Mr Plane Guy Plane Blog,
Flight Reviews,
Airport Lounges
&Travel Hacks.

Welcome aboard this week’s Plane News Weekly, your Sunday fix of UK airline updates, aviation news, loyalty deals and travel hacks. And honestly? In my world right now, travel is starting to feel a little… tense. Politics, rising fuel prices, Middle East uncertainty, new virus outbreaks appearing again, and airlines tightening costs just before the busy Summer 2026 season. It genuinely feels like the industry is entering another tricky period. Fuel is now creeping towards

Finding the best carry-on suitcase isn’t just about size or brand. It’s about how it moves through an airport. After 15+ years working in aviation and travelling constantly, from long-haul flights I’ve used everything from budget cabin bags to premium suitcases. Most look good online. Very few actually perform in real life. In this review, I’ll break down exactly how the LEVEL8 20” carry-on performs across: airline cabin bag rules (easyJet, Ryanair, BA) real-world travel (air

If airport hotels usually make you think of beige walls, sad carpets and a £19 microwave lasagne… the Crowne Plaza Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a bit different. This hotel has actual character. Built into the old airport terminal near Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the hotel leans heavily into its aviation history with proper Art Deco styling throughout. It is not quite the full-blown aviation spectacle of the TWA Hotel in New York… but for UK aviation geeks, it absolut

Plane Honest truth: this hotel is now showing its age quite badly in places. The location is excellent.The convenience is unbeatable. The hotel itself? It feels overdue for a refresh. If you care more about an easy airport stay than luxury, it still works well. Just don’t expect a modern Hilton experience.

Some free drinks. Some questionable buffet food. A slightly quieter place to sit before your flight. But the Aspire Lounge Liverpool Airport Luxe experience genuinely surprised me. In fact? I honestly didn’t want to leave. For roughly £10 extra over the standard lounge, you get:

If you collect Virgin Red points, fly with Virgin Atlantic or simply like getting more value from your supermarket shopping, this is one of the best Virgin Points offers I’ve seen in a while. Right now, Tesco Clubcard members can get 30% extra Virgin Points when manually converting Tesco Clubcard vouchers into Virgin Points before 30th June 2026. And honestly? If you already collect Virgin Points, this is a pretty easy win.

If you’ve ever sat at a packed departure gate at 5am desperately hunting for a plug socket while balancing an overpriced airport breakfast and listening to gate announcements every 30 seconds, this news from Birmingham Airport might genuinely improve your next holiday. Birmingham Airport is getting a huge airport lounge upgrade for Summer 2026 and after recently trying Aspire’s new LUXE concept for myself at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, I can honestly say this could comple

Welcome aboard this week’s Plane News Weekly, your Sunday fix of UK airline updates, aviation news, loyalty deals, and travel hacks. This week I fell straight down an aviation rabbit hole. I watched an old BBC documentary on British Airways cabin crew training from 1987… and it instantly took me back to my own training days. The drills, the discipline, the intensity, it’s amazing how much has changed… and how much really hasn’t

Quick Answer: Is Priority Pass Just for Lounges? Short answer? No. While most people think of Priority Pass as an airport lounge pass, it actually includes a range of extra perks, from airport dining credits to spa access, that can make your travel experience much smoother (and cheaper).

Flying with easyJet in 2026? Getting your cabin bag size wrong is one of the fastest ways to get hit with unexpected fees at the airport. The rules are simple… but they are strictly enforced. This guide gives you: The exact easyJet cabin bag size What you’re actually allowed to bring How strict they really are And how to avoid paying at the gate

If you’re collecting points with Virgin Red or flying with Virgin Atlantic, this is one of the fastest ways to boost your balance right now and in 2026, the current offer is strong.

A plethora of drinks awaits, featuring exquisite wines, sadly no champagne, but fear not, I kicked things off with an Aperol Spritz.

Virgin Red has just partnered with Marks & Spencer through its revamped Sparks loyalty programme, promising more rewards from the things you already do. Sounds great, right? Well… yes and no.

If you’re flying from Gatwick North Terminal, the Hampton by Hilton is easily one of the most convenient and best-value airport hotels you can book. ✅ Direct terminal access (no shuttle needed) ✅ Breakfast from 4am (continental) + full hot breakfast from 6am ✅ Hilton Honors perks (huge upside with status) ✅ Ideal for early departures

Hilton made me Diamond for the day during a recent stay one of those surprise upgrades that should feel like a win. On paper, it came with the usual perks: room upgrade, drinks, a bit of “VIP” treatment. In reality, it didn’t quite land like that. I’ll be breaking it down properly soon, but if you want the unfiltered version, my latest TikTok already tells the story.

Let’s be honest, if you’re staying here, you’re not coming for a culinary experience… and that’s exactly how it feels. There is a full restaurant on-site, plus a Costa Coffee, a bar, vending machines, and even an internal roof terrace. On paper, that sounds decent. In reality, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

If you’re flying from Gatwick Airport and don’t fancy paying £150+ for an airport hotel… I’ve found one for £75.60 and honestly, it surprised me. This is the Radisson RED Gatwick Airport. A modern, dark, slightly funky hotel just the other side of the runway that feels a step above your typical budget stay. It’s stylish, comfortable, and somewhere you could actually spend time before a flight, not just crash for a few hours.

Great question, and one that many Google users are frantically searching mid-terminal. The No1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2 is not exactly front and centre. Once you’re through security, head towards Gates A1 to A5. Now here’s where it gets weird: take the lift down one level. It’ll feel like you’re being dropped into a subterranean bunker – no natural light, no runway views, and the mood lighting of a swanky members club.

Landing at London Heathrow Airport and wondering how to get into the city? You’re not alone. Every day thousands of travellers step off long-haul flights asking the same question: What’s the fastest, cheapest and easiest way to travel from Heathrow to London? The airport sits around 14 miles west of central London, but thanks to excellent rail and Underground connections you can reach the city in as little as 15 minutes. Many travellers follow the signs and jump straight

It’s been a bit of back-and-forth travel again (Netherlands life continues), and I’ve been deep in route planning for upcoming trips, but here’s the thing… I’m not searching for flights anymore. I’m letting the deals come to me. That’s why I still use Jack’s Flight Club and right now you can try it for £1