread</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/14/click-here-for-the-forum-and-sundays-chat-thread/</link><dc:creator><![CDATA[HfP team]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 02:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><category><![CDATA[redirect]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=862162</guid><description><![CDATA[The daily chat thread is now part of our forums. Click here to go to the forum home page and then select ‘Click here for today’s chat thread’. Thank you.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The daily chat thread is now part of our forums. Click here to go to the forum home page and then select ‘Click here for today’s chat thread’. Thank you.</p><p></p>]]></content:encoded><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">862162</post-id> </item><item><title>Priority Pass guest visit fee rising to £30 at Capital on Tap – Amex etc to follow?</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/priority-pass-guest-visits-rising-to-30/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/priority-pass-guest-visits-rising-to-30/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 05:11:16 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Capital on Tap Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[one]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=862486</guid><description><![CDATA[Capital on Tap, the small business credit card (Limited Companies only) which offers Avios at a very attractive rate, has announced an increase in Priority Pass guest fees for Pro cardholders. This is, by any measure, a chunky rise. The guest fee will rise from £20 to £30, a 50% increase, on 13th January. I […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Capital on Tap, the small business credit card (Limited Companies only) which offers Avios at a very attractive rate, has announced<strong> an increase in <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/priority-pass/" data-shortcode="true">Priority Pass</a> guest fees for Pro cardholders</strong>.</p><p>This is, by any measure, a chunky rise.</p><p><strong>The guest fee will rise from £20 to £30</strong>, a 50% increase, on 13th January.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="991" height="640" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Priority-Pass-webp.webp" alt="Priority Pass guest fee rising to £30" class="wp-image-560578 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Priority-Pass-webp.webp 991w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Priority-Pass-webp-400x258.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Priority-Pass-webp-500x323.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Priority-Pass-webp-768x496.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Priority-Pass-webp-350x226.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 991px" /></figure></div><p>I spoke to Capital on Tap and it confirmed that this rise came from Visa, which oversees the Priority Pass offer for Capital on Tap Pro customers. It isn’t Capital on Tap trying to rake off some money for itself.</p><p>In the past, when Priority Pass has raised guest fees, it has always been done in a piecemeal fashion over a number of months. We have never seen all of the card and bank partners, plus Priority Pass itself, move on the same day.</p><p><strong>Capital on Tap was actually charging below the market rate for guests</strong>. Whilst CoT charged your card £20, American Express charges you £24. Priority Pass itself also charges cardholders £24 for additional guests.</p><p><strong>There are no signs at the moment of Priority Pass or American Express changing their pricing</strong> for guests you take into airport lounges above your contractual free allowance (if any). I would be very surprised if it does not happen though.</p><p><strong>£30 feels steep to me</strong>, especially given the quality of what is on offer in many Priority Pass lounges. You also have the uncertainty of whether you will gain access at all, unless you pay even more money to reserve a spot for your ‘free’ visit.</p><p>£30 also feels like the sort of price level where you would stop to consider whether you are getting value for money. £20 – the current Capital on Tap guest fee – wouldn’t get you far if you decided to eat or drink in the terminal, but at £30 other options become more compelling.</p><p>Let’s see if there is any news from American Express coming up.</p><p>The rise to £30 does make <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">The Platinum Card from American Expresss</a> look even better value compared to buying a Priority Pass directly from the company.</p><p>Oddly you cannot buy a Priority Pass directly which allows free guest access, whereas The Platinum Card comes with two free Priority Pass cards. <strong>Each allows unlimited free visits with one free guest </strong>each time, so a family of four can get in for free if your partner gets a free supplementary Platinum card on your account.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/priority-pass-guest-visits-rising-to-30/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>33</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">862486</post-id> </item><item><title>Review: The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul hotel – tower views and an in-house Nobu</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/review-ritz-carlton-istanbul-hotel/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/review-ritz-carlton-istanbul-hotel/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sinead Archer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:11:12 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Marriott Bonvoy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Hotel reviews]]></category><category><![CDATA[two]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=835305</guid><description><![CDATA[This is our review of The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul hotel. I’d always wanted to visit Istanbul. The dual continent aspect intrigued me and I’d heard great things about it as a place to explore. When offered the opportunity to review The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul I was delighted to accept. Marriott provided a two-night stay including breakfast and […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>This is our review of The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul hotel</strong>.</p><p>I’d always wanted to visit Istanbul. The dual continent aspect intrigued me and I’d heard great things about it as a place to explore. When offered the opportunity to review The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul I was delighted to accept.</p><p>Marriott provided a two-night stay including breakfast and two dinners. The remaining costs were borne by HfP, including travel.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ritz-carlton-istanbul/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hotel website is here</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-1.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="520" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-1.webp" alt="Review: The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul hotel " class="wp-image-862806 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-1.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-1-400x260.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-1-500x325.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-1-768x499.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-1-350x228.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where is The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul located?</h2><p>The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul is as well-placed as you can get in a city that straddles two continents, and districts that flick between tourist-heavy and quietly local in a flash.</p><p><strong>Situated at the foot of a hillside rising up from the Bosphorus and Dolmabahçe Palace, the hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Istanbul airport</strong> and a 15 minute walk from Taksim Square, ‘the heart of modern Istanbul’. Although in reality it is like many central locations, an uninspiring section of paving flanked by a modern mosque, the Atatürk Cultural Center and a bunch of fast-food joints ….</p><p><strong>In the photo above, the hotel is the tower in the centre. </strong> The Ritz-Carlton overlooks over Beşiktaş football stadium, home to Beşiktaş JK, one of Turkey’s ‘Big Three’ clubs. We didn’t visit on a match day but I’ve heard it’s a fun time to visit, with fireworks set off from the pitch and plenty of excitement.</p><p><strong>The Ritz-Carlton is in a great spot to pick up a sightseeing river cruise, </strong>with several available less than 10-minutes walk away, and the hotel is fairly accessible to some of the major sights. Traffic in Istanbul is notoriously bad, so I recommend you do as we did and walk to sights such as the Grand Bazaar. This took around an hour, stopping to see the Galata Tower and have a coffee along the way.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-2.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-2.webp" alt="Review the ritz-carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862809 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-2.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-2-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-2-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-2-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-2-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Checking-in at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul</h2><p>The entrance is behind the hotel and has a dedicated sweeping driveway with plenty of space for drop-offs and pick ups.</p><p><strong>Security is tight</strong> at all luxury hotels in Istanbul and all vehicles entering the hotel approach are swept for explosives. You are also required to go through body scanners on entry and your bags are taken through airport-style luggage scanners.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="531" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862810 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3-500x332.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3-768x510.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-3-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>Given how imposing the tower is and the impressive frontage, the lobby is a little underwhelming. Check-in feels a little tucked into a corner which I assume must be because so much floor space has been given up to security.</p><p>That said, it’s very clear where to go, beneath a double staircase where there were multiple check-in staff waiting to help when we arrived.</p><p>Check-in itself was swift and the staff were friendly.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">My room at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul</h2><p>I was given a King Park Bosphorus View room, which is a standard size room.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-4.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-4.webp" alt="review ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862811 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-4.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-4-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-4-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-4-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-4-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>The room has fairly neutral (ok, let’s be honest, rather dull) decor, with ‘greige’ walls and black, grey or copper furniture. The one element that gives the room a bit of personality is a backlit set of panels behind the bed, inspired by traditional Turkish Iznik tiles.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-5.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-5.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862812 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-5.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-5-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-5-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-5-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-5-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>I could see the Bosphorus from one corner of the window, but the room also looks out over a university and the hotel pool area below. </p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-6.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-6.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862813 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-6.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-6-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-6-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-6-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-6-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>It’s handy if you want to gauge how busy the sun loungers are, although during my stay it was colder than London and Istanbul was experiencing gale force winds.</p><p>The bed and linens were notably comfortable and soft, with not too many silly scatter cushions.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-7.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-7.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862814 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-7.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-7-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-7-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-7-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-7-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>There are well positioned USB sockets on either side of the bed and useful light switches, each with a glowing icon to identify which light it connects to.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-8.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-8.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul" class="wp-image-862816 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-8.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-8-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-8-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-8-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-8-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>The desk set up was good. Decent chair, dedicated lighting, and several sockets, although you’ll need an adapter for a UK plug.</p><p>The tea/coffee set up was to be expected with the ubiquitous Nespresso machine and six pods, plus some teas and bottled water.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-9.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-9.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862817 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-9.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-9-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-9-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-9-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-9-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>The wardrobe is spacious with lots of hanging space, although for anyone staying longer than a few nights, there isn’t anywhere to unpack socks, pants and non-hanging items.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bathroom</h3><p>The bathroom very much leans into the Turkish Bath style, with an expanse of white marble and neat lines of Iznik tiles.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-91.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-91.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul" class="wp-image-862818 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-91.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-91-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-91-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-91-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-91-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>In any other city I think it would look dated, but because of Istanbul’s long association with hammams, the bathroom did seem fitting and is spacious. I thought the dresser style frontage to the vanity area added character and warmth.</p><p>There’s a bath on one side and separate shower and enclosed toilet room on the other with a large basin in between. Plenty of surface area for washbags and additional shelves for toiletries meant there was more than enough space to share with a partner or friend.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-Carlton-istanbul-diptyque.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-Carlton-istanbul-diptyque.webp" alt="Review: The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-861458 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-Carlton-istanbul-diptyque.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-Carlton-istanbul-diptyque-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-Carlton-istanbul-diptyque-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-Carlton-istanbul-diptyque-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ritz-Carlton-istanbul-diptyque-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>The bathroom was stocked with some full size Diptyque toiletries, which are clearly popular as they came with a polite warning not to steal them.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Food and drink at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul</h2><p>There are four restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul; Nobu Istanbul, The Roof – a poolside restaurant, Anatolian-cuisine restaurant (and the main breakfast spot) Atölye and an Italian restaurant Limoré.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nobu</h3><p>On the first night, we were lucky enough to be offered a complimentary dinner at Nobu which coincidentally timed with a visit from Nobu’s regional head chef Damien Duviau.</p><p><strong>Nobu is very much the centrepiece of the hotel</strong>, positioned at the front with huge windows overlooking the river and stadium.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-92.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-92.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862820 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-92.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-92-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-92-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-92-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-92-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p><strong>We opted to have a seasonal Omakase tasting menu design by Chef Duviau,</strong> with my husband going for the mainstream option whilst I was offered a vegetarian alternative.</p><p>I appreciate many readers won’t be vegetarian and this won’t be of particular interest, but I personally believe making vegetarian food is a test of a good chef. If you can make something as tasteless as tofu sing, you can do anything.</p><p>Chef Duviau really stepped up to the plate (lol), because<strong> the tasting menu I had was extraordinarily good.</strong> I particular enjoyed that my food was matched as closely to the meat/fish versions so both my husband and I experienced similar flavours.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-93.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="723" height="800" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-93.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862821 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-93.webp 723w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-93-400x443.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-93-500x553.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-93-350x387.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px" /></a></figure></div><p>Here’s the main Omakase menu.</p><p>We had little taco bite to start the meal off (this is the salmon version):</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-94.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="606" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-94.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862822 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-94.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-94-400x303.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-94-500x379.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-94-768x582.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-94-350x265.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>This is the vegetarian sushi selection:</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-95.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="476" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-95.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862824 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-95.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-95-400x238.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-95-500x298.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-95-768x457.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-95-350x208.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>This is how the seabass looked:</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-96.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-96.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862825 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-96.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-96-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-96-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-96-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-96-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>Dessert was a matcha mille-feuille:</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-97.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="796" height="463" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-97.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862827 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-97.webp 796w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-97-400x233.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-97-500x291.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-97-768x447.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-97-350x204.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px" /></a></figure></div><p><strong>Even if you don’t eat at Nobu, I’d encourage anyone staying at the hotel to have a drink at Nobu’s bar. </strong>Like the restaurant, it has huge windows overlooking the Bosphorus, with a low-lit intimate vibe that makes it an enticing spot to linger over a cocktail.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pool area</h3><p>The pool deck looks to be a great place to relax and soak up the rays in sunnier days then we had. The pool is small but impressive with a very cool view towards the city.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-98.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="561" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-98.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862828 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-98.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-98-400x281.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-98-500x351.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-98-768x539.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-98-350x245.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>There’s a restaurant by the pool area called The Roof. It looked pretty buzzy one evening but was very quiet the rest of the time.</p><p>I did pop in one afternoon and whilst it was a pleasant spot, we did wait a very long time for a coffee and tea. Gven there was only one other customer and about five staff it was a little frustrating.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Atölye </h3><p><strong>Breakfast is served in the Atölye restaurant</strong>, again with large windows along the restaurant and huge high ceilings.</p><p>It was a busy hotel but breakfast was run very efficiently, with waiters taking coffee and a la carte orders quickly.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-99.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="547" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-99.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862829 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-99.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-99-400x274.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-99-500x342.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-99-768x525.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-99-410x280.webp 410w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-99-350x239.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>The self-service breakfast items were well laid out, with plenty of space for multiple guests to roam about looking for their breakfast of choice.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-991.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="540" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-991.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862832 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-991.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-991-400x270.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-991-500x338.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-991-768x518.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-991-350x236.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>Hot counters also served cooked-to-order eggs.</p><p>I liked that as well as the standard pastries, fruit, cereals and so on, there was a good selection of Turkish breakfast items and enjoyed trying a few different things.</p><p>We also ate dinner in Atölye on the second night in the hotel. The restaurant describes itself as having “an Anatolian cuisine concept”. The restaurant was very quiet when we arrived as we had quite an early sitting, so we experienced very hands-on and enthusiastic service from the friendly restaurant manager.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-992.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="798" height="547" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-992.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862836 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-992.webp 798w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-992-400x274.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-992-500x343.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-992-768x526.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-992-410x280.webp 410w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-992-350x240.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px" /></a></figure></div><p>To start we ordered a selection of mezzes and some warm hummus, along with a traditional pidé, a flatbread with tomato a various toppings, which the manager describe as ‘Turkish pizza’.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-993.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-993.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862837 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-993.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-993-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-993-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-993-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-993-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>For mains my husband went for a steak. It was beautifully presented but he found it a bit chewy. I personally believe this was more of an error of ordering – we were in an Anatolian restaurant after all.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-994.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-994.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862840 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-994.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-994-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-994-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-994-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-994-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>I chose some manti – small vegetable-stuffed dumplings in a tomato sauce which I really enjoyed, particularly when accompanied by fresh grilled vegetables. The hotel has its own vegetable garden, which may be where some if these came from.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-995.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="789" height="452" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-995.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862847 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-995.webp 789w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-995-400x229.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-995-500x286.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-995-768x440.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-995-350x201.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 789px) 100vw, 789px" /></a></figure></div><p>Dessert was also impressively presented, with my husband trying a fig ice cream inside a fig-shaped white chocolate shell.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-996.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="456" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-996.webp" alt="Review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862849 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-996.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-996-400x228.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-996-500x285.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-996-768x438.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-996-350x200.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>I tried the baklava, but despite usually loving it the flavours in this one were a bit too much.</p><p>I really enjoyed the experience of eating at Atölye, even if some of the food didn’t quite hit the mark. The staff were very kind and food was served quickly.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other eating / drinking spots</h3><p>Behind Atölye is<strong> Bleu Lounge,</strong> a cocktail bar which shows sports on several large TVs and has a pumping DJ. Staff were very accommodating and seemed happy to put on whatever sport was requested.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The spa and gym at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul</h2><p>The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul has one of the best gyms I’ve seen in a hotel, and my thoughts were echoed by a very well-travelled fellow guest who we met during our stay.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-997.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="552" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-997.webp" alt="review the ritz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862850 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-997.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-997-400x276.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-997-500x345.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-997-768x530.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-997-350x242.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>It’s pretty large but laid out not to feel too crowded, with plenty of cardio machines.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-998.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="602" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-998.webp" alt="review the rtiz carlton istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-862852 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-998.webp 800w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-998-400x301.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-998-500x376.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-998-768x578.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ritz-Carlton-Istanbul-998-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></figure></div><p>There are full power racks, plus smaller dumbbells. There is even a reformer pilates rack – a first for me in a hotel gym.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rz-istrz-trci-spa-pool-13254_Wide-Hor.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rz-istrz-trci-spa-pool-13254_Wide-Hor.webp" alt="Review: The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul hotel" class="wp-image-861919 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rz-istrz-trci-spa-pool-13254_Wide-Hor.webp 750w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rz-istrz-trci-spa-pool-13254_Wide-Hor-400x225.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rz-istrz-trci-spa-pool-13254_Wide-Hor-500x281.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rz-istrz-trci-spa-pool-13254_Wide-Hor-350x197.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></figure></div><p>The pool and spa area is very serene and pleasant. Unfortunately I couldn’t take photos in here, so this is the hotel’s own image.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2><p><strong>The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul delivers everything a huge 5* hotel should in a city where you are spoilt for choice</strong>. It was a shame that the weather wasn’t great as the outdoor pool area looked to be a highlight although the true star of the show is, of course, Nobu.</p><p>Nobu is so well-established that I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype, but I was blown away by the food and the fantastic location within the hotel.</p><p>Rooms are very clean and spacious, well laid out to be suitable for business and leisure travellers alike.</p><p>Service was unfailingly good, with friendly and polite staff who made themselves available quickly when needed.</p><p>A night at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul starts at around £225, with my Bosphorus-view room starting at around £250 per night. Redemption nights start at around 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.</p><p>Thank you to the team at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul for their hospitality and to Lauren at Marriott who organised my stay.</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ritz-carlton-istanbul/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more, and book, on the website here</a>.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Get extra benefits via our partner</h3><p>Our hotel booking partner, Emyr Thomas, is a Marriott STARS agent which allows him to access exclusive offers. Any booking for The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul made via him will receive extra benefits:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Personalised welcome amenity</li><li>Complimentary breakfast daily for two</li><li>$100 hotel credit, once per stay</li><li>Early check-in and late check-out, when available</li><li>Complimentary upgrade if available at check-in</li></ul><p><strong>You will pay the same as the Best Flexible Rate on the Marriott website</strong> and you pay at check-out as usual. Emyr does not charge any booking, amendment or cancellation fees.</p><p>It’s a no-brainer if you were booking a flexible rate anyway and makes it worth doing the maths if you were planning to book a cheaper pre-pay rate.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/review-ritz-carlton-istanbul-hotel/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>55</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">835305</post-id> </item><item><title>Bits: Elizabeth Line fares to Heathrow up, drop-off fee hikes, 10% off Uber gift cards</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/tfl-hikes-elizabeth-line-fares-to-heathrow/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/tfl-hikes-elizabeth-line-fares-to-heathrow/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rhys Jones]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 03:11:38 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><category><![CDATA[three]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=862662</guid><description><![CDATA[News in brief: Transport for London raises Elizabeth Line fares to Heathrow Transport for London is planning to raise fares for tube and TfL rail journeys across London as part of a £2.2 billion funding settlement agreement with the Government. Overall, you are looking at an average increase of RPI+1% but the increases vary by […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>News in brief:</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Transport for London raises Elizabeth Line fares to Heathrow</h2><p><strong>Transport for London is planning to raise fares for tube and TfL rail journeys across London</strong> as part of a £2.2 billion funding settlement agreement with the Government.</p><p>Overall, you are looking at an average increase of RPI+1% but the increases vary by zonal journey.</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“The Mayor intends to ensure that no single pay as you go Tube fare will increase by more than 20p, with many rising by just 10p.”</p></blockquote><p>That means that a Piccadilly Line fare from Zone 1 to Heathrow will rise from £5.80 to £5.90 – an increase of less than 2%.</p><p><strong>It’s a different story for the Elizabeth Line, however.</strong> There is already, in effect, a Heathrow surcharge added to any fares beginning or ending at Heathrow with peak pricing charged all day.</p><p><strong>For single journeys, TfL now wants to increase the fare between Heathrow and Zone 1 from £13.90 to £15.50 </strong>– an increase of 12%.</p><p>This is for single journeys only.<strong> If you are a regular tube-goer then the weekly travel cap would automatically kick in</strong> assuming you crossed the threshold.</p><p>There is also a daily ‘pay as you go’ cap of £16.30 which means that any additional trips on the same day would cost very little, as the caps are not being changed until 2027:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“This would mean that those who regularly travel using pay as you go would hit the caps sooner and therefore not see the cost of their travel increase significantly throughout the year.”</p></blockquote><p>The Mayor of London says that £15.50 “would still be much cheaper than the Heathrow Express” which is not entirely true.</p><p>Whilst tapping into the Heathow Express using an Oyster Card or contactless payment would cost you £25 one-way, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/09/19/10-heathrow-express-tickets-made-permanent/" data-type="post" data-id="688608" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heathrow Express has now started selling £10 advance tickets</a>. This significantly reduces the cost and in many cases makes it cheaper than the Elizabeth Line, even when you factor in a connecting tube journey.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Elizabeth-Line-logo.webp" alt="Elizabeth Line fares to Heathrow increased" class="wp-image-835393 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Elizabeth-Line-logo.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Elizabeth-Line-logo-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Elizabeth-Line-logo-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Elizabeth-Line-logo-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Elizabeth-Line-logo-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Elizabeth-Line-logo-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Elizabeth-Line-logo-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Heathrow and Gatwick fight for the highest drop-off fee</h2><p>Taking the car to Heathrow instead of the Elizabeth Line? There is bad news for you too. Heathrow is increasing its drop-off charge.</p><p>This was initially launched in late 2021 with a £1 ‘Forecourt Access Fee’ for all vehicles (‘Blue Badge’ and emergency vehicles being the exception.)</p><p>It has already increased to £6 and <strong>from January 2026 Heathrow will charge £7 – a 17% increase</strong>.</p><p>It will also introduce a 10-minute time limit for drop-offs, with anyone breaching the limit having to pay an £80 fine.</p><p><strong>Gatwick won’t be outdone, however</strong>. Worried that Heathrow was catching up with its own £7 fee, Gatwick has moved quickly to announce that <strong>it will charge a £10 drop-off fee from 6th January.</strong> You are restricted to 10 minutes.</p><p>Take that, Heathrow!</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/06/london-city-airport-to-introduce-a-drop-off-charge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">London City also wants to introduce a drop-off charge by the end of the year</a>, although it has not said how much it will charge.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app-500x333.webp" alt="Save 10% on uber gift cards" class="wp-image-762798 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-Uber-app.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Save 10% on Uber gift cards</h2><p>If you’re now thinking that Uber will be the cheapest way of getting to Heathrow, it is worth flagging that <strong>Amazon is offering 10% off Uber gift cards at the moment</strong>.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3XQSdrQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to see what is available</a>. Some other branded gift cards are also reduced.</p><p>The discounted Uber gift cards are not clearly marked, but any card selling for ‘£13.50+’ is actually a £15 gift card with the 10% saving applied.</p><p>Digital or physical gift cards are available. A digital one will arrive by email within a few minutes.</p><p>Thanks to Stuart for flagging.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/tfl-hikes-elizabeth-line-fares-to-heathrow/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>90</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">862662</post-id> </item><item><title>Click here for the forum and Saturday’s chat thread</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/click-here-for-the-forum-and-fridays-chat-thread-2/</link><dc:creator><![CDATA[HfP team]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 02:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><category><![CDATA[redirect]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=862159</guid><description><![CDATA[The daily chat thread is now part of our forums. Click here to go to the forum home page and then select ‘Click here for today’s chat thread’. Thank you.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The daily chat thread is now part of our forums. Click here to go to the forum home page and then select ‘Click here for today’s chat thread’. Thank you.</p><p></p>]]></content:encoded><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">862159</post-id> </item><item><title>What you missed on Head for Points last week</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/what-you-missed-on-head-for-points-last-week-275/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/what-you-missed-on-head-for-points-last-week-275/#respond</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 02:05:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><category><![CDATA[Weekly Summary]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=862839</guid><description><![CDATA[Welcome to the Head for Points weekly newsletter, full of the latest Avios, travel loyalty and travel credit card news, hints and tips. If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up to this free Saturday newsletter by filling in the form here. Please forward it to any friends or family who you think may want to join our 50,000 subscribers and improve how they travel. The newsletter also runs on the Head for Points website every Saturday.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the <em>Head for Points</em> weekly newsletter, full of the latest Avios, travel loyalty and travel credit card news, hints and tips.</p><p>If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up to this free Saturday newsletter <a href="https://eepurl.com/g93c1z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by filling in the form here</a>. <strong>Please forward it to any friends or family</strong> who you think may want to join our 50,000 subscribers and improve how they travel. The newsletter also runs on the <em>Head for Points</em> website every Saturday.</p><p>(We also offer daily emails. You would receive each article in full on the day of release, so you won’t miss any short-notice deals or offers. If you want to switch, create a fresh subscription to the daily emails <a href="https://eepurl.com/gx74EP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via this form</a>. You will then need to unsubscribe from the weekly email by clicking the ‘Unsubscribe’ link at the bottom of this newsletter.)</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-442138 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">RARE OFFER: Get 35,000 Avios with the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard!</h2><p>This week, Barclaycard launched <strong>the first special offer on the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard for over two years</strong>. It is a fantastic deal.</p><p>Until 15th January, <strong>you will receive 35,000 Avios</strong> when you apply for the ‘£20 per month, cancel whenever’ <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard</a> credit card.</p><p>You need to spend £6,000 in six months to trigger the bonus.</p><p>As an extra bonus, <strong>you will also get a free year of Apple TV</strong> if you are a new subscriber or cancelled a subscription at least 60 days ago.</p><p>This is an excellent card and – as a Mastercard – it is ideal for use when you can’t use an American Express. You earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent.</p><p>Even better, spend £10,000 in a card year and <strong>you receive an Avios upgrade voucher</strong>. Alternatively, you can swap the voucher for 7,000 bonus Avios.</p><p>Our full <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/35000-avios-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">article on the deal is here</a>.</p><p>You <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-cards-joint-home/" data-shortcode="true">can apply here</a>.</p><p><strong>The representative APR is 80.1% APR variable, including the annual fee. The representative APR on purchases is 29.9% variable.</strong></p><p>Note that there is no special deal on the free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard. The sign-up offer remains at 5,000 Avios, so it makes far more sense to apply for Plus with the 35,000 Avios bonus.</p><p>In other news ….</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-medium"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1.webp"><img style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="267" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-400x267.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-861910 aligncenter" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">This week’s top travel news stories:</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/what-should-british-airways-cut-next/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>What should British Airways cut next? It is asking its members for ideas!</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/air-france-to-open-heathrow-terminal-4-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air France is opening its own lounge at Heathrow next year</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/06/ba-cityflyer-launches-three-routes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>British Airways Cityflyer launches three summer sun routes, including one from Glasgow</strong></a></p><p>SPECIAL FEATURE: <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/how-to-book-spare-middle-comfort-seats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>How to book empty middle ‘comfort seats’ on easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and Jet2</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/american-express-hyatt-cashback-extended/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Alaska Airlines gets the Heathrow slots it needs to launch flights to Seattle</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/virgin-hotels-redemption-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hilton adds two interesting Small Luxury Hotels options in the UK</strong></a> including a Lake District resort</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/american-express-hyatt-cashback-extended/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IHG is opening London’s first budget Garner hotel</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/new-qatar-airways-diptyque-amenity-kits-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Qatar Airways unveils smart new Diptyque amenity kits</strong></a>, image above</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/new-qatar-airways-diptyque-amenity-kits-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is renaming its terminals to make them easier to navigate</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/marriott-gains-two-hotels-in-birmingham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marriott adds two new hotels in Birmingham</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/british-airways-first-class-adds-english-cuvee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IHG is opening a Crowne Plaza hotel near Disneyland Paris</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/british-airways-first-class-adds-english-cuvee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Plaza Premium brings its luxury ‘Plaza First’ airport lounge concept to Rome</strong></a>, promising live DJs!</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/hilton-explora-journeys-partnership/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>You can soon use Hilton Honors points for cruises as it partners with Explora Journeys</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/sandblu-santorini-joins-hilton/"><strong>Hilton opens a new resort in Santorini</strong></a>, image below</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-500x333.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-860101 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-768x511.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top travel deals this week:</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/sandblu-santorini-joins-hilton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Get 1,000 bonus ALL Accor points on European stays</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/sandblu-santorini-joins-hilton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>…. and get a €20 bonus when buying Accor gift cards</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/save-15-on-reward-nights-at-new-ihg-hotels-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Save 15% on rewards nights at new IHG hotels</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/american-express-platinum-dining-credit-ivy-gift-card/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Use your American Express Platinum dining credit for an Ivy gift card – and get a free bottle of cuvée</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/virgin-hotels-redemption-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Virgin Red launches a good Virgin Hotels redemption sale</strong></a></p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-500x331.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-862281 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517.webp 680w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our latest reviews:</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/review-turkish-airlines-lounge-edinburgh-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Why has Turkish Airlines opened a new (ex Plaza Premium) lounge in Edinburgh?</strong></a> Rob heads up to take a look. Image above.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hotel news:</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/ihg-one-rewards-double-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Register now: IHG launches its spring bonus points offer</strong></a> – click <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-double-points-31-march-2/" data-shortcode="true">here to register</a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/american-express-hyatt-cashback-extended/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>American Express and Hyatt extend their current £100 cashback offer</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/air-france-to-open-heathrow-terminal-4-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New ALL Accor tickets available for points for events at Wembley Arena</strong></a></p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">British Airways and Avios news:</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/british-airways-first-class-adds-english-cuvee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>British Airways First Class adds an English cuvée on board</strong></a></p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Credit card news:</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/difference-between-personal-business-american-express-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>American Express Business Platinum vs personal Platinum – what’s the difference?</strong></a> (apart from the fact that Platinum has a 75,000 points bonus at the moment!)</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/06/amex-gold-bonus-40000-points-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Still running: American Express Preferred Rewards Gold bonus doubled to 40,000 points (= 40,000 Avios) and first year free</strong></a> – click <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" data-shortcode="true">here to apply</a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/questions-about-barclaycard-avios-credit-cards-answered/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>20 questions about the Barclaycard Avios credit cards answered</strong></a></p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">That’s all, folks</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/30/important-dates-for-your-diary-offers-about-to-close-which-you-shouldnt-miss-187/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Our latest round-up of miles and points offers closing soon is here</strong></a> and will be updated on headforpoints.com on Sunday morning.</p><p>If you are booking a hotel this weekend, <strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-hotel-points-promotions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here to read our summary of the best bonus points offers for December from the big chains</a></strong>.</p><p>Don’t forget to<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/forums/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>visit our forum if you have any questions</strong> relating to frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programmes or loyalty credit cards</a>.</p><p>See you next Saturday,</p><p>Rob, Rhys, Sinead and Katie @ Head for Points</p><p>PS. If you’ve got a friend interested in miles and points, why not do them (and us, of course) a favour and forward this email to them? Thank you.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/13/what-you-missed-on-head-for-points-last-week-275/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">862839</post-id> </item><item><title>35,000 AVIOS BONUS: 20 questions about the Barclaycard Avios credit cards, answered</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/questions-about-barclaycard-avios-credit-cards-answered/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/questions-about-barclaycard-avios-credit-cards-answered/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Barclaycard Avios Mastercard]]></category><category><![CDATA[one]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861690</guid><description><![CDATA[On Monday, Barclays launched a sign-up bonus of 35,000 Avios on the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard credit card. This is the first special sign-up bonus we have seen on this card for a long time, and runs until 15th January 2026. Our full article on the 35,000 Avios bonus is here. You can apply here. […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On Monday, <strong>Barclays launched a sign-up bonus of 35,000 Avios on the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard credit card.</strong></p><p>This is the first special sign-up bonus we have seen on this card for a long time, and runs until 15th January 2026.</p><p>Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/35000-avios-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full article on the 35,000 Avios bonus is here</a>.</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-cards-joint-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apply here</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-Mastercard-light.webp" alt="questions about the Barclaycard Avios credit cards, answered" class="wp-image-388703 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-Mastercard-light.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-Mastercard-light-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-Mastercard-light-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-Mastercard-light-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-Mastercard-light-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-Mastercard-light-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-Mastercard-light-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><p><strong>Both of the Barclaycard Avios Mastercards are very, very good products</strong> with everything you could ask for, and are (in my view) the most attractive Visa or Mastercard credit cards in the UK. You get:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>a great sign-up bonus which the majority of HfP readers will qualify for</li><li>until 15th January 2026, an enhanced bonus on the Plus card of 35,000 Avios (usually 25,000 Avios)</li><li>a very high Avios earning rate</li><li>an annual BA cabin upgrade voucher for hitting a spend target, with an alternative of 7,000 Avios</li></ul><p><strong>Every HfP reader in the UK should seriously consider applying for one of these cards</strong>. </p><p><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" data-shortcode="true">The application form for the paid card (35,000 Avios bonus until 15th January 2026) is here</a> and <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" data-shortcode="true">here for the free card (5,000 Avios bonus – but we recommend getting the Plus card instead, at least short term)</a>.</p><p>To learn more about the cards, read <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/10/review-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard-credit-card-4/" data-type="post" data-id="472393" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard credit card review here</a> and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/review-free-barclaycard-avios-mastercard-credit-card-2/" data-type="post" data-id="472395" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card review here</a>.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here are common questions we are asked about the cards</h2><p>In this article, we’ve put together<strong> answers to 20 common questions which we are asked about the two Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit cards.</strong></p><p>This is an updated version of an article which ran in 2022 when the cards launched. Barclaycard contributed to and approved these answers at that time and we have updated them where necessary to reflect feedback since then.</p><p>Before we jump into the Q&A, let’s summarise the two Barclaycard Avios credit cards again:</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card.webp" alt="questions about the Barclaycard Avios credit cards, answered" class="wp-image-442138 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The paid card: Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard</h2><p><strong>The representative APR is 80.1% APR variable, including the annual fee. The representative APR on purchases is 29.9% variable.</strong></p><p>The benefits are:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>A sign-up bonus for new Barclaycard customers of 35,000 Avios</strong> if you spend £6,000 in six months (special offer to 15th January 2026)</li><li>You earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent</li><li><strong>You earn a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher </strong>if you spend £10,000 in a card year</li><li>Alternatively, you can take 7,000 bonus Avios instead of a cabin upgrade voucher</li><li>You receive discounted access (£20.50) to airport lounges via Dragonpass</li></ul><p>As part of this special deal, <strong>you will also receive a 12 month subscription to Apple TV</strong>. However, this is only valid if you are a new subscriber to Apple TV or cancelled a previous subscription more than 60 days ago.</p><p>There is a £20 per month fee. This is reduced to £15 if you also hold Barclays Avios Rewards via a Barclays Premier current account, with the saving paid via a £5 monthly cashback credit.</p><p>Someone who holds both the Avios Plus card and a Barclays Premier current account with Barclays Avios Rewards will also receive <strong>four free Dragonpass lounge passes each year</strong>, worth £82.</p><p><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" data-shortcode="true">You can apply here.</a></p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card.webp" alt="questions about the Barclaycard Avios credit cards, answered" class="wp-image-442142 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The free card: Barclaycard Avios Mastercard</h2><p><strong>The representative APR is 29.9% variable.</strong></p><p>The benefits are:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>A sign-up bonus for new Barclaycard customers of 5,000 Avios</strong> if you spend £1,000 in three months</li><li>You earn 1 Avios per £1 spent</li><li>No annual fee</li><li>You earn a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher if you spend £20,000 in a card year</li><li>Alternatively, you can take 7,000 bonus Avios instead of a cabin upgrade voucher</li></ul><p><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" data-shortcode="true">You can apply here.</a></p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="344" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-webp-500x344.webp" alt="questions about the Barclaycard Avios credit cards, answered" class="wp-image-442126 aligncenter" style="width:350px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-webp-500x344.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-webp-400x275.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-webp-768x528.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-webp-350x241.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Barclaycard-Avios-webp.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key questions on the Barclaycard Avios credit cards</h2><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Do I need to have a Barclays Premier current account with Barclays Avios Rewards to get these credit cards?”</h3><p><strong>Absolutely not. </strong> These cards are for everyone.</p><p>(Subject to status, UK resident, over 18 etc …. but you get the point.)</p><p>However, if you DO have <a data-type="post" data-id="756775" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/16/earn-avios-barclays-premier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a Barclays Premier current account with the paid-for Barclays Avios Rewards add-on</a>, you will save £5 per month on the fee for the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard.</p><p>There are restrictions if you have held a Barclays credit card in the past. We will come to this.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I get a sign-up bonus on the Barclaycard Avios credit cards if I have a British Airways American Express credit card?”</h3><p><strong>Yes, absolutely.</strong> Having a British Airways American Express credit card makes no difference – you still qualify for a bonus on the Barclaycard Avios cards.</p><p>You get a 5,000 Avios bonus on the free Barclaycard Avios card for spending £1,000 in three months, but most HfP readers should be looking at <strong>the 35,000 Avios bonus on the Barclaycard Avios Plus card</strong>. This requires you to spend £6,000 in six months.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I get a sign-up bonus on the Barclaycard Avios credit cards if I currently have a Barclaycard credit card or the Barclaycard-issued Hilton Honors credit card?”</h3><p><strong>No.</strong> You would need to cancel your existing Barclaycard product and wait six months before you reapply if you want to receive the full bonus.</p><p>Some existing Barclaycard holders (but not Hilton ones, due to the terms of that deal) receive a targetted switching offer via the Barclaycard app. You receive a smaller Avios bonus – usually 5,000 Avios – if you agree to switch via the app. If you want the full bonus, you need to cancel your card outright and wait for six months.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I get the Barclycard Avios Mastercard if I am a supplementary cardholder on someone else’s Barclaycard Avios Mastercard?” / “Can my partner apply for their own card if they are already a supplementary card on my Barclaycard Avios Mastercard?”</h3><p><strong>Yes.</strong></p><p>A supplementary card ‘belongs’ to the original cardholder, not to the person whose name is on it. Someone who is currently a supplementary cardholder can still apply for their own card and receive a sign-up bonus.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I get the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard and the sign-up bonus if I currently have a Barclaycard small business card, such as Barclaycard Select?”</h3><p><strong>Yes.</strong></p><p>Barclaycard does not treat the SME credit cards such as <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclays-select-cashback-business-credit-card/" data-shortcode="true">Select</a> as personal cards. You can therefore apply for a Barclaycard Avios card and you will receive the sign-up bonus if accepted.</p><p>Note that Barclaycard does not allow the Avios cards to be used for B2B spend, so your company spending would need to remain on your Select credit card.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“What are the churning rules on these cards if you currently or recently had a Barclaycard?”</h3><p>The rules are different based on what card you previously had.</p><p>As mentioned above, if you have a non-Avios Barclaycard, including the old Hilton credit card, you qualify for the <em>full</em> Avios sign-up bonus if you cancel your existing Barclaycard and <strong>wait six months</strong>.</p><p>If you have a non-Avios Barclaycard and want to swap NOW, you may be offered a swap deal via the Barclaycard app which offers a far smaller bonus. You would be giving up your existing Barclaycard to do this – you cannot have two cards. <strong>This deal is not available to holders of the old Hilton card – your only option is to cancel and wait six months.</strong></p><p>If you have a Barclaycard Avios credit card, you only qualify for another sign-up bonus if you cancel your existing card and <strong>wait for 24 months.</strong> You can re-apply for the card after six months but you won’t get another bonus.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I get a sign-up bonus on the Barclaycard Avios credit cards if I have a Barclays current account, loan or mortgage – but not a credit card?”</h3><p><strong>Yes</strong>, you’re fine. </p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Is there a minimum commitment period for the Barclaycard Avios Plus card?”</h3><p><strong>No. </strong> The card fee is charged monthly, at £20. You can cancel at any point.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can you upgrade and downgrade between the two cards?”</h3><p>Some people can, some people can’t. If you want to swap between Barclaycard Avios Plus and Barclaycard Avios, it may be possible. Go to the Barclaycard app and, if you can, select ‘Change to a different card’ under your existing Barclaycard in the ‘Cards’ section of the app.</p><p>Not everyone will see this option. If it is not offered to you, your only option is to cancel. After six months you would be able to apply again although you would not receive another bonus without a 24 month gap.</p><p>You can also apply to upgrade via the same route.</p><p><strong>Your ‘spend to date’ towards the cabin upgrade voucher will restart</strong> <strong>from scratch</strong> if you upgrade or downgrade.</p><p>The most likely scenario is that you have the Barclaycard Avios Plus card, trigger your cabin upgrade voucher at £10,000 after a few months and then downgrade (saving £20 per month of card fee) for the rest of your card year.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I apply for both Barclaycard Avios credit cards?”</h3><p><strong>No.</strong> You can only hold one of the two cards at once.</p><p>However, <strong>it is perfectly OK for both you and your partner to apply for your own individual cards</strong> and to earn a bonus and a cabin upgrade voucher on both cards.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I have free supplementary cards?”</h3><p><strong>Yes.</strong></p><p>However, instead of issuing a supplementary card, you should consider – if you can meet the target spend for the sign-up bonus – applying for a separate card for your partner. This would allow you to earn a 2nd annual cabin upgrade voucher and, of course, <strong>earn a second sign-up bonus</strong>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-500x331.webp" alt="questions about the Barclaycard Avios credit cards, answered" class="wp-image-739549 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I manage my Barclaycard Avios credit card via an app?”</h3><p><strong>Yes.</strong></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I add my card to Apple Pay and Google Pay?”</h3><p><strong>Yes.</strong> Apple Pay has always been supported and (finally) Barclaycard enabled Google Pay in Summer 2025.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Are the cards managed entirely online or can I choose to receive paper statements?”</h3><p>You can choose to receive paper statement or go paperless – it is up to you.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Do the cards charge a foreign exchange fee when used abroad?”</h3><p><strong>Yes.</strong> Barclaycard charges the industry-standard 2.99% fee when your card is used abroad. You may want to use another card with no FX fees when travelling, unless your employer is reimbursing your expenses.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“How does the cabin upgrade voucher work?”</h3><p>They are identical to the vouchers offered by Barclays Premier to Barclays Avios Rewards members.</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/03/how-do-barclaycard-avios-mastercard-upgrade-vouchers-work-4/" data-type="post" data-id="445351" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more about the Barclaycard upgrade vouchers in this article</a>.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Is the cabin upgrade voucher expiry rule the same – 24 months – on both cards?”</h3><p><strong>Yes.</strong> Whilst the spending target is different depending on which Barclaycard Avios card you get (£10,000 on the Plus card vs £20,000 on the free card),<strong> ALL vouchers are valid for two years</strong>.</p><p>The other terms and conditions of the upgrade voucher are also identical irrespective of which card you earn it from.</p><p>This is a key difference between the British Airways American Express Companion Vouchers, which are less attractive if earned on the free BA Amex card (economy flights only, one year validity), and the Barclaycard Avios vouchers.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I earn more than one cabin upgrade voucher per year?”</h3><p>Not on the same Barclaycard Avios credit card, no.</p><p>You CAN earn two cabin upgrade vouchers per year if you are ALSO a member of Barclays Avios Rewards via Barclays Premier current accounts.</p><p>You CAN earn two cabin upgrade vouchers in your household if both you and your partner apply for your own Barclaycard Avios credit cards and both hit the annual spend target.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Does the spend target for the cabin upgrade voucher work on calendar years or card years?”</h3><p><strong>Card years. </strong> You have 12 months from the date that you are accepted for the card to hit the £10,000 or £20,000 target (depending on whether you have the free card or the paid card) to earn a cabin upgrade voucher.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“If I want to take 7,000 bonus Avios instead of the cabin upgrade voucher, how do I do that?”</h3><p>When you have hit the annual spend target to earn a cabin upgrade voucher (£20,000 on the free card, £10,000 on the paid card), you will see a notification in the app.</p><p>You can choose whether to take 7,000 Avios or the cabin upgrade voucher.</p><p>You can also choose whether to trigger the Avios or voucher immediately, or wait until the end of your membership year. This allows you to maximise the amount of time you have to use your cabin upgrade voucher.</p><p>Once a cabin upgrade voucher has been issued, you CANNOT change your mind and take 7,000 Avios instead.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Do you receive bonus Avios for spending at ba.com or with BA Holidays?”</h3><p>No. Whilst the paid-for <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/british-airways-premium-plus-amex/" data-shortcode="true">British Airways American Express Premium Plus</a> card offers double Avios for spending with ba.com and with BA Holidays, there is no such offer for Barclaycard Avios Plus cardholders.</p><p>Neither the free British Airways American Express card or the free Barclaycard Avios card offer bonus Avios for British Airways spend.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Can I hold this card AND a British Airways American Express card?”</h3><p>Subject to the usual credit approvals, yes.</p><p>Whilst I’m sure that Barclaycard would like you to give up your BA Amex entirely, I think – realistically – <strong>most HfP readers will initially apply for a Barclaycard Avios card to use alongside their BA Amex</strong>. Whether you decide to keep both long term, or eventually switch entirely to Barclaycard, will be up to you.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to apply</h2><p>You can <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" data-shortcode="true">apply for the free Barclaycard Avios credit card (5,000 Avios bonus) here.</a></p><p>You can <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" data-shortcode="true">apply for the Barclaycard Avios Plus credit card (35,000 Avios bonus until 15th January 2026) here.</a></p><p><em>Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points. The site discusses products offered by lenders but is not a lender itself. Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as an independent credit broker.</em></p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/questions-about-barclaycard-avios-credit-cards-answered/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>24</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861690</post-id> </item><item><title>Bits: good Virgin Hotels redemption sale, UK gains two new Hilton / SLH options</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/virgin-hotels-redemption-sale/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/virgin-hotels-redemption-sale/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:23:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Hilton Honors]]></category><category><![CDATA[Virgin Atlantic and Flying Club]]></category><category><![CDATA[two]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=862378</guid><description><![CDATA[Two bits of hotel news in brief: Virgin Hotels launches a redemption sale The loyalty side of Virgin Hotels is, with the best will in the world, a bit of a mess. Earning Virgin Points is an easily missed side benefit of registering for its ‘The Know’ free membership scheme, whilst redeeming is only promoted […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Two bits of hotel news in brief:</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virgin Hotels launches a redemption sale</h2><p><strong>The loyalty side of Virgin Hotels is, with the best will in the world, a bit of a mess.</strong> Earning Virgin Points is an easily missed side benefit of registering for its ‘The Know’ free membership scheme, whilst redeeming is only promoted via the Virgin Red app.</p><p>Even more confusing, most Virgin Hotels properties are part of Preferred Hotels and can also be booked with I Prefer points. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, bizarrely, is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and also be booked for Hilton Honors points.</p><p>Anyway ….</p><p>Virgin Red members can currently get a good deal when redeeming Virgin Points for hotel stays at selected properties via a special promotion.</p><p>I should stress that Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch has always been priced bizarrely high for points. I can’t really recommend redeeming here.</p><p><strong>For the other hotels, including New York, this isn’t a bad deal</strong> and you should be able to get close to 1p per Virgin Point.</p><p>Even better, historically Virgin Hotels has always opened up rooms for points as long as entry level Chambers Rooms are bookable for cash.</p><p>Here are your options: </p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Virgin Hotels New Orleans</strong>: from 20,000 points if you book by 15th January 2026 for stays completed by 31st January 2026</li><li><strong>Virgin Hotels Dallas</strong>: from 22,500 points if you book by 15th January 2026 for stays completed between 1st January and 28th February 2026</li><li><strong>Virgin Hotels Nashville</strong>: from 27,500 points if you book by 15th January 2026 for stays completed between 1st January and 28th February 2026</li><li><strong>Virgin Hotels New York</strong>: from 27,500 points if you book by 15th January 2026 for stays completed between 1st January and 28th February 2026</li><li><strong>Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch:</strong> 45,000 points if you book by 31st December 2025 for Thursday to Sunday stays completed by 31st March 2026</li></ul><p>Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/04/11/review-virgin-hotels-new-york-city/" data-type="post" data-id="475355" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review of Virgin Hotels New York is here</a> and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/29/review-virgin-hotels-london-shoreditch/" data-type="post" data-id="851509" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our review of Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch is here</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago.webp" alt="Redeem Virgin Points for rooms at Virgin Hotels" class="wp-image-841541 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago.webp 1024w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virgin-Hotels-Chicago-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hilton gains two interesting UK Small Luxury Hotels of the World</h2><p>Hilton Honors has a deal with Small Luxury Hotels of the World to make the majority of its properties bookable, for cash or points, via hilton.com.</p><p>It is a fairly fluid list. Some SLH hotels give it a whirl but end up pulling out after a while, whilst others which had been holding off finally decide to try it.</p><p><strong>Two well known UK hotels in SLH have become bookable via Hilton recently.</strong></p><p>First up is <strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/slh-linthwaite-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Linthwaite House</a></strong>, which offers a rare opportunity to do a hotel redemption in the Lake District:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“Linthwaite House offers sweeping views over Windermere and access to 14 acres of landscaped grounds. Fell View suites feature private hot tubs, and Henrock, by Simon Rogan MBE serves seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. Relax in the light-filled Bar & Conservatory or explore outdoor sculptures, a boules pitch and a giant chessboard.”</p></blockquote><p>For a random weekend in July 2026, a Superior Room is 95,000 points or (flexible) £481 for cash. At 0.51p per Hilton point, this is well above our target redemption rate of 0.33p.</p><p>You <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/slh-linthwaite-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can book here</a>.</p><p>Second up is <strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/slh-the-feathers-woodstock/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Feathers Hotel</a></strong> in Woodstock:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“The Feathers Hotel offers elegant rooms, seasonal dining at The Nest, and easy access to Blenheim Palace and Oxford. Unwind by the fire, enjoy locally sourced dishes, and end the day with a warm bath or cocktail.”</p></blockquote><p>For a random weekend in July, you are looking at 75,000 points or (flexible) £343 per night. This is 0.46p per Hilton Honors point, so above our target.</p><p>You <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/slh-the-feathers-woodstock/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can book here</a>.</p><p>Elite members of Hilton Honors (Gold and above) will receive free breakfast and space-available upgrades when booking via <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton/">hilton.com</a>. Other elite benefits such as (non-guaranteed) late check-out do not apply on SLH bookings.</p><p>As these are, by definition, small hotels, only a handful of rooms are released each day for reward stays. Don’t hang around if you want to book for peak dates.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/virgin-hotels-redemption-sale/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>22</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">862378</post-id> </item><item><title>Bits: Air France to open Heathrow lounge, new Accor tickets for OVO Arena Wembley</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/air-france-to-open-heathrow-terminal-4-lounge/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/air-france-to-open-heathrow-terminal-4-lounge/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 03:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Air France KLM and Flying Blue]]></category><category><![CDATA[ALL Accor]]></category><category><![CDATA[three]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861568</guid><description><![CDATA[News in brief: Air France to open a Heathrow Terminal 4 lounge After a 17 year hiatus, Air France will have an own-brand lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4. The new lounge will open in “spring 2026” and promote “the French art of hospitality” including “French fine dining and a spacious bar featuring a refined selection […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>News in brief:</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Air France to open a Heathrow Terminal 4 lounge</h2><p>After a 17 year hiatus, <strong>Air France will have an own-brand lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4.</strong></p><p>The new lounge will open in “spring 2026” and promote “the French art of hospitality” including “French fine dining and a spacious bar featuring a refined selection of French wines and champagnes”.</p><p>Air France says it will also offer a dedicated spa, presumably in partnership with Clarins as it does at other airports. If other lounges are anything to go by, 15-minute treatments are complimentary and offered on a first-come-first-served basis. I <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/12/28/review-air-france-lounge-los-angeles-international-airport/" data-type="post" data-id="730534" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tried the Clarins Spa at the Air France Lounge in Los Angeles which you can read about here.</a></p><p>Spread across 750 square metres, the lounge will have capacity for 150 guests. <strong>This is the space which was previously used by Malaysia Airlines</strong>, which means you will get the novelty value of being able to see Windsor Castle from the windows!</p><p>Access will be open to Air France La Première as well as Air France and KLM business class passengers and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers. Access will not be given to purchasers of ‘no lounge’ Air France or KLM Business Light tickets.</p><p>Other SkyTeam Elite Plus customers will receive access if they are flying on a SkyTeam airline. At present SkyTeam sends passengers to the Plaza Premium lounge, but when the Air France lounge opens it is likely to be a quieter and more pleasant experience.</p><p>The lounge has been designed by Air France together with agency SGK Brandimage and reflects the airline’s current lounge template with bright white finishes punctuated by navy and red accents.</p><p>Air France last offered its own lounge in 2009 when it was located in the old Terminal 2 building. This was subsequently demolished. Air France moved to Terminal 4 and used a joint SkyTeam lounge, which itself has now become the <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/30/review-plaza-premium-heathrow-terminal-4-lounge/" data-type="post" data-id="857270">new Plaza Premium lounge</a> and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/07/14/review-saudia-lounge-london-heathrow-terminal-4/" data-type="post" data-id="805498">Saudia lounge</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Air-France-lounge-Heathrow-T4.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="563" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Air-France-lounge-Heathrow-T4.webp" alt="New Air France lounge Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-862397 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Air-France-lounge-Heathrow-T4.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Air-France-lounge-Heathrow-T4-400x188.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Air-France-lounge-Heathrow-T4-500x235.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Air-France-lounge-Heathrow-T4-768x360.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Air-France-lounge-Heathrow-T4-350x164.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Book Accor tickets for new OVO Arena Wembley events</h2><p><strong>ALL Accor has added tickets for more upcoming concerts at OVO Arena Wembley.</strong></p><p>The tickets give you <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/12/review-all-terrace-ovo-arena-wembley/" data-type="post" data-id="752730" target="_blank" rel="noopener">access to the exclusive ALL Terrace, which I explained here</a>.</p><p>The current options are:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Mika</strong> – 12th February – seats being auctioned for points</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Dr Jordan P Peterson</strong> (self help!) – 13th February – 4,500 ALL points</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Jordan Davis</strong> – 28th February – 4,500 ALL points</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Powerwolf</strong> – 7th March – 5,000 ALL points</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>TRANS Mission </strong>(charity fundraiser) – 11th March – 4,000 ALL points</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Arthur Hill</strong> – 14th March – 5,000 ALL points</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Ken Carson</strong> – 16th March – 5,000 ALL points</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Help! I Sexted My Boss</strong> – 21st March – 4,000 ALL points</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Tash Sultana</strong> – 31st March – 4,500 ALL points</li></ul><p>You can <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-experiences/" data-shortcode="true">redeem your points for the ALL Terrace on the Accor website here</a>.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Or bid for a short break at Lucknam Park ….</h3><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/emblems-lucknam-park/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucknam Park</a>, the country hotel near Bath, recently joined Accor’s new Emblems Collection. </p><p><strong>Four stay packages at Lucknam Park are available for bidding.</strong> This includes an impressive Valentine package consisting of a Grand Suite (13th to 15th February), breakfast, a seven course Michelin dinner and spa treatments.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How to redeem</h3><p>The ALL website is weird. To ensure that all the UK options appear, <strong>you must set your ‘place of delivery’ (the truck icon at the top of the screen) to ‘United Kingdom’</strong>. If you don’t, you won’t necessarily be shown everything.</p><p>Accor is the largest hotel group in the world outside the Americas, so there are no shortage of ibis, Novotel, Pullman, Mercure, Sofitel, Raffles etc hotels where you can earn. Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/18/review-accor-live-limitless-hotel-loyalty-scheme/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full overview of ALL Accor is here</a> if you want to find out more about how the scheme works.</p><p>There are no credit card partnerships, directly or indirectly. You CAN <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/24/avios-exchange-rate-accor-qatar-airways-improved/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transfer Avios into ALL Accor points via Qatar Airways Privilege Club at 3.5 to 1 – read more here</a>. It may work for you if there is an act you are very keen to see and tickets are otherwise unavailable.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/12/air-france-to-open-heathrow-terminal-4-lounge/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>41</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861568</post-id> </item><item><title>What’s happening with the Turkish Airlines (ex Plaza) lounge at Edinburgh? I went for a look</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/review-turkish-airlines-lounge-edinburgh-airport/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/review-turkish-airlines-lounge-edinburgh-airport/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:12:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Star Alliance partners]]></category><category><![CDATA[one]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=862220</guid><description><![CDATA[As we trailed earlier this week, the Plaza Premium lounge at Edinburgh airport is now a Turkish Airlines lounge. In fact, it is the first Turkish Airlines in Europe outside of Turkey itself. Because Turkish is a Star Alliance member, this means that anyone with status flying on, or flying business class with, another Star […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As we trailed earlier this week, <strong>the Plaza Premium lounge at Edinburgh airport is now a Turkish Airlines lounge.</strong></p><p>In fact, it is the first Turkish Airlines in Europe outside of Turkey itself.</p><p>Because Turkish is a Star Alliance member, this means that anyone with status flying on, or flying business class with, another Star Alliance airline can get access too.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="450" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517.webp" alt="Turkish Airlines lounge Edinburgh Airport" class="wp-image-862281 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517.webp 680w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1517-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></a></figure></div><p><strong>But what about Priority Pass? What has changed inside? What about non-Star Alliance airlines?</strong> On Wednesday I popped up to Edinburgh to meet the Plaza Premium and Turkish Airlines teams and see what was going on.</p><p>Our last <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/10/03/review-plaza-premium-lounge-edinburgh-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review of it as a Plaza Premium lounge is here</a>, which tells you all you need to know about the space itself.</p><p>Here are the key points as I see them:</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Plaza Premium branding has gone – this is now a Turkish Airlines lounge</strong></h4><p>Whilst Plaza Premium continues to manage the lounge on behalf of Turkish Airlines, <strong>it is a Turkish Airlines lounge as far as the outside world is concerned</strong>. All signage, both in the terminal and in the lounge, says Turkish Airlines.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>This seems to be a marketing investment by Turkish Airlines</strong></h4><p>Turkish Airlines has 10 flights per week to Istanbul, operated by single aisle Airbus A321neo aircraft. <strong>There is, in truth, no need for a lounge</strong> given such low capacity.</p><p>Turkish Airlines isn’t even the biggest Star Alliance carrier at the airport – I suspect United Airlines wins that title.</p><p>Plaza Premium and Turkish Airlines work together at other airports globally, which seems to have driven this project. <strong>Why is Turkish Airlines doing it?</strong> For brand recognition in an airport served by many other global hub airlines.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518-500x331.webp" alt="Turkish Airlines lounge Edinburgh Airport" class="wp-image-862282 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_1518.webp 680w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Priority Pass and other lounge club cards are still accepted</strong></h4><p>Interestingly, <strong>the lounge will continue to welcome Priority Pass, Dragonpass and similar cards</strong>. That said, there will be fewer spaces available and your chance of getting in will be lower than it was.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The food offering has been substantially upgraded</strong></h4><p>When I was last in the lounge, in January 2023, I was impressed by the food on offer. Reports in the last couple of years have not been so kind. The food has been given a serious overhaul and, based on Wednesday’s breakfast, you won’t be disappointed.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>All food is halal and labels are in Turkish, with a translation</strong></h4><p>Hot breakfast items on Wednesday included Turkish red lentil soup, hash brown, scrambled egg with chives, beans, menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), chicken sausages, turkey rashers (instead of bacon) and khabee (an Arabic dessert).</p><p>There was also a full salad bar and the usual cereals and pastries. It was an impressive spread.</p><p>I believe that the kitchen was already halal and definitely is now.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What other airlines are using the lounge?</strong></h4><p>The screen outside the lounge lists, apart from Turkish, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Atlantic Airways, Delta Air Lines, Finnair, Icelandair and Qatar Airways.</p><p>Qatar Airways, with two Boeing 787 flights per day, will be sending substantially more customers to the lounge than Turkish Airlines.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06-500x333.webp" alt="Turkish Airlines lounge Edinburgh Airport" class="wp-image-862373 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TK-Edinburgh-Lounge-06.webp 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Qatar Airways is using it?</strong></h4><p><strong>Yes.</strong> For reasons unexplained, <strong>Emirates is currently using the British Airways lounge at Edinburgh</strong> whilst Qatar Airways (a oneworld partner alongside BA) is using the Turkish Airlines lounge.</p><p>Of course, Qatar Airways and Finnair passengers can use the British Airways lounge if they wish. The BA space is far bigger (weirdly big, if you’ve never seen it) but the Turkish Airlines lounge is more modern and generally funkier.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is happening to the VIP room?</strong></h4><p>This room was previously used by Qatar Airways, I believe. What I was told on Wednesday is that it is now part of the main lounge and people can wander back and forth between both areas.</p><p>The large Family Room remains, as do the two prayer rooms.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2><p>As you can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/10/03/review-plaza-premium-lounge-edinburgh-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see from our 2022 review here</a>, this is a lovely bright (floor to ceiling windows on two sides) lounge with an impressive modern design.</p><p>I had been saddened to hear reports of the downturn in food over the last year or so, so <strong>the improvements to meet the requirements of Turkish Airlines are good news.</strong></p><p>You may have a harder time getting in with a Priority Pass card now, but if you do make it I hope you find it as pleasant as it was when it was first (re)opened by Plaza Premium.</p><p>PS.<strong> Plaza Premium and Turkish Airlines had invited a surprisingly wide and interesting mix of people to the opening.</strong> I walked in with a guy called David. “I’m CEO of ‘The Zoo'” he said. I nodded whilst trying to remember if that was a marketing, design, food, culture or travel publication. I quickly looked him up online …. he was, indeed, CEO of the zoo …. the Edinburgh Zoo.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/review-turkish-airlines-lounge-edinburgh-airport/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>53</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">862220</post-id> </item><item><title>Bits: smart new Qatar Airways Diptyque amenity kits, Paris CDG terminals renamed</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/new-qatar-airways-diptyque-amenity-kits-2/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/new-qatar-airways-diptyque-amenity-kits-2/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rhys Jones]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Qatar Airways and Privilege Club]]></category><category><![CDATA[two]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861886</guid><description><![CDATA[News in brief: Qatar Airways rolls out new Diptyque amenity kits Qatar Airways is upgrading its already impressive business class amenity kits. Since 2022 the airline has offered amenity kits in partnership with French perfumer Diptyque in an exclusive deal. The contents have been some of the most luxurious offered by an airline in business […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>News in brief:</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Qatar Airways rolls out new Diptyque amenity kits</h2><p>Qatar Airways is upgrading its already impressive business class amenity kits.</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/03/23/new-qatar-airways-diptyque-amenity-kits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Since 2022 the airline has offered amenity kits in partnership with French perfumer Diptyque</a> in an exclusive deal. The contents have been some of the most luxurious offered by an airline in business class.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-500x333.webp" alt="new Qatar Airways Diptyque amenity kits" class="wp-image-861910 aligncenter" style="width:450px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-1.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><p>The bags, however, were less impressive. For men, this included fairly nondescript black pouches or square gift boxes (the latter of which I rather liked, to be fair). Women’s kits were a bit more interesting but still fairly plain.</p><p>This will all change in 2026. Qatar Airways is rolling out the kits in several new – and colourful – form factors.</p><p>The new bags are a substantial upgrade with a more considered and detailed design. They look substantially larger and should be more pratical to re-purpose later.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5-500x333.webp" alt="new Qatar Airways Diptyque amenity kits" class="wp-image-861906 aligncenter" style="width:450px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-5.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><p>The kits will continue to come in men’s and women’s designs, with the women’s in a brighter colour palette of red and nude and the men’s more muted blues and teals.</p><p>The shapes also vary, with the women’s bags coming in more rounded shapes and the men’s in sharper, apparently more masculine, forms.</p><p>Assuming the contents have not changed, they will both come with lip balm, body lotion, face cream, eyemask, socks and Diptyque’s Eau Rose or ‘34 Boulevard Saint Germain’ eau de toilette. The latter retails at £144 for 100ml, so the 10ml miniatures you get are not cheap.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3-500x333.webp" alt="new Qatar Airways Diptyque amenity kits" class="wp-image-861908 aligncenter" style="width:450px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Qatar-Airways-Diptyque-amenity-kit-3.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paris Charles de Gaulle terminals to be renamed</h2><p>As anyone who has flown from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport can attest, <strong>the naming conventions of its terminals are perplexing</strong>. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are relatively straightforward, but then you have the vast Terminal 2 complex that is subdivided into seven parts (2A through to 2G).</p><p>Even more confusingly, Terminal 2E is further split into Halls K, L and M:</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-prior-to-2027.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-prior-to-2027.webp" alt="Paris CDG terminals map" class="wp-image-861889 aligncenter" style="width:450px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-prior-to-2027.webp 1500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-prior-to-2027-400x225.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-prior-to-2027-500x281.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-prior-to-2027-768x432.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-prior-to-2027-350x197.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a></figure></div><p>After 43 years of this nonsense, someone at Aeroports de Paris has decided enough is enough. The airport will move to a simplified nomenclature that ditches all the letters in favour of seven consecutively numbered terminals. Sense prevails at last!</p><p>This is what is happening from March 2027:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Terminal 1 will remain Terminal 1</li><li>Terminal 3 will be renamed Terminal 2</li><li>Terminal 2A & Terminal 2C will be renamed Terminal 3</li><li>Terminal 2B & Terminal 2D will be renamed Terminal 4</li><li>Terminal 2E will be renamed Terminal 5</li><li>Terminal 2F will be renamed Terminal 6</li><li>Terminal 2G will be renamed Terminal 7</li></ul><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-after-2027.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-after-2027.webp" alt="New Paris CDG terminal map" class="wp-image-861888 aligncenter" style="width:450px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-after-2027.webp 1500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-after-2027-400x225.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-after-2027-500x281.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-after-2027-768x432.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paris-CDG-terminal-names-after-2027-350x197.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a></figure></div><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“The objective of the change in the name of the terminals and departure lounges is that the various movements within the airport become perfectly intuitive<strong> </strong>for all passengers, especially those on connecting flights, which concerns more than 30% of daily passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.”</p></blockquote><p>As someone who recently connected in Paris I wholeheartedly welcome this. <strong>The current system implies that all Terminal 2 gates are within the same terminal and / or close proximity of each other, which couldn’t be further from the truth</strong>.</p><p>At least now the numbering system reflects the reality of airport, which comprises multiple (although connected) terminal buildings.</p><p>This is no small change. According to AdP it will require them to change 1/3rd of all signage around the airport including:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>3,000+ panels in the terminals</li><li>600 signs in the car parks</li><li>250 road signs</li></ul>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/new-qatar-airways-diptyque-amenity-kits-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>72</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861886</post-id> </item><item><title>Marriott gains two hotels in Birmingham and Birmingham airport</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/marriott-gains-two-hotels-in-birmingham/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/marriott-gains-two-hotels-in-birmingham/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Marriott Bonvoy]]></category><category><![CDATA[three]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861658</guid><description><![CDATA[The Marriott conversion machine has been in action in Birmingham. Two ‘new’ hotels are now showing on the Marriott website – although not in the app, oddly – but neither are currently bookable. Let’s start at the airport. The Ibis Styles Birmingham NEC hotel is being reflagged as AC Hotel by Marriott Birmingham NEC & […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Marriott conversion machine has been in action in Birmingham.</p><p><strong>Two ‘new’ hotels are now showing on the Marriott website </strong>– although not in the app, oddly – but neither are currently bookable.</p><p>Let’s start at the airport.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="799" height="533" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AC-Hotels-Birmingham-Airport.webp" alt="AC Hotels by Marriott Birmingham NEC & Airport" class="wp-image-861660 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AC-Hotels-Birmingham-Airport.webp 799w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AC-Hotels-Birmingham-Airport-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AC-Hotels-Birmingham-Airport-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AC-Hotels-Birmingham-Airport-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AC-Hotels-Birmingham-Airport-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AC-Hotels-Birmingham-Airport-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AC-Hotels-Birmingham-Airport-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px" /></figure></div><p>The Ibis Styles Birmingham NEC hotel is being reflagged as <strong>AC Hotel by Marriott Birmingham NEC & Airport </strong>(catchy!).</p><p>The website says:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“AC Hotel Birmingham NEC & Airport blends modern style with effortless convenience. Just minutes from Birmingham Airport, it features sleek rooms, a chic lounge, and seamless access to the NEC, Resorts World, and key transport links. Whether you’re here to unwind or gear up for your next adventure, this reimagined hotel is your perfect launchpad.”</p></blockquote><p>The website says that it will open in February.</p><p>Looking at the images, it appears that it will undergo a refurbishment into a more muted modern look before rebranding. Not sure what can be done about the 1980s exterior though ….</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ac-hotels-birmingham-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see more details online here</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Four-Points-Flex-Hotel-Birmingham-Jewellery-Quarter-500x334.webp" alt="Four Points Flex Hotel Birmingham Jewellery Quarter" class="wp-image-861663 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Four-Points-Flex-Hotel-Birmingham-Jewellery-Quarter-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Four-Points-Flex-Hotel-Birmingham-Jewellery-Quarter-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Four-Points-Flex-Hotel-Birmingham-Jewellery-Quarter-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Four-Points-Flex-Hotel-Birmingham-Jewellery-Quarter-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Four-Points-Flex-Hotel-Birmingham-Jewellery-Quarter-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Four-Points-Flex-Hotel-Birmingham-Jewellery-Quarter-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Four-Points-Flex-Hotel-Birmingham-Jewellery-Quarter.webp 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><p><strong>The other reflag is in the jewellery quarter</strong>, and brings another story full circle.</p><p>Back in July <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/07/16/arora-group-buys-bloc-hotels/" data-type="post" data-id="807050" target="_blank" rel="noopener">we reported on Arora Group’s acquisition of Bloc Hotels</a>. Bloc is best known for its 245 room hotel inside Gatwick’s South Terminal, and of course Arora Group has a strong focus on airport hotels, including the <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/sofitel-heathrow/" data-shortcode="true">Sofitel Heathrow Terminal 5</a>.</p><p>The only other Bloc hotel was in Birmingham, and it wasn’t clear at the time what Arora Group would do with it.</p><p>In November, the Birmingham site was sold to New World Hospitality. <strong>Bloc Hotel Jewellery Quarter is now being rebranded as Four Points Flex by Sheraton Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.</strong></p><p>It’s hard to get excited by Four Points Flex from a loyalty angle. You only get 0.5 Elite Night Credits per night (so zero on a one night stay) and you only earn ‘half points’, ie 5 points per $1.</p><p>The website says ‘opening December 2025’ but as the hotel is not bookable – at all, for any dates – I doubt this will happen.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/four-points-flex-birmingham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Four Points Flex Birmingham Jewellery Quarter website is here</a>.</p><p>Thanks to Tariq for flagging in our forum.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/marriott-gains-two-hotels-in-birmingham/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>6</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861658</post-id> </item><item><title>Save 15% on reward nights at new IHG hotels</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/save-15-on-reward-nights-at-new-ihg-hotels-3/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/save-15-on-reward-nights-at-new-ihg-hotels-3/#respond</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:31:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861844</guid><description><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards is continuing its offer of a 15% discount on redemptions at selected new hotels. The list has just been extended to the end of February 2026 so I thought we’d take another look. IHG now shows the original price crossed out, with the discounted rate next to it, so you can see that […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>IHG One Rewards is continuing its offer of<strong> a 15% discount on redemptions at selected new hotels.</strong></p><p>The list has just been extended to the end of February 2026 so I thought we’d take another look.</p><p>IHG now shows the original price crossed out, with the discounted rate next to it, so you can see that you are getting a real discount.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1180" height="786" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app.webp" alt="Save 15% on reward nights at new IHG hotels" class="wp-image-762795 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app.webp 1180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HfP-IHG-app-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px" /></figure></div><p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-new-hotels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">list of participating hotels is here</a>. I have listed the ones in Europe below.</p><p>From a UK perspective, the only new addition in Europe you may be interested in is <a href="https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/krakow/krkwr/hoteldetail?qRtP=IVANI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Indigo Krakow – Wawel Castle</a>. This is the second Hotel Indigo in Krakow and only opened a few weeks ago, in the shell of a historic building.</p><p>NEW ADDITIONS – Stay by 28th February 2026:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-7094841-15734302?url=https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/krakow/krkwr/hoteldetail?qRtP=IVANI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Indigo Krakow – Wawel Castle</a></li><li><a href="https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-7094841-15734302?url=https://www.ihg.com/garner-hotels/hotels/gb/en/hamburg/hamgm/hoteldetail?qRtP=IVANI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Garner Hotel Hamburg – Graf Moltke</a></li></ul><p>Stay by 31st January 2026:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Holiday Inn Newcastle South</li><li>Garner Hotel Birmingham South East</li><li>Garner Hotel Bochum</li><li>Garner Hotel Bremen North</li><li>Garner Hotel Osnabrück</li><li>Garner Hotel Stuttgart City Centre</li><li>Garner Hotel Cologne East</li></ul><p>Stay by 30th December 2025:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>voco Letchworth Hall</li><li>Garner Hotel Vienna – Prinz Eugen</li><li>Garner Hotel Dusseldorf – Main Station</li><li>Garner Hotel Frankfurt – Palmengarten</li><li>Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lisbon – Príncipe Real</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-new-hotels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check the website here</a> for participating hotels outside Europe.</p><p><strong>Remember that ‘new hotel’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘new build’ with the expected bells and whistles.</strong> Some hotels above – especially the low budget Garner ones – have switched brands to join IHG, which means you won’t necessarily get a shiny fresh property.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/11/save-15-on-reward-nights-at-new-ihg-hotels-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861844</post-id> </item><item><title>(SOLD OUT) Match your British Airways Gold or Silver card to Star Alliance Gold status via TAP</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/tap-air-portugal-status-match-2/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/tap-air-portugal-status-match-2/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category><category><![CDATA[Star Alliance partners]]></category><category><![CDATA[one]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861930</guid><description><![CDATA[TAP Air Portugal, a member of Star Alliance, has launched a status match. It is a great opportunity for a mid-tier British Airways Club Silver member to get Star Alliance Gold status. Virgin Atlantic elite members cannot take part, unfortunately. EDIT Thursday – TAP seems to have created some additional slots for Gold matches and […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>TAP Air Portugal, a member of Star Alliance, has launched a status match.</p><p>It is a great opportunity for<strong> a mid-tier British Airways Club Silver member to get Star Alliance Gold status.</strong></p><p>Virgin Atlantic elite members cannot take part, unfortunately.</p><p><strong><em>EDIT Thursday – TAP seems to have created some additional slots for Gold matches and the offer is back</em></strong></p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="500" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane.jpg" alt="TAP Air Portugal status match" class="wp-image-175429 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane.jpg 750w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane-650x433.jpg 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane-180x120.jpg 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane-360x240.jpg 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane-350x233.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TAP-Portugal-plane-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure></div><p><strong>Getting a TAP Air Portugal Gold card would give you top tier privileges when travelling when any Star Alliance carrier</strong>, including Lufthansa, SWISS, United, Air Canada, Aegean, Turkish etc, for at least 12 months.</p><p>This makes it <strong>an especially good offer for a British Airways Silver member who would suddenly become top tier across Star Alliance.</strong></p><p>The match is not entirely free but it won’t be hard to recoup the application fee of €199.</p><p>If you are looking to move away from The British Airways Club to a Star Alliance alternative, <strong>TAP is also giving all matched members double status miles on all flights for 30 days from approval</strong>, up to a cap of 10,000 status miles.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do I get a TAP Air Portugal status match?</h2><p>Full details are <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/tap-status-match-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on this website here</a>.</p><p>The match is open to anyone who has status with Aer Lingus, Air Europa, Air France, American Airlines, <strong>British Airways</strong>, Delta Air Lines, Finnair, Iberia, Jet Blue, KLM, LATAM, Royal Air Maroc or WestJet.</p><p>You must be a resident of one of these countries: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, <strong>Great Britain</strong>, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine or the Vatican.</p><p>This is what you can get by matching British Airways status:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The British Airways Club Gold = TAP Miles&Go Gold = Star Alliance Gold</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The British Airways Club Silver = TAP Miles&Go Gold = Star Alliance Gold</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The British Airways Club Bronze = TAP Miles&Go Silver = Star Alliance Silver</li></ul><p>I should say upfront that Star Alliance Silver doesn’t have many benefits – you don’t get alliance-wide lounge access for example – so <strong>if you are British Airways Bronze this is probably not worth the effort and the €49 cost.</strong></p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="390" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TAP-MilesGo-650x390.jpg" alt="TAP Miles&Go status match" class="wp-image-173519 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TAP-MilesGo-650x390.jpg 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TAP-MilesGo-450x270.jpg 450w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TAP-MilesGo-120x72.jpg 120w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TAP-MilesGo-350x210.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TAP-MilesGo-400x240.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TAP-MilesGo.jpg 737w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How long does my status match last for?</h2><p><strong>12 months</strong>.</p><p>To renew your status:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Silver renews with 30,000 status miles or 25 TAP segments flown</li><li>Gold renews with 70,000 status miles or 50 TAP segments flown</li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the benefits of Star Alliance Gold?</h2><p>I am not focusing on the specific benefits you get with TAP because I am assuming that most HfP readers would do most of their Star Alliance flying with other carriers such as Lufthansa. You can see all <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/tap-milesgo-gold-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the benefits of TAP Miles&Go Gold here</a>.</p><p>(One benefit of TAP Miles&Go Gold – gifting Gold membership to a friend – is NOT available to status matched members.)</p><p>You can see the benefits of Star Alliance Gold on <a href="https://www.staralliance.com/en/benefits-and-privileges" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Star Alliance website here</a>.</p><p>You get:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Lounge access (Gold members often have access to higher quality lounges than other members, for example the Senator room in the Lufthansa Lounge in Heathrow Terminal 2)</li><li>Fast track security and boarding</li><li>Priority check-in</li><li>Priority baggage handling (which often works, unlike on BA!)</li><li>Extra baggage allowance</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.staralliance.com/en/heathrow-express" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Free First Class upgrades</a> on all your Heathrow Express trips</strong></li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2><p>This could work out very nicely for many readers. <strong>It is an especially good deal for The British Airways Club Silver members</strong> <strong>who will find themselves with top tier status in Star Alliance.</strong></p><p>The match isn’t free, but the cost of €199 for Gold is a decent deal.</p><p>The only question is what other British Airways matches we will see. I suspect that Lufthansa Miles & More may run another match in Spring 2025 and you may prefer to have Star Alliance status via that route if it is your main Star Alliance carrier.</p><p>However, it is worth noting that <strong>Lufthansa only offered Star Alliance Silver status to British Airways Silver members in its April 2025 match</strong>. TAP, via the offer above, will give BA Silver cardholders a Star Alliance Gold card, so jumping in now makes sense.</p><p>For a British Airways Gold member, the question is whether you take the TAP deal or wait for a potential Lufthansa match next year – although, of course, you can have both as long as you pay another round of application fees.</p><p>You can <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/tap-status-match-2/" data-shortcode="true">apply for your TAP Air Portugal status match here</a>.</p><p>PS. The match is administered by statusmatch.com / Loyalty Status Co and you may see references to them during the application process.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/tap-air-portugal-status-match-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>59</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861930</post-id> </item><item><title>REGISTER NOW: IHG One Rewards launches its spring bonus points offer</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/ihg-one-rewards-double-points/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/ihg-one-rewards-double-points/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards]]></category><category><![CDATA[two]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861959</guid><description><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards has announced a new global ‘double points’ promotion for stays in early 2026. You need to register here. IHG One Rewards is the loyalty scheme covering InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo among other brands. How does IHG’s new bonus points promotion work? The offer runs from […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>IHG One Rewards has announced a new global ‘double points’ promotion</strong> for stays in early 2026.</p><p>You <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-double-points-31-march-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">need to register here</a>.</p><p>IHG One Rewards is the loyalty scheme covering InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo among other brands.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IHG-double-points.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-861963 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IHG-double-points.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IHG-double-points-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IHG-double-points-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IHG-double-points-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IHG-double-points-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IHG-double-points-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IHG-double-points-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does IHG’s new bonus points promotion work?</h2><p><strong>The offer runs from 1st January to 31st March 2026.</strong></p><p>You must <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-double-points-31-march-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register in advance via this link</a>. Registration is now open.</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/01/review-ihg-one-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more about IHG One Rewards in our overview article here</a>.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What will you earn?</h2><p>There is one catch, unfortunately:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you earn no bonus on your first stay after registration</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you earn double base points on your second and subsequent stays</li></ul><p>Reward stays do not count, either in terms of counting for your first or second stay or for earning double points on food and drink spending.</p><p><strong>Existing bookings DO count </strong>so there is no need to rebook anything. Only one room per stay counts towards the offer, although if you merge multiple rooms into one bill I suspect it may go through.</p><p>Unlike the similar (but better!) ‘3x’ offer which is currently running, <strong>there is no cap to the number of bonus points you can earn</strong>.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the bonus worth?</h2><p>It’s OK, but not great.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="342" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-500x342.webp" alt="IHG One Rewards Autumn promotion" class="wp-image-403197 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-500x342.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-400x273.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-768x525.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-410x280.webp 410w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-820x560.webp 820w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-350x239.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><p>The standard earning rate in IHG One Rewards is 10 points per US$1 (75p) excluding taxes. <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/08/16/what-are-ihg-one-rewards-hotel-points-worth-4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>I value an IHG One Rewards point at 0.4p</strong></a> although you can often do better, which means your base return is 4p per 75p spent, ie 5.3%.</p><p>Of course, most HfP readers will have some sort of IHG One Rewards status. This comes with a status bonus (applies to base points only):</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>20% bonus for Silver Elite</li><li>40% bonus for Gold Elite</li><li>60% bonus for Platinum Elite</li><li>100% bonus for Diamond Elite</li></ul><p>Under this offer, once you had done your first stay with just single points, <strong>even a base level member would earn 20 points per $1 spent, excluding taxes.</strong></p><p>This is worth (20 x 0.4p) / 75p = 10.7% back on your pre-tax spending.</p><p>If you are Diamond Elite you would do even better, earning 10 base points, 10 bonus points and 10 elite status points, for a total of 30 points per $1 (75p). <strong>This is a return of 16%</strong>.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2><p>This is a decent offer from IHG One Rewards for anyone doing expensive stays, although it it weaker than the current ‘3x’ offer.</p><p>Only having the bonus kick in from your second cash stay during the promotional period is also poor, in my view.</p><p>Click here to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-double-points-31-march-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register for IHG’s new bonus points promotion</a>. It kicks in for stays from 1st January but you can register today.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/ihg-one-rewards-double-points/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>6</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861959</post-id> </item><item><title>Bits: BA First adds English cuvée, Disneyland Paris for IHG, Plaza opens luxury Rome lounge</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/british-airways-first-class-adds-english-cuvee/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/british-airways-first-class-adds-english-cuvee/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:11:08 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category><category><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards]]></category><category><![CDATA[three]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861851</guid><description><![CDATA[News in brief: British Airways First adds an English cuvée Sugrue South Downs winery has announced that its prestige sparkling wine, Cuvée Dr Brendan O’Regan, will be served in BA’s First Class cabin from January to March as part of a three year deal. Sugrue South Downs will join Gusbourne and Nyetimber in the First […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>News in brief:</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">British Airways First adds an English cuvée</h2><p>Sugrue South Downs winery has announced that its prestige sparkling wine, Cuvée Dr Brendan O’Regan, will be served in BA’s First Class cabin from January to March as part of a three year deal.</p><p><strong>Sugrue South Downs will join Gusbourne and Nyetimber in the First cabin.</strong> It is, apparently, the first time any airline has chosen to serve English prestige cuvées – extended-aged bottlings made from exceptional vintages.</p><p>Dr Brendan O’Regan was, apparently, a pioneering figure in Irish hospitality and founder of the world’s first duty-free shop at Shannon Airport in 1947!</p><p>The 2018 vintage is a blend of 60% chardonnary and 40% pinot noir, aged on its lees for six years. Only 4,500 bottles were made.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="891" height="594" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/South-Downs.webp" alt="Sugrue South Downs" class="wp-image-861858 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/South-Downs.webp 891w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/South-Downs-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/South-Downs-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/South-Downs-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/South-Downs-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/South-Downs-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/South-Downs-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 891px) 100vw, 891px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">IHG opening a Crowne Plaza at Disneyland Paris</h2><p>If you are visitor to Disneyland Paris, a new IHG hotel option will be available next year.</p><p>The Radisson Blu Paris Marne La Vallée hotel is leaving the brand at the end of 2025. For January it will operate as an independent hotel before closing for two months.</p><p>On 1st April <strong>it will re-open as Crowne Plaza Paris Marne La Vallée</strong> after a full refurbishment.</p><p>Reader Charles who has stayed at the Radisson a few times told me that it was a good option for anyone who wanted to escape the inflated prices for the on-site hotels. A shuttle bus runs between the hotel and the park.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome-500x333.webp" alt="Plaza Premium First lounge Rome" class="wp-image-861856 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Plaza-First-lounge-Rome.webp 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plaza Premium opens a luxury lounge in Rome</h2><p>Independent lounge operator Plaza Premium is <strong>rolling out a new premium brand – Plaza Premium First.</strong></p><p>Previously available in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Macau, Vancouver and Phnom Penh, <strong>Plaza Premium First is now in Europe.</strong></p><p>Located at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“The launch marks a major milestone in the Group’s European expansion and the elevated lounge brand of Plaza Premium First, bringing its signature seamless travel experience to one of the world’s most iconic cities.”</p></blockquote><p>Located in Terminal 1, International Departures, the 700 sq m lounge can hold 115 guests. They will receive “the ultimate blend of personalized hospitality, bespoke dining offerings, curated cocktails, wines and spirits, luxurious spaces and immersive cultural experiences.”</p><p>The lounge even has “an exclusive dining space featuring a curated à la carte menu” and there are “private suites for rest and productivity”.</p><p>You won’t want to sleep though, because “constantly rotating music sets and live DJ performances create a vibrant social hub ideal for unwinding with drinks before a flight”. You’re not in a British Airways Galleries Club lounge now, Toto.</p><p>It isn’t clear what the situation is with getting entry via a Priority Pass or similar lounge club card. As of yesterday it wasn’t yet bookable for cash via the Plaza Premium website.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/10/british-airways-first-class-adds-english-cuvee/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>31</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861851</post-id> </item><item><title>Edinburgh’s Plaza Premium becomes a Turkish Airlines / Star Alliance lounge</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/edinburgh-plaza-premium-lounge-turkish-airlines/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/edinburgh-plaza-premium-lounge-turkish-airlines/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Star Alliance partners]]></category><category><![CDATA[two]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861667</guid><description><![CDATA[The Plaza Premium lounge at Edinburgh Airport is now being run as a Turkish Airlines lounge. This is, I admit, a surprising move. Edinburgh is now home to the first Turkish Airlines lounge in Europe. I don’t have all of the details but everything will become clear at a press event on Wednesday. As the […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Plaza Premium lounge at Edinburgh Airport is now being run as a Turkish Airlines lounge.</p><p>This is, I admit, a surprising move. <strong>Edinburgh is now home to the first Turkish Airlines lounge in Europe.</strong></p><p>I don’t have all of the details but everything will become clear at a press event on Wednesday.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plaza-Premium-Lounge-Edinburgh-Gin-Bar-500x334.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-384826 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plaza-Premium-Lounge-Edinburgh-Gin-Bar-500x334.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plaza-Premium-Lounge-Edinburgh-Gin-Bar-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plaza-Premium-Lounge-Edinburgh-Gin-Bar-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plaza-Premium-Lounge-Edinburgh-Gin-Bar-180x120.jpg 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plaza-Premium-Lounge-Edinburgh-Gin-Bar-360x240.jpg 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plaza-Premium-Lounge-Edinburgh-Gin-Bar-350x234.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plaza-Premium-Lounge-Edinburgh-Gin-Bar.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><p>As the signage is already up in the lounge and it is showing in the Star Alliance lounge directory, there is no harm in highlighting the change now.</p><p>I’m not sure if the lounge is officially open today or if passengers will only be admitted after the opening event.</p><p>There is a lot we don’t know about how the lounge will work.</p><p><strong>Whilst branded as a Turkish Airlines lounge, Plaza Premium will continue to operate it</strong>. Passengers on other Star Alliance airlines will be eligible to use it, although I’m not sure how much volume there is during the winter.</p><p>As of Monday night:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Plaza Premium is still selling entry on its own website</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The lounge is still showing on the Priority Pass website</li></ul><p>Does this mean that you will still be able to pay for entry or gain access using a Priority Pass card? Is the space being split, with Turkish Airlines / Star Alliance only taking part of it?</p><p>The lounge is a lovely space, with dual aspect views, although there had been rumbles online over the last year or so about the quality of food on offer. I will see the changes for myself tomorrow.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/edinburgh-plaza-premium-lounge-turkish-airlines/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>45</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861667</post-id> </item><item><title>Use Hilton points for cruises as an Explora Journeys partnership is announced</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/hilton-explora-journeys-partnership/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/hilton-explora-journeys-partnership/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:12:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Hilton Honors]]></category><category><![CDATA[three]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861630</guid><description><![CDATA[Hilton Honors is getting into the cruise business, via a partnership with Explora Journeys. It’s going to be slow burn – Explora only has two ships at the moment – but this is due to grow to six by 2028. You will be able to earn and spend Hilton Honors points with Explora Journeys from […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Hilton Honors is getting into the cruise business</strong>, via a partnership with Explora Journeys.</p><p>It’s going to be slow burn – <strong>Explora only has two ships at the moment</strong> – but this is due to grow to six by 2028.</p><p>You will be able to earn and spend Hilton Honors points with Explora Journeys from Summer 2026, but an interim deal is already available.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="801" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys.webp" alt="Hilton and Explora Journeys announce a cruise partnership" class="wp-image-861639 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys-768x513.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Explora-Journeys-350x234.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div><p>Whilst a small operation, Explora Journeys is part of the huge MSC Group.</p><p>The existing two vessels, which appear to target the luxury sector, cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the Caribbean, the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, Alaska, Canada and the Pacific Coast.</p><p>Here’s a typical itinerary:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“Immerse yourself in a northern odyssey beginning in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. Sail to the Icelandic haven of Ísafjörður, traverse the majestic fjords of Prins Christian Sund, and explore Paamiut’s scenic waterways and rich Greenlandic traditions.</p><p>Discover Nanortalik’s wild beauty for the first time, then journey onward to Canada’s Corner Brook and Havre-Saint-Pierre, where nature’s raw power and serene charm converge. Conclude your voyage in the heart of Quebec City, surrounded by its timeless architecture and historic allure.”</p></blockquote><p>The boats seem classy although, at 461 suites each, quite large. Here is the list of amenities in each suite (Explora is ‘all suite’):</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Floor-to-ceiling windows</li><li>Private sun terraces with a dining area and a sunbed or sun loungers </li><li>Arrive to find luggage delivered and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting </li><li>Walk-in wardrobe with seated vanity area and Dyson Supersonic hair dryer </li><li>Heated bathroom floors </li><li>Individual climate and lighting control in each suite</li><li>Gentle motion-activated bedroom night lights</li></ul><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys-500x334.webp" alt="Hilton and Explora Journeys announce a cruise partnership" class="wp-image-861640 aligncenter" style="width:500px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys-350x234.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ocean-Terrace-Suite-Explora-Journeys.webp 1190w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi</li><li>Infotainment system with on-demand TV options </li><li>Wireless bedside device charging stations</li><li>Mini-bar replenished according to guest preferences</li><li>Espresso machine with biodegradable pods; a kettle and teapot</li><li>Complimentary personal refillable water bottle</li><li>Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities</li><li>Pair of binoculars for use during the journey</li></ul><p>The partnership does not officially launch until next summer. For now, <strong>Hilton Honors members are being offered a special deal on new Explora Journeys cash bookings:</strong></p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points per suite</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>$/€200 to $/€400 ship credit, varying by itinerary</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>an exclusive welcome gift</li></ul><p>These deal is available for bookings made by 7th June 2026 for sailings completed by 31st December 2028.</p><p>Hilton is slotting Explora Journeys into a new venture called Hilton Honors Adventures, which will also include the existing collaboration with AutoCamp. AutoCamp rents custom Airstreams, cabins and tents in scenic locations near national parks and beaches across the US.</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-explora-journeys/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more on the Hilton website here</a>.</p><p>PS. Remember that Global Hotel Alliance has a similar partnership with Regent Seven Seas cruises. You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/16/global-hotel-alliance-launches-a-partnership-with-regent-seven-seas-cruises/" data-type="post" data-id="752599" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more about that here</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/hilton-explora-journeys-partnership/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>26</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861630</post-id> </item><item><title>Use your American Express Platinum Dining credit for an Ivy gift card – and get free Cuvée</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/american-express-platinum-dining-credit-ivy-gift-card/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/american-express-platinum-dining-credit-ivy-gift-card/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[American Express Platinum card]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861577</guid><description><![CDATA[A valuable benefit that comes with The Platinum Card from American Express is £400 of annual dining credit. It makes a big dint in the annual membership fee. Every six months – so it resets on 1st January 2026 – you receive: You can spend the money over multiple visits to multiple restaurants if you […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A valuable benefit that comes with <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">The Platinum Card from American Express</a> is <strong>£400 of annual dining credit.</strong> It makes a big dint in the annual membership fee.</p><p>Every six months – so it resets on 1st January 2026 – you receive:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>£100 to spend in 160+ UK restaurants</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>£100 to spend in 1,600+ international restaurants</li></ul><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivy-Harrogate-webp.webp" alt="Use your American Express Platinum dining credit for an Ivy gift card" class="wp-image-597581 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivy-Harrogate-webp.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivy-Harrogate-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivy-Harrogate-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivy-Harrogate-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivy-Harrogate-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivy-Harrogate-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivy-Harrogate-webp-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div><p>You can spend the money over multiple visits to multiple restaurants if you wish. It doesn’t need to be spent in one go.</p><p>One of the most common questions asked in our forum is <strong>whether the £100 UK Platinum Dining credit can be used for a restaurant gift card.</strong> This is a handy way of using your credit if you don’t think you can make it to a participating restaurant before 30th June or 31st December, depending on the time of year.</p><p>If you mean ‘a restaurant gift card’ you can order online then the answer is No.</p><p>However, if you want to use your £100 of UK Platinum Dining credit for a meal to enjoy later, the most popular option is a gift card for ‘The Ivy’ group of restaurants.</p><p><strong>You must buy ‘The Ivy’ gift cards in person </strong>to trigger the £100 Platinum Dining credit. <strong>Do not buy them online</strong> because the dining credit won’t trigger.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get a free bottle of Cuvée</h2><p>The Ivy is currently offering a festive gift card package for £90. This comes with:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>a £100 gift card</li><li>a bottle of The Ivy Cuvée</li></ul><p><a href="https://gifts.ivycollection.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://gifts.ivycollection.com/vouchers/festive-voucher-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can learn more on the gift card website here</a>.</p><p>Nowhere on the gift card website does it say that you can buy this package in a branch of The Ivy. However, reader Robin dropped me a note to say that <strong>he was able to purchase one in The Ivy St Albans Brasserie last weekend.</strong></p><p>(You are given the bottle in your hand if you buy in person. It isn’t posted to you, which is what happens if you buy a gift card online.)</p><p>Ironically, the fact that the package is just £90 doesn’t benefit you, assuming that you have £100 of The Platinum Card credit to use. You will get the full £90 refunded, but you’d have got £100 back if it hadn’t been discounted! Of course, if £10 gift cards are available you can buy one of those too with your remaining £10.</p><p>Remember – <strong>to get the £100 Platinum Dining credit to pay out, you must buy it in a participating branch of ‘The Ivy’</strong>. <strong>Not all branches participate in Amex Platinum Dining</strong> so <a href="https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/benefits/dining/the-platinum-card/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">check the list here</a> first.</p><p>PS. From previous offers like this, there is no guarantee that any particular branch of The Ivy still has these ‘free bottle’ gift cards available. Don’t be too disappointed if you end up buying a standard gift card with no Cuvée.</p><div id="summarybox-block_e9693e6df0b7b93024eb8060f4086da9" class="hfp-cpm summary-box-cmp"><div class="summarybox"><div class="summarybox--card"><figure><img decoding="async" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/American-Express-Amex-Platinum-card-webp-400x252.webp" alt="" /></figure><div><h3>The Platinum Card from American Express</h3><p>75,000 bonus points + £250 and great travel benefits – for a large fee <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-american-express-platinum-credit-card-2/">Read our full review</a></p></div></div></div></div>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/09/american-express-platinum-dining-credit-ivy-gift-card/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>24</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861577</post-id> </item><item><title>RARE OFFER: Get 35,000 Avios with the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/35000-avios-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/35000-avios-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:55:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Barclaycard Avios Mastercard]]></category><category><![CDATA[one]]></category><category><![CDATA[Top credit card deals]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=860260</guid><description><![CDATA[Barclaycard has launched a special offer of 35,000 Avios on the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard. It is VERY rare that Barclaycard runs a special offer, so I would be tempted to jump in now if you had been thinking about getting the card. It is also throwing in 12 months of Apple TV too (T&C […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Barclaycard has launched a special offer of 35,000 Avios on the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard.</strong></p><p>It is VERY rare that Barclaycard runs a special offer, so I would be tempted to jump in now if you had been thinking about getting the card.</p><p>It is also throwing in 12 months of Apple TV too (T&C apply).</p><p>You need to apply by 15th January.</p><p>Full details and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-cards-joint-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the application form are here</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="825" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light.jpg" alt="Get 35,000 bonus Avios with the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard" class="wp-image-472805 aligncenter" style="width:350px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light.jpg 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-400x275.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-500x344.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-350x241.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">A bit of background</h2><p>In February 2022, <strong>Barclays launched two brand new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit cards.</strong> You don’t see them promoted very widely because of the terms of the American Express deal, and I’m always surprised how few people know about them.</p><p>If you don’t already have one,<strong> these cards should fundamentally change your Avios collecting strategy. </strong></p><p>Irrespective of what Visa or Mastercard you are currently using alongside your British Airways American Express card, you should find that these two new cards are better. </p><p><strong>The benefits are very impressive.</strong> The Barclaycard Avios Mastercards are, easily, <strong>the most rewarding non-Amex travel credit cards on the market</strong>. They are arguably the most valuable Visa or Mastercard credit cards in the UK of any sort.</p><p>In this article we run through the two cards to help you decide which one is best for you. You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-cards-joint-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more about the two cards on the Barclaycard site here</a>.</p><p>However, <strong>only the Avios Plus card has a special sign-up bonus of 35,000 Avios</strong>. The offer on the free card remains 5,000 Avios.</p><p>Frankly, I see little point in getting the free card with 5,000 Avios when you could pay £20 per month (cancellable at any point) for the Plus card and get 35,000 Avios.</p><p>Unfortunately, <strong>existing Barclaycard holders – which includes the old Hilton Honors card – cannot apply as you are restricted to one Barclaycard credit card at a time</strong>. If you choose to cancel your existing card you will need to wait six months before making a fresh application.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">There are TWO Barclaycard Avios credit cards</h2><p>I have summarised the two cards below and there are links at the bottom of this page to three more in-depth articles.</p><p>The bottom line, however, is that <strong>I recommend getting the paid card because of the <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" data-shortcode="true">limited time 35,000 Avios sign-up bonus</a></strong>. You can cancel at any point.</p><p>Let’s summarise the two Barclaycard Avios credit cards:</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card.webp" alt="Get 35,000 bonus Avios with the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard" class="wp-image-442138 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-Plus-credit-card-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The paid card: Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard</h2><p><strong>The representative APR is 80.1% APR variable, including the annual fee. The representative APR on purchases is 29.9% variable.</strong></p><p>The benefits are:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>A £20 per month fee (reduced to £15 for customers who hold Barclays Avios Rewards via a Barclays Premier current account)</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>A sign-up bonus for new Barclaycard customers of 35,000 Avios</strong> if you spend £6,000 in six months</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>A 12-month subscription to Apple TV</strong>. To claim this you must be a new subscriber to Apple TV or have cancelled a previous subscription more than 60 days ago. It cannot be used by existing Apple TV subscribers.</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>35,000 Avios and the Apple TV subscription are special offers which are only available until 15th January</strong> – the standard deal is 25,000 Avios and no Apple TV subscription</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>You earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>You earn a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher if you spend £10,000 in a card year</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>You can choose 7,000 bonus Avios instead of a cabin upgrade voucher if you wish</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>You can buy airport lounge passes for lounges in the Dragonpass network for the discounted price of £20.50 per person per visit</li></ul><p><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" data-shortcode="true">You can apply here.</a></p><p>Note that the fee is paid monthly. <strong>You can cancel the card at any time.</strong> You may be able to downgrade to the free card via the app but, weirdly, this option is not guaranteed to be available. A Barclays algorithm decides whether you will be shown a downgrade option or not!</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card.webp" alt="Get 35,000 bonus Avios with the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard" class="wp-image-442142 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The free card: Barclaycard Avios Mastercard</h2><p><strong>The representative APR is 29.9% variable.</strong></p><p>The benefits are:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>No annual fee</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>A sign-up bonus for new Barclaycard customers of 5,000 Avios</strong> if you spend £1,000 in three months</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>You earn 1 Avios per £1 spent</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>You earn a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher if you spend £20,000 in a card year</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>You can choose 7,000 bonus Avios instead of a cabin upgrade voucher if you wish</li></ul><p><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" data-shortcode="true">You can apply here.</a> However, we recommend getting the Plus card for the 35,000 Avios. You may be able to downgrade later to the free card and, in the worse case scenario that a downgrade is not offered, you can simply cancel the paid card and reapply for the free card after six months.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-500x331.webp" alt="35,000 Avios with the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard" class="wp-image-739549 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Summary</h2><p>The launch of the Barclaycard Avios credit cards was arguably a game changer:</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>An earnings rate which blows all other Visa or Mastercard products out of the water:</strong></h4><p><strong>You honestly couldn’t ask for more from a non-Amex credit card.</strong> The earning rate of 1 Avios per £1 (free card) or 1.5 Avios per £1 (fee card) blows all of the competition out of the water. <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/21/what-is-an-avios-point-worth-9/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">If you value an Avios at 1p, which we do in our articles</a>, then you’d be getting an effective 1% to 1.5% return on your spending. This is 400%-500% more than your typical cashback Visa or Mastercard.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>An annual British Airways upgrade voucher if you hit your spending target:</strong></h4><p>On top of an outstanding earn rate, <strong>you can earn a valuable annual cabin upgrade voucher for an Avios reward flight booking on British Airways</strong>.</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/03/how-do-barclaycard-avios-mastercard-upgrade-vouchers-work-4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more about the Barclaycard Avios upgrade voucher in this article</a> but it can easily save you 50,000+ Avios on a typical redemption.</p><p>If you don’t want to take the voucher, you can choose 7,000 bonus Avios instead.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A big sign-up bonus which most HfP readers will qualify for:</strong></h4><p>You also pick up a substantial sign-up bonus. Subject to the small print, <strong>you can get 5,000 Avios on the free card</strong> (spend £1,000 in three months) and – until 15th January – <strong>a limited time offer of 35,000 Avios on the paid card</strong> (spend £6,000 in six months).</p><p>My personal view is that you should <strong>apply for the £20 per month Barclaycard Avios Plus credit card</strong>. This gets you:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>the limited time bonus of 35,000 Avios bonus for spending £6,000 in six months</li><li>the higher earning rate and </li><li>the reduced £10,000 target for earning a cabin upgrade voucher</li></ul><p>Once you’ve earned the bonus and the voucher you can reassess, based on how you feel about your British Airways American Express cards at that point. Because the £20 fee is paid monthly, you can cancel at any time or downgrade to the free card via the Barclays app – albeit the option to downgrade may not be available.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Want to know more about the cards?</h2><p>I have deliberately kept this article short, but we have three additional introductory articles on the Barclaycard Avios credit cards which will help you make the most of it:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>‘<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/06/26/questions-about-barclaycard-avios-credit-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 questions on the Barclaycard Avios credit cards, answered</a>‘</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>‘<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/06/16/which-barclaycard-avios-mastercard-cards-is-best-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Which Barclaycard Avios credit card is best for you?</a>‘</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>‘<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/03/how-do-barclaycard-avios-mastercard-upgrade-vouchers-work-4/" data-type="post" data-id="311823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How does the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cabin upgrade voucher work?</a>‘</li></ul><p>We will run updated versions of these articles over the next couple of weeks.</p><p>The official Barclaycard website <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-cards-joint-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comparing both cards is here</a>.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to apply</h2><p>You can <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" data-shortcode="true">apply for the free Barclaycard Avios credit card (5,000 Avios bonus) here</a> (although we don’t recommend it given the special offer on the Plus card!)</p><p>You can <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" data-shortcode="true">apply for the Barclaycard Avios Plus credit card (35,000 Avios bonus until 15th January 2026) here</a>.</p><p><em>Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points. The site discusses products offered by lenders but is not a lender itself. Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as an independent credit broker.</em></p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/35000-avios-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>177</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">860260</post-id> </item><item><title>How to book empty middle ‘comfort seats’ on Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and Jet2</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/how-to-book-spare-middle-comfort-seats/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/how-to-book-spare-middle-comfort-seats/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rhys Jones]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:11:23 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><category><![CDATA[one]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=846567</guid><description><![CDATA[In October, in my article about Wizz Air introducing a basic business class (if it can be called that), I mentioned that virtually all of the low cost carriers allow you to book an empty middle seat if you want the extra space. It turns out that many of you were not aware of this […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In October, in <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/30/wizz-air-will-trial-basic-business-class-in-december/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my article about Wizz Air introducing a basic business class</a> (if it can be called that), I mentioned that <strong>virtually all of the low cost carriers allow you to book an empty middle seat if you want the extra space.</strong></p><p>It turns out that many of you were not aware of this benefit, which is often called a ‘Comfort Seat’ by the airlines.</p><p>You could describe it as ‘DIY EuroBusiness’. You get the benefits of paying for a blocked middle seat without paying for any of the other benefits that usually come with business class on European short haul routes (lounge access, priority services, food and drink on board etc).</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="904" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official.jpg" alt="How to book spare middle 'comfort seats' on Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and Jet2" class="wp-image-496636 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official.jpg 904w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official-400x265.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official-500x332.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official-768x510.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official-325x215.jpg 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official-650x430.jpg 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official-180x120.jpg 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official-360x240.jpg 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/easyJet-A320-official-350x232.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 904px) 100vw, 904px" /></figure></div><p><strong>All it requires is booking an extra ticket for yourself.</strong> Of course, as nobody will be travelling in this seat, you don’t need to pay for any other benefits such as priority boarding or extra luggage. <strong>This can make it remarkably cheap on Ryanair, easyJet <em>et al</em></strong> where the cost of ancillaries can often exceed the original ‘flight only’ price.</p><p>Every airline treats the process of booking a comfort seat slightly differently. I thought it would be useful to run through how you do so on the major low cost carriers.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Before we start, a word of warning</h2><p>Booking an extra ticket via the standard route (ie booking for two people with no intention of two people flying) does NOT guarantee an empty seat next you.</p><p><strong>You must specifically book a comfort seat. </strong>If a flight is oversold, any passenger who doesn’t arrive at the gate before it closes may be offloaded and their seat reassigned. Simply purchasing an extra ticket won’t help, as there’s no actual passenger to check in for that seat. A comfort seat, however, is officially boarded and won’t be reallocated.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to book an empty middle seat on Ryanair</h2><p>Booking an extra seat on Ryanair is really easy, and Ryanair has <a href="https://help.ryanair.com/hc/en-gb/articles/12892375574673-Can-I-buy-an-extra-seat-for-comfort" target="_blank" rel="noopener">provided clear guidance on its website</a>:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“Firstly, purchase two full-fare flight tickets. Book the first ticket in your name. Then for your second ticket, enter ‘EXTRA’ as the first name and ‘COMFORT SEAT’ as the last name. ‘EXTRA COMFORT SEAT’ will then be added to your reservation. When checking in online, the same travel document details will be added for you and your extra seat.”</p></blockquote><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryanair-iStock-500x334.webp" alt="How to book spare middle 'comfort seats' on Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and Jet2" class="wp-image-766903 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryanair-iStock-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryanair-iStock-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryanair-iStock-768x513.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryanair-iStock-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryanair-iStock-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryanair-iStock-350x234.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryanair-iStock.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><p>As you can see, Ryanair lets you book a comfort seat yourself during the normal booking process. All you have to do is book two tickets rather than one, and fill in the following details for the second ‘passenger’:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>First Name: “EXTRA”</li><li>Last Name: “COMFORT SEAT”</li></ul><p>Make sure you check in and and print out boarding passes for both yourself <em>and</em> your comfort seat, and scan both at the gate.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to book an empty middle seat on easyJet</h2><p><strong>easyJet doesn’t include ‘comfort seat’ information in their online FAQs</strong>. I asked the easyJet customer service line how to add extra comfort seats on board and was told you need to book an additional ticket / seat next to your own using the following details:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>First Name: OBJ [Your name]</li><li>Last Name: OBJ [Your surname]</li></ul><p>So, for example “Mr OBJ John OBJ Smith”.</p><p><strong>Make sure you check in</strong> for the seat as you would for your own ticket, otherwise the ticket is voided.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to book an empty middle seat on Wizz Air</h2><p>Like Ryanair, Wizz Air lets you book a comfort seat when you book your own flights online. You can <a href="https://www.wizzair.com/en-gb/help-centre/booking-information-and-services/seats/seat-types-and-additional-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see the guidance on its website.</a></p><p>All you need to do is purchase an additional ticket. Then simply add the following details for the second ticket:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>First name: “EXST”</li><li>Last name: your surname</li></ul><p>You MUST check-in for this additional seat on the day of departure, otherwise the seat is voided.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2-500x333.webp" alt="How to book spare middle 'comfort seats' on Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and Jet2" class="wp-image-703018 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2-768x511.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Easyjet-webp-3to2.webp 1012w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to book an empty middle seat on Jet2</h2><p>Jet2 does not publish any official guidance for booking comfort seats online.</p><p>Having spoken to their customer services team the process is simple: all you need to do is book a flight-only ticket for a two year old in the seat next to you with the following name:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>First name: ‘Comfort’</li><li>Last name: ‘Seat’</li></ul><p>You MUST check-in for this additional seat on the day of departure, otherwise the seat is voided.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2><p>As you can see, <strong>the process for booking an additional comfort seat is relatively similar across all the low cost carriers</strong> although they like to use different naming conventions.</p><p>One crucial detail is that I believe <strong>all airlines require you to check in for your extra seat</strong>. If you do not do so, it will look like a ‘no show’ and could be reallocated.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/how-to-book-spare-middle-comfort-seats/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>87</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">846567</post-id> </item><item><title>Bits: Amex / Hyatt cashback extended, IHG’s first London Garner, Alaska gets Heathrow slots</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/american-express-hyatt-cashback-extended/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/american-express-hyatt-cashback-extended/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards]]></category><category><![CDATA[oneworld alliance partners]]></category><category><![CDATA[World of Hyatt]]></category><category><![CDATA[two]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861080</guid><description><![CDATA[News in brief: American Express and Hyatt extend cashback offer Hyatt and American Express have extended their current cashback deal by two months. The original ‘stay by’ date of 31st December 2025 has been extended to 28th February 2026. You will get £75 cashback when you spend £300 at selected Hyatt hotels. The list of […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>News in brief:</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">American Express and Hyatt extend cashback offer</h2><p><strong>Hyatt and American Express have extended their current cashback deal by two months.</strong></p><p>The original ‘stay by’ date of 31st December 2025 has been extended to 28th February 2026.</p><p>You will <strong>get £75 cashback when you spend £300</strong> <strong>at selected Hyatt hotels</strong>.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-hyatt-cashback-hotels-31-december/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">list of participating hotels is here</a>. Only selected hotels in EMEA are included, although it is a far wider range of countries than we have seen historically (hello, Kyrgyzstan). Cumulative spend is OK.</p><p>Our full <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/13/75-hyatt-american-express-hotel-cashback/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">article on the deal, including links of our reviews of participating hotels, is here</a>.</p><p>If you have not already registered, it may still be available for new sign-ups. Look under the ‘Offers’ tab for each Amex card you have in the Amex app or on the website. If you have already registered, the offer has been extended automatically.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">This deal will double up with Hyatt Prive benefits</h3><p><strong>You can combine this deal with Hyatt Prive</strong>, the benefits programme offered by luxury travel agents including our partner Emyr Thomas.</p><p>The minimum stay requirement is usually:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>No minimum stay – Park Hyatt, Miraval, Andaz, Thompson, The Standard</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Two nights minimum – Alila, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, JdV by Hyatt, Dream Hotels</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Four nights minimum – Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Impression by Secrets, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, and Dreams Resorts & Spas</li></ul><p>Hyatt Prive gets you the following benefits – at no additional cost, compared to the usual Best Flexible Rate:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>$100 property credit per room per stay ($50 or $75 at some cheaper Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency hotels)</li><li><strong>one category room upgrade confirmed within 24 hours of booking</strong> (non-suite to suite is excluded)</li><li>daily full breakfast for two</li><li>early check-in (from 9am) and late check-out (to 4pm) subject to availability</li><li>welcome gift and letter</li></ul><p>Hyatt gives hotels some flexibility over Prive benefits, often in your favour, eg some Alila and Unbound hotels will give benefits on one night stays, some will upgrade from non-suite to suite. Emyr cannot see the terms until he tries to book so ask for a quote and take it from there.</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/01/01/what-is-hyatt-prive-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to learn more</a> about Hyatt Prive in a HfP article, and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/virtuoso-agent-london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use the form here to contact Emyr with booking enquiries</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London.webp" alt="Hyatt American Express cashback deal extended" class="wp-image-661545 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">London is getting its first Garner hotel</h2><p><strong>Garner is IHG’s new equivalent of Hilton’s Spark and Marriott’s Four Points Flex</strong>. All are targetting the ibis / cheaper Best Western end of the market and the majority of properties will be conversions.</p><p>They are certainly not hotels you will be rushing to stay at, but at the same time it is a cheap and cheerful way to earn an elite night credit and a handful of points if all you need is a bed for a night.</p><p>In terms of points and benefits, <strong>Garner is the best of the three</strong>:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Garner (IHG) earns full elite night credits and full points (10 per $1)</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Spark (Hilton) earns full elite night credits but (from 2026) only half points (5 per $1)</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Four Points Flex (Marriott) earns half elite night credits (rounded down, nothing on one night stays) and only half points (5 per $1)</li></ul><p><strong>Garner is coming in London</strong>. Garner Hotel London Victoria is now showing at ihg.com – <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/garner-london-victoria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a> – although it isn’t yet bookable.</p><p>The address is 65 Belgrave Road which is currently the address of the Victoria Inn. This looks like a typical ‘cheap tourist hotel in a converted house near a railway station’, although seeing the room photos it feels surprisingly smart.</p><p>The website admits that “The Victoria Inn’s rooms are ideal for those looking to explore London on a low budget”, which in Victoria means £75+ per night. Some rooms are windowless, increasingly the norm at this end of the market.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/garner-london-victoria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Garner Hotel London Victoria website is here</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery-500x333.webp" alt="Alaska Airlines Boeing 787-9 gets Heathrow slots" class="wp-image-815154 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alaska-Airlines-Boeing-787-9-livery.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alaska Airlines gets Heathrow landing slots</h2><p><strong>Alaska Airlines is launching an international push</strong>. Inheriting a fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft after the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, it decided to use them to turn its Seattle home into a global hub.</p><p>Flights to Tokyo and Seoul have launched with Rome following in May 2026. Reykjavik will also launch in May, albeit with a single aisle Boeing 737.</p><p>Heathrow was also expected to launch in May, but Alaska’s request for slots was turned down. This wasn’t surprising as the number of slots which are available to be allocated for free is tiny. Most airlines which stop flying to Heathrow sell their slots – the record price for a pair is $75m I think, paid by Oman Air – rather than surrender them.</p><p>American Airlines, a fellow oneworld alliance airline, has now come to the rescue.<strong> It has agreed to lease a slot pair to Alaska from 22nd May 2026, allowing one daily flight to Seattle.</strong></p><p><strong>Alaska Airlines will become the fourth airline to operate the Seattle route, </strong>with British Airways, Delta and Virgin Atlantic already flying between the two airports. American Airlines dropped the route in 2023, just two years after lauch.</p><p>The aircraft were originally delivered to Hawaiian with 34 business class seats and 266 economy seats. The seats are based on the Elevate Aircraft Seating ‘Ascent’ product and sport very Hawaiian colours, so it is expected these will be lightly refurbished.</p><p>Seats should be available for Avios at some point. Tickets are not yet on sale for cash or points.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/american-express-hyatt-cashback-extended/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>19</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861080</post-id> </item><item><title>American Express Business Platinum vs personal Platinum – what’s the difference?</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/difference-between-personal-business-american-express-platinum/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/difference-between-personal-business-american-express-platinum/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 03:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[American Express Platinum card]]></category><category><![CDATA[American Express® Business Cards]]></category><category><![CDATA[The American Express® Business Platinum Card]]></category><category><![CDATA[three]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=860223</guid><description><![CDATA[A regular question I get asked by readers is how The American Express Business Platinum Card differs from (personal) The Platinum Card. With the personal Platinum card gaining a digital subcription to The Times last week – a benefit previously reserved for Business Platinum cardholders – I thought it was worth updating this article. We […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A regular question I get asked by readers is <strong>how The American Express Business Platinum Card differs from (personal) The Platinum Card</strong>.</p><p>With <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/05/free-times-subscription-added-to-amex-platinum/" data-type="post" data-id="859762" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the personal Platinum card gaining a digital subcription to <em>The Times</em> last week</a> – a benefit previously reserved for Business Platinum cardholders – I thought it was worth updating this article.</p><p>We have a similar articles on <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/04/what-is-the-difference-between-american-express-gold-and-american-express-platinum-2/" data-type="post" data-id="249960" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how The Platinum Card differs from American Express Preferred Rewards Gold which you can find here</a> and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/01/difference-american-express-business-gold-and-business-platinum-cards/" data-type="post" data-id="650353" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how The American Express Business Platinum Card differs from The American Express Business Gold Card</a>.</p><p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-955a5be1940e3a30cc65e75c084f51b7"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER: Until 13th January 2026, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 75,000 Membership Rewards points. <strong>This would convert to 75,000 Avios! </strong></strong> <strong>You will also receive £250 to spend at Amex Travel. The spend target is unchanged at £6,000 in three months. T&C apply. Click <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true"><u>here to apply</u></a>.</strong></p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp.webp" alt="Differences between business and personal american express platinum cards" class="wp-image-562798 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What benefits are shared between The American Express Business Platinum Card and The Platinum Card?</h2><p>Before we get onto the differences, which are modest, let’s look at the benefits which both cards share.</p><p>Note that this list is not comprehensive – I have focused on the travel related benefits – and you should study <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum-business/" data-shortcode="true">The Amex Business Platinum Card website</a> and (personal) <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">The Platinum Card website</a> for full details.</p><p>You can opt in for most of these benefits via <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/american-express-benefit-registration/" data-shortcode="true">this page of the American Express website</a>. This page is not well promoted by Amex and a lot of Platinum cardholders don’t know it exists. Enrolment for <em>The Times</em> benefit is only possible for personal Platinum cardholders via the Amex Experiences app.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Airport lounge access</h3><p><strong>You will receive a free <a title="Priority Pass" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/priority-pass/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Priority Pass</a> card</strong>. Priority Pass is a network of 1,400 airport lounges across the world, including SEVEN in London Heathrow. This includes the Club Aspire and Plaza Premium lounges in BA’s Heathrow Terminal 5. Your Priority Pass allows an unlimited number of free visits to their lounges. You can also bring in a guest for free.</p><p><strong>You can also give a Priority Pass card to a second person via your free supplementary Platinum card.</strong> If this is your partner or spouse, you would both be able to get into the lounge for free <em>and</em> each bring in a free guest. This means that a family of four can get into a lounge if you give your partner the second card.</p><p><strong>You can also access American Express Centurion lounges with a guest</strong>, including <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/05/05/review-american-express-centurion-lounge-heathrow-terminal-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Centurion Lounge in Heathrow Terminal 3</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp-500x333.webp" alt="Amex Business Platinum and personal Platinum differences" class="wp-image-574331 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-webp.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hotel status</h3><p><strong>You will receive Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy hotel loyalty scheme</strong>. This will give added benefits at Marriott, Renaissance, Sheraton, Westin, W, aloft, St Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, The Luxury Collection etc properties – 36 brands in total.</p><p><strong>You will receive Premium status in the Radisson Rewards hotel loyalty scheme.</strong> This will give added benefits at Radisson Blu / RED / Individuals, Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels. One key benefit of Premium is the ability to activate ‘Discount Booster’ and receive an additional cash discount of c 10% in return for earning fewer points. </p><p><strong>You will receive Gold status in the Hilton Honors hotel loyalty scheme.</strong> This is <strong>the best mid-tier hotel status</strong> to have, because you get free breakfast with it (hotels in the US give a cash credit instead towards any F&B spend). You will get benefits at Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Hampton, Curio etc.</p><p><strong>You will receive Gold status in the MeliaRewards hotel loyalty scheme.</strong> You will get benefits at Melia and INNSiDE hotels, with benefits including three 20% discount vouchers each year and ‘2 for 1’ breakfast.</p><p>There are also car rental status benefits with Avis Preferred and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards but these are, in all honesty, no better than deals that are generally available.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hotel booking benefits</h3><p><strong>You can access the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts Programme</strong>. This offers genuine added value benefits at a large number of luxury hotels across the world. These include a GUARANTEED 4pm check-out, free breakfast, an upgrade if available at check-in and typically a $100 credit towards on-property spending.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Subscription to The Times and Sunday Times:</h3><p><strong>You receive a free digital subscription to<em> The Times</em> and <em>Sunday Times</em></strong>. If you currently pay for this it is a huge incentive to take out one of the two Platinum cards.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Day to day earning</h3><p><strong>Both cards earn 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent </strong>on the card, with a few exceptions.</p><p><strong>Both cards receive Amex Offers </strong>for making purchases at specific merchants. In my personal experience, I receive more offers on The Platinum Card than The American Express Business Platinum Card. The offers on Business Platinum are slightly more business-driven. Only some of the generous hotel cashback offers we cover on HfP appear on Business Platinum.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light.webp" alt="Amex Business Platinum and personal Platinum differences" class="wp-image-388616 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFP-American-Express-Amex-Business-Platinum-light-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The following benefits are exclusive to The American Express Business Platinum Card</h2><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>You receive a £200 annual Amex Travel credit</strong>. This is awarded per membership year, not per calendar year. You receive £200 off a £200+ transaction at Amex Travel (flight or hotel) which is pre-paid. This should be as good as cash to most HfP readers.</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>You receive a monthly 10,000 points bonus whenever you spend £10,000 in a statement month</strong>. If you spent exactly £10,000 per month – which is obviously unlikely – this would mean that you were earning an average of 2 points per £1, the most generous rate of any UK payment card.</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>You receive £150 credit per year to spend with Dell</strong>. No minimum spend applies but the credit is split into two parts. You can earn £75 cashback between January and June and £75 cashback between July and December.</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>You receive £300 credit per year to spend with online recruitment group Indeed. </strong> No minimum spend applies. The credit is split into one x £75 cashback for each calendar quarter.</li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The following benefits are exclusive to The Platinum Card (personal)</h2><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>You receive £400 per year of dining credit.</strong> This is split into two chunks – £200 per calendar year to spend at roughly 160 UK restaurants (credited at £100 per half year) and £200 equivalent per calendar year to spend at 1,200+ international restaurants (credited at £100 per half year).</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>You receive Eurostar lounge access</strong> irrespective of your class of travel. You cannot bring a guest but your partner could accompany you if you issued them with the free supplementary Platinum card. Staff will often allow children in at quiet times but this is not guaranteed and a family may be turned away.</li></ul><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum.webp" alt="Amex Business Platinum and personal Platinum differences" class="wp-image-414434 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The following benefits differ between the business and personal Platinum cards</h2><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Card structure</h3><p>The Platinum Card (personal) is issued as a credit card. </p><p><strong>The representative APR is 688.5% variable, including the annual fee. The representative APR on purchases is 29.4% variable.</strong></p><p>The American Express Business Platinum Card remains a charge card, meaning that you MUST repay your balance in full every month.</p><p>In reality, since I doubt many of our readers pay interest on the credit card balances, this is not a key difference.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Annual fee</h3><p>Both cards have an annual fee of £650 per year.</p><p>Annual fees are tax deductible for the percentage of spending which is done for business purposes. This applies to both the personal and business card.</p><p><strong>Both cards require a personal minimum income of £35,000 per year</strong>. Amex still looks at your personal income even if you are applying for Business Platinum.</p><p>Both cards can be cancelled at any point for a pro-rata refund.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sign-up bonus</h3><p>The Platinum Card (personal) has a bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points. The American Express Business Platinum Card also has a bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points.</p><p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-955a5be1940e3a30cc65e75c084f51b7"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER: Until 13th January 2026, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 75,000 Membership Rewards points. <strong>This would convert to 75,000 Avios! </strong></strong> <strong>You will also receive £250 to spend at Amex Travel. The spend target is unchanged at £6,000 in three months. T&C apply. Click <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true"><u>here to apply</u></a>.</strong></p><p><strong>The sign-up bonus rules are different</strong> between the two cards even though the bonus is the same:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>There are no restrictions on receiving the sign-up bonus on The American Express Business Platinum Card</strong>, regardless of other American Express cards you hold or have recently held</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>You only receive the bonus on The Platinum Card if you have not had any PERSONAL Membership Rewards cards – Gold, Green, Platinum etc – in the previous 24 months. Business cards are not considered. BA, Marriott, Nectar, Harrods etc American Express cards do not stop you getting the bonus on The Platinum Card.</li></ul><p>This means that:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>if you already have The Platinum Card (or indeed any other Amex cards, business or personal), you can get the bonus on Business Platinum – no small print</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>if you already have Business Platinum, you can get the bonus on the personal The Platinum Card, subject to not having had a personal card earning Membership Rewards points in the previous 24 months</li></ul><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-500x333.webp" alt="Amex Business Platinum and personal Platinum differences" class="wp-image-392444 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Travel insurance</h3><p><strong>Both cards come with comprehensive travel insurance</strong>. The coverage with The American Express Business Platinum Card is stronger in some areas – you are covered up to the age of 80 (vs 70 for The Platinum Card) and there are fewer requirement to pay for anything on American Express to receive full coverage.</p><p>Even if you are not between 70-80 yourself, remember that you can cover a family member by issuing your free Platinum supplementary card to them.</p><p>I strongly recommend you read the policy documents for each card, available via the application websites <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum-business/" data-shortcode="true">here</a> and <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">here</a>, if this is important to you. Note the restrictions on pre-existing conditions.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Refer a friend bonuses</h3><p><strong>Both cards allow you to earn up to 90,000 Membership Rewards points per calendar year </strong>by referring friends for American Express cards.</p><p>The American Express Business Platinum Card holders receive a higher bonus of 18,000 points per successful referral, compared to 12,000 points for holders of The Platinum Card. These numbers are often higher during regular promotions.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2><p><strong>There is no obvious answer</strong> to the question of whether The American Express Business Platinum Card is better than The Platinum Card ….</p><p>…. assuming, of course, that you have some sort of business – or are in the process of launching one – and so qualify for Business Platinum.</p><p><strong>I have both cards, so I get the best of both worlds</strong>. I get a lot of value from the dining credits which are unique to ther personal card, as well as the Eurostar lounge access, but of course the annual £200 Amex Travel credit on Business Platinum is effectively ‘free money’ given my job!</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">More information</h2><p>Please take a look at the official American Express websites if you require additional information about any of these benefits, especially insurance.</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum-business/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The American Express Business Platinum Card website, which contains full details and the application form, is here</a>.</p><p><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">The Platinum Card website for the personal card, which contains full details and the application form, is here</a>.</p><p><em>Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points. The site discusses products offered by lenders but is not a lender itself. Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as an independent credit broker.</em></p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/difference-between-personal-business-american-express-platinum/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>22</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">860223</post-id> </item><item><title>‘The Travel Brief’, the weekly Head for Points travel trade newsletter</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/business-travel-news-163/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/business-travel-news-163/#respond</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><category><![CDATA[The Travel Brief]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=861047</guid><description><![CDATA[Welcome to The Travel Brief, your weekly trade round-up of UK business travel and travel loyalty news as well as the latest reviews and features from the Head for Points team. If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up here to receive this free newsletter in your inbox every Monday. Please forward it […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="has-text-align-left">Welcome to <em>The Travel Brief</em>, <strong>your weekly trade round-up of UK business travel and travel loyalty news</strong> as well as <strong>the latest reviews and features</strong> from the <em>Head for Points</em> team.</p><p class="has-text-align-left">If you are not a subscriber, <a href="https://eepurl.com/iaRCsT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you can sign up here</a> to receive this free newsletter in your inbox every Monday. <strong>Please forward it to any colleagues who you think may be interested.</strong></p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-500x331.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-739548 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Avios devaluation:</h2><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/03/avios-announces-devaluation/">British Airways announces a (manageable) devaluation of Avios redemptions</a></strong> – here’s what we know so far</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp-500x333.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-394435 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zipcar-light-webp.webp 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">This week’s top travel news stories:</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/02/use-avios-at-pizza-express/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zipcar, the car club, has announced it intends to close its UK operations</strong></a>, image above</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/06/ba-cityflyer-launches-three-routes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BA Cityflyer launches three new summer sun routes, including one from Glasgow</strong></a></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/05/new-air-france-flight-to-gatwick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Air France launches direct flights to London Gatwick</a></strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/05/new-air-france-flight-to-gatwick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stay at a Chelsea FC-themed suite in …. Jakarta!</a></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/05/new-air-france-flight-to-gatwick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Upgrade to Clubrooms lounges (with table service) for just £10</strong></a> if you have a Priority Pass</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/04/intercontinental-hotels-free-club-lounge-access-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Which InterContinental hotels give free club lounge access when booked via a ‘preferred partner’ agent?</strong></a></p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stories we recommend from other sites:</h3><p><a href="https://www.qatarairways.com/press-releases/en-WW/258698-qatar-airways-group-appoints-hamad-ali-al-khater-as-group-chief-executive-officer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar Airways Group appoints Mr. Hamad Ali Al-Khater as Group Chief Executive Officer</a> (<em>website</em>)</p><p><a href="https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/is-tap-air-portugals-new-cabin-premium-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TAP Portugal launches pseudo-Premium Economy with an empty middle on long haul</a> (<em>Business Traveller</em>)</p><p><a href="https://ukaviation.news/jet2s-big-push-in-2026-expansion-of-new-routes-across-the-uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jet2’s big push in 2026: full list of new routes</a> (<em>UK Aviation News</em>)</p><p><a href="https://www.airdatanews.com/global-airlines-puts-its-logo-on-a-hi-fly-a340-as-the-a380s-future-remains-uncertain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Airlines puts its logo on a Hi Fly A340 as the A380’s future remains uncertain</a> (<em>Air Data News</em>)</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plaza-Premium-LHR-T4-07.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plaza-Premium-LHR-T4-07-500x375.webp" alt="Review: Plaza Premium Heathrow Terminal 4 lounge" class="wp-image-857298 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plaza-Premium-LHR-T4-07-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plaza-Premium-LHR-T4-07-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plaza-Premium-LHR-T4-07-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plaza-Premium-LHR-T4-07-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plaza-Premium-LHR-T4-07.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our latest reviews:</h2><p>Rhys visits <strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/30/review-plaza-premium-heathrow-terminal-4-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the new-ish Plaza Premium lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4</a></strong> which occupies the ground floor of what used to be the SkyTeam lounge. (The old Plaza lounge, above the Qatar Airways space, has been closed.)</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards-500x333.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-731794 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IHG-One-Rewards.jpg 1062w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The latest UK travel loyalty news:</h2><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/06/ihg-one-rewards-redemption-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Save 10% to 15% on IHG One Rewards hotel redemptions – but for elite members only</strong></a></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/03/amex-centurion-card-uk-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amex Centurion card: do the UK benefits justify the £3,400 (!) annual fee?</a></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/04/capital-on-tap-adds-virgin-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Capital on Tap adds Virgin Points alongside Avios as transfer partner</strong></a> – this credit card is quickly becoming essential if you have a Limited Company</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/02/use-avios-at-pizza-express/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can now earn and redeem Avios at Pizza Express</a></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/02/british-airways-status-match-5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Get British Airways Silver equivalent status by matching top-tier hotel status</strong></a> – this amazing offer is only available for a few days</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/30/best-hotel-milestone-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Which hotel group offers the best milestone rewards?</a></strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/05/free-times-subscription-added-to-amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Express adds a digital <em>The Times</em> and <em>Sunday Times</em> subscription to The Platinum Card benefits</a></strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/02/amex-dining-cashback/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get 20% cashback at 100+ restaurants until Christmas with Amex Platinum and Amex Gold</a></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/05/get-825-from-global-hotel-alliance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Get $825 from Global Hotel Alliance if you can complete ten stays at ten brands by May</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/05/65-bonus-when-you-buy-avios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Get a 65% bonus when you buy Avios via Qatar Airways Privilege Club</strong></a> – click <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/qatar-privilege-club-buy-miles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here to buy</a></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/03/70-bonus-when-you-buy-virgin-points-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get a 70% bonus when buying Virgin Points</a></strong> – click <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/virgin-buy-miles/" data-shortcode="true">here to buy</a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/03/british-airways-american-express-voucher-extra-seats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>How do you unlock extra Club World Avios seats when using a British Airways American Express Premium Plus Companion Voucher?</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/01/how-to-book-avios-redemption-flights-iberia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>How to book low cost long haul Avios redemptions on Iberia</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/02/use-avios-at-pizza-express/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Get a 35% bonus transferring Avios into ALL Accor points</strong></a></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/01/best-hotel-promos-december-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What are the best hotel promos for December 2025?</a></strong></p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="595" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-509126 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-400x264.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-350x231.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW: Get a 40,000 points bonus (converts to 40,000 Avios) with ‘free for a year’ Amex Gold</h2><p>American Express is currenctly running a special sign-up bonus on the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card – <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apply here</a>.</p><p>Remember that this card is <strong>free</strong> for your first year!</p><p><strong>The bonus is increased from 20,000 to 40,000 Membership Rewards points.</strong> This would convert to:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>40,000 Avios</li><li>40,000 Virgin Points</li><li>40,000 Etihad, Flying Blue, Asia Miles, Delta, Qantas or SAS miles</li><li>30,000 Emirates Skywards miles</li><li>26,666 Singapore Airlines miles</li><li>80,000 Hilton Honors points</li><li>60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points</li><li>120,000 Radisson Rewards points</li><li>2,666 Club Eurostar points</li></ul><p>…. and many other non-travel rewards.</p><p><strong>You receive 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending £5,000 within six months</strong> of approval. This is only £833 per month, and would include the (high spending!) Christmas period if you apply now.</p><p>Even better, you get:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>four passes</strong> for any airport lounge in the Priority Pass network</li><li>24 x £5 credits to spend at Deliveroo (max one per order and two per month)</li><li><strong>up to 10,000 bonus Membership Rewards points</strong> each year based on your spending</li></ul><p><strong>The card is free for the first year.</strong> If you keep it beyond the first year there is an annual fee of £195. You receive a further four airport lounge passes and more Deliveroo credits on renewal.</p><p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/12/amex-gold-bonus-40000-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our main article on the 40,000 Membership Rewards points bonus is here.</a> Make sure you read the bit about whether or not you qualify for the bonus.</p><p>You can apply for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card with the special bonus <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on this page of the Amex website</a>.</p><p>T&C apply, 18+ only.</p><p><strong>The representative APR is 86.3% variable, including the annual fee. The representative APR on purchases, and in the first year which has no fee, is 29.4% variable.</strong></p><p><em>Head for Points</em> receives a commission if you apply via our link – thank you.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for reading</h2><p>Please drop me a note at rob@headforpoints.com with any feedback.</p><p>If you are booking a hotel this week, <strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-hotel-points-promotions/" data-type="post" data-id="757923" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here to read our summary of the best bonus points offers for November from the big chains</a>.</strong></p><p>See you next Monday,</p><p>Rob, Rhys, Sinead and Katie @ Head for Points</p><p>PS. If you were forwarded ‘The Travel Brief’ by a colleague, you can sign up for a free email subscription by <a href="https://eepurl.com/iaRCsT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">filling in the form here</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/business-travel-news-163/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">861047</post-id> </item><item><title>What should BA cut next? It is asking members for ideas</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/what-should-british-airways-cut-next/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/what-should-british-airways-cut-next/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 05:05:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category><category><![CDATA[one]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=860104</guid><description><![CDATA[Long-term HfP readers will know that, when any travel group cuts the benefits it offers to its customers, it always claims that it is ‘in response to member feedback’. The next time you read this, however, it won’t be nonsense. BA is canvassing opinion as to where the axe should fall next in the name […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Long-term HfP readers will know that, when any travel group cuts the benefits it offers to its customers, it always claims that it is ‘in response to member feedback’.</p><p>The next time you read this, however, it won’t be nonsense. <strong> BA is canvassing opinion as to where the axe should fall next</strong> in the name of sustainability.</p><p>Take a look at this research survey being circulated to BA Future Lab members:</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="1114" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BA-features.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-860107 aligncenter" style="width:300px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BA-features.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BA-features-400x891.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BA-features-350x780.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><p>For various reasons, this is all a little odd.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Opting out of meals:</h3><p>Virgin Atlantic already allows passengers to say in advance that they don’t want a meal. I don’t understand why you even need a survey to realise this is worth doing, especially on overnight flights. Just do it.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Travelling with less luggage / lighter luggage:</h3><p>I can’t even begin to understand what this question is asking, unless <strong>it is asking ‘permission’ to cut the free baggage allowance.</strong></p><p>I doubt anyone overpacks deliberately because they are desperate to use their full baggage allowance and ‘get their money’s worth’. I have spent the last 35 years perfecting the art of travelling light.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Making passengers bring their own water bottles:</h3><p>BA recently trialled removing free bottles of water on a handful of routes. It was seen as a disaster and reversed. Perhaps it will come back if it can show ‘passengers asked for it’.</p><p>I don’t carry a water bottle around day-to-day and don’t intend to start bringing one just to use on a plane (and being stuck with it for the rest of my holiday).</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Opting out of sleepwear and/or amenity kits:</h3><p>Opting out of sleepwear in advance? Seems a bit weird, if only because <strong>BA knows what percentage of passengers refuse sleepwear</strong>.</p><p>Let’s assume 50% of passengers take it and 50% do not, and that this split has been proven to be correct over thousands of flights. What is the benefit of you confirming to BA in advance that you don’t want it? It will only be loading sleepsuits for just over 50% anyway.</p><p>What would be more useful would be <strong>asking passengers in advance what size they are</strong>, which would allow fewer spares to be carried.</p><p>Although, let’s be honest, does any airline have sleepsuit sizing which bears any resemblance to real-world clothing sizes? I brought a ‘M/L’ back for my 14 year old from a Virgin Atlantic flight last week and it’s quite clear that in Virgin-land a slim 14-year old needs an XL at least!</p><p><strong>The great amenity kit debate is a tricky one.</strong> I am personally fed up with them but I do need a couple of the items, and then chuck / leave the rest. In a perfect world, put everything loose in the loos and let people take what they want. Feel free to leave a smart (empty) bag by the seat which passengers can take if they wish.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pre-ordering meals:</h3><p><strong>British Airways allowed the pre-ordering of meals pre-covid</strong>. It was never brought back after the pandemic, potentially because it encourages people to trade up to the more expensive options.</p><p>This is actually a win for the airline and the passenger, especially if – as Virgin Atlantic offers – the pre-order list is substantially longer than the onboard list.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2><p>To be totally clear …. <strong>I am supportive of some of the ideas in the list above</strong>. In fact, some are so obvious they should have been done years ago (and in one case it was, then scrapped) and most of them don’t require ‘permission’ from customers to try.</p><p>However, <strong>there is a difference between what I think I need and what an airline should offer to justify a premium service at a premium price</strong>. Do everything listed above and it suddenly becomes very difficult to have any aura of ‘premium’ around your offering.</p><p>Those who remember what happened when Alex Cruz removed flowers from the bathrooms – but left the flower holder in place, as a reminder to every passenger that the flower had gone to save money – will know what I mean.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/what-should-british-airways-cut-next/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>293</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">860104</post-id> </item><item><title>Bits: new Hilton resort in Santorini, 1000 bonus ALL Accor points, €20 bonus on Accor gift cards</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/sandblu-santorini-joins-hilton/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/sandblu-santorini-joins-hilton/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[ALL Accor]]></category><category><![CDATA[Hilton Honors]]></category><category><![CDATA[two]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=859900</guid><description><![CDATA[News in brief: A new Hilton property is coming to Santorini Hilton’s struggling LXR brand – a ‘soft’ brand for luxury hotels which want to access the Hilton ‘system’ whilst still ‘doing their own thing’ – has made an interesting signing in Santorini. From the Summer 2026 reason, Sandblu Santorini will join the brand – […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>News in brief:</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new Hilton property is coming to Santorini</h2><p>Hilton’s struggling LXR brand – a ‘soft’ brand for luxury hotels which want to access the Hilton ‘system’ whilst still ‘doing their own thing’ – has made an interesting signing in Santorini.</p><p><strong>From the Summer 2026 reason, Sandblu Santorini will join the brand</strong> – <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/lxr-sandblu-santorini/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website here</a>. It re-opens on 7th April.</p><p>Sandblu is on the eastern coast of Santorini, in Kamari, and appears to be at the cheaper end of ‘luxury Santorini’ because of it. It has 66 rooms, suites and villas, of which 29 have private pools. Image below.</p><p>To quote:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“Nestled on Eastern Santorini’s rugged slopes, Sandblu commands an elevated position overlooking the Aegean Sea and the striking black sand beach of Kamari, reimagining the charm of a traditional Cycladic village setting. Its intimate enclave of 66 rooms and suites features stone exteriors and whitewashed walls, grounded by contemporary textures that reflect the island’s light and volcanic landscape.”</p></blockquote><p>The resort is not brand new. It opened in July 2024 but has presumably struggled to stand out, and the Hilton tie-up will help with the key American market.</p><p><strong>Redemptions are 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night. </strong> At peak season this is not a bad deal, with cash rooms running at £400+. I suspect most people would book for at least five nights and trigger the ‘5-4-4’ reward deal offered to all elite members of Hilton Honors.</p><p>Even better, the ‘basic’ room used for reward nights looks pretty decent at 35 sq m. <strong>It sleeps three</strong> which is even better news for small families.</p><p>If you are thinking of booking for cash, <strong>you will get extra ‘Hilton for Luxury’ benefits if you book via our luxury hotel booking partner</strong>. <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/03/11/hilton-for-luxury-introduction/" data-type="post" data-id="750415" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Full details of ‘Hilton for Luxury’ are in this HfP article</a> along with contact details. You typically get breakfast, $100 equivalent hotel credit, double Hilton Honors points, a one category upgrade and early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.</p><p>You can find out more <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/lxr-sandblu-santorini/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on the Hilton website here</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="599" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini.webp" alt="Sandblu Santorini joins Hilton LXR " class="wp-image-860101 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-768x511.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LXR-Sandblu-Santorini-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get 1,000 bonus ALL Accor points on European stays</h2><p><strong><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor/" data-shortcode="true">ALL Accor</a> has launched a new bonus points promotion</strong> for stays in selected European and North African countries, including the UK.</p><p><strong>You will receive 1,000 ALL Accor points</strong> (worth €20 off a future stay) for a 2+ night stay at selected brands.</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-1000-bonus-points-12-january/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register here</a>.</p><p>As usual with Accor offers, <strong>existing bookings made before registration won’t count</strong> so you will need to cancel and rebook any upcoming stays. You should obviously check the cancellation terms and the current selling price before you do this.</p><p>Here are the rules:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you need to register in advance <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-1000-bonus-points-12-january/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via this page of the Accor site</a> (stays booked before registration do not count)</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you must book at greet, Handwritten Collection, ibis, ibis budget, ibis Styles, Mercure, Mövenpick, Novotel, Pullman, Swissôtel or TRIBE (note that not all ibis budget hotels participate in ALL Accor)</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you must book by 12th January 2026</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you must book an ‘Advance Saver’ rate – no other rate will earn the bonus</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you must stay between 17th December 2025 and 27th February 2026</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you must stay at least two nights</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>you can earn the bonus up to two times</li></ul><p>This list of particpating countries is: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, French Guyana, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, <strong>the United Kingdom</strong> and Uzbekistan.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Don’t forget to link your Accor and Qatar Airways accounts</h3><p>Remember that <strong>you can now Avios ON TOP of ALL Accor points.</strong> It’s an easy win with no downside.</p><p>You earn 1 Avios for every €1, before taxes, you spend at any ALL Accor hotel.</p><p>You will need a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account to do this. You can move the Avios across to The British Airways Club by linking your Qatar Airways and BA accounts.</p><p>To link your ALL Accor and Qatar Airways accounts, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-qatar-privilege-club/" data-shortcode="true">go to this page of the Accor website</a>.</p><p>You do NOT need to do this before booking a stay but you must do it before you check in. Once done, you can sit back and forget about it – all future Accor stays will earn you Avios automatically.</p><p>PS. If you have an issue with an Accor promotion you need to be able to quote the promo reference number. This one is ‘020906’. Don’t forget <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-1000-bonus-points-12-january/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to register here</a>.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Accor-gift-card.webp" alt="€20 bonus on Accor gift cards" class="wp-image-860215 aligncenter" style="width:350px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Accor-gift-card.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Accor-gift-card-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Accor-gift-card-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Accor-gift-card-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Accor-gift-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Accor-gift-card-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Accor-gift-card-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get a €20 bonus on Accor gift cards</h2><p>Speaking of Accor, a Black Friday deal which we missed at the time has been extended.</p><p><strong>If you buy a £200+ Accor gift card by 9th December, you will receive 1,000 bonus ALL Accor points.</strong></p><p>These are worth €20, so you will get an effective discount of just over 8.5%.</p><p>You are limited to one bonus per ALL Accor account, although obviously your partner could buy one too.</p><p>If your next Accor stay is in Europe, there is an identical offer on gift cards for €200 or more. Toggle the geographic setting of the website linked below to a Euro country to buy.</p><p><a href="https://all.accor.com/a/content/dam/all/hubs/europe-north-africa/offers-campaigns/2025/all-gift-card/List-Part-hotels-04112025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check the PDF of participating hotels</a> if you are buying in advance of a particular stay.</p><p>Interestingly, you can use these gift cards for pre-paid stays. You pay in full in advance and the hotel will refund you the value of the gift card at check-out, assuming you don’t have enough incidental spend to use it up.</p><p>You can find out more <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-uk-gift-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on the Accor gift card page here</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/sandblu-santorini-joins-hilton/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>21</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">859900</post-id> </item><item><title>What does Fans of M.O. (Mandarin Oriental’s hotel loyalty programme) offer you when you stay?</title><link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/fans-of-mandarin-oriental-review-2/</link><comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/fans-of-mandarin-oriental-review-2/#comments</comments><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 03:11:00 +0000</pubDate><category><![CDATA[General]]></category><category><![CDATA[three]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=859905</guid><description><![CDATA[Luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental has its own little-known loyalty programme – but one that isn’t a loyalty programme in the usual sense. There are no points and no redemptions. Instead, you are rewarded with additional benefits on every stay. ‘Fans of M.O.’ was relaunched this year. Let’s take a fresh look. There were two […]]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental has its own little-known loyalty programme – but one that isn’t a loyalty programme in the usual sense.</strong> There are no points and no redemptions.</p><p>Instead, you are rewarded with additional benefits on every stay.</p><p>‘Fans of M.O.’ was relaunched this year. Let’s take a fresh look.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="780" height="500" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Geneva-1-e1521910957866.jpg" alt="how does fans of mandarin oriental work" class="wp-image-62380 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Geneva-1-e1521910957866.jpg 780w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Geneva-1-e1521910957866-450x288.jpg 450w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Geneva-1-e1521910957866-650x417.jpg 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Geneva-1-e1521910957866-120x77.jpg 120w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Geneva-1-e1521910957866-768x492.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" /></figure></div><p>There were two key changes:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>room upgrades were removed as a benefit </strong>(unsurprisingly – it always seemed a disaster waiting to happen to let every guest who had signed up for ‘Fans’ to claim an upgrade as their stay benefit!)</li></ul><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>despite promising ‘no tiers’,<strong> two invitation-only levels – Silk and Pearl – were introduced </strong>to reward high spenders, although it isn’t known what Mandarin Oriental sees as a ‘high spender’</li></ul><p>However you book your Mandarin Oriental stay, you will receive a welcome gift as a ‘Fans’ member.</p><p><strong>Mandarin Oriental is, however, trying to get guests to book directly</strong>. There are additional benefits for ‘Fans of M.O.’ who choose to book via the Mandarin Oriental website.</p><p>The only condition attached to receiving these benefits is that you book ‘a qualifying rate’. This must be a fully flexible (ie pay on departure, cancellations allowed) rate:</p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“</em>A qualifying rate is any rate that is fully flexible and publicly available for a Fans of M.O. member to book directly on mandarinoriental.com or with the hotel itself. Negotiated rates or otherwise discounted rates, group rates, rates booked through travel agents or tour operators and rates available on any online third-party website or app do not qualify for the Fans of M.O. direct booking additional privileges.<em>“</em></p></blockquote><p>‘Fans’ benefits ARE available on flexible special offer rates, such as the ‘50% off a second room for children’ and ‘One More Night’ free night promotions.</p><p>The benefits available, from which <strong>you can choose two per stay for up to two rooms</strong>, are:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>breakfast for one person</li><li>breakfast for an additional person</li><li>early check-in</li><li>late check-out</li><li>$50 dining or spa credit</li><li>celebratory gift</li></ul><p><strong>Benefits vary by hotel</strong> and you are not guaranteed to be given all of these options on any particular stay. I suspect that late check-out and early check-in are the ones most likely to be restricted over peak periods.</p><div class="wp-block-image"><figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;' class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental-500x333.webp" alt="how does fans of mandarin oriental work" class="wp-image-861041 aligncenter" style="width:400px; display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandarin-Oriental.webp 1075w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does this compare with a ‘preferred partner’ agent?</h2><p>Not too well, suprisingly.</p><p>Emyr Thomas, who we partner with for luxury hotel bookings, tells me that any Mandarin Oriental hotel booked through him comes with ALL of the following, courtesy of the ‘trade only’ Mandarin Oriental Fan Club:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Complimentary breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay</li><li>One level upgrade on arrival, subject to availability</li><li>$100 equivalent hotel credit (a small number of hotels offer a different amenity instead of this) valid on food and drink, spa treatments etc</li><li>Personalised welcome amenity</li></ul><p>You get all of these benefits if you book via Emyr, instead of having to pick two benefits from the ‘Fans of M.O.’ list above. <strong>You cannot combine Fan Club benefits with ‘Fans of M.O.’ benefits.</strong></p><p><strong>If you are keen on an upgrade, booking via a preferred partner travel agent is now the only way to go</strong> as it is no longer a ‘Fans of M.O.’ option.</p><p>The benefits above are available with any flexible rate offered on the Mandarin Oriental website, including special promotions.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which booking route is best?</h2><p>Bookings via Emyr get you better benefits than using the ‘Fans of M.O.’ programme. Both schemes require you to book flexible rates.</p><p>You should compare the two lists of benefits and decide which works best for you, although I suspect Fan Club via Emyr will win out for most.</p><p>If you want a 4pm guaranteed check-out, you should also look at booking via American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts if you have <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">The Platinum Card</a> or <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum-business/" data-shortcode="true">American Express Business Platinum</a>.</p><p>You can contact Emyr and learn more about his services (which are very highly rated by HfP readers who use him – and he books most of my luxury hotels too) <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/virtuoso-agent-london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this article</a>.</p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.mandarinoriental.com/fans-of-mo/benefits-enrolment" target="_blank">You can learn more about ‘Fans of M.O.’ here</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/07/fans-of-mandarin-oriental-review-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss><slash:comments>17</slash:comments><post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">859905</post-id> </item></channel></rss>
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