A New Way to Earn and Redeem Avios on Flights to China Avios collectors, here’s a redemption you probably didn’t know existed. It involves a SkyTeam airline, a Dreamliner, and a surprise spicy chicken.If you’re collecting Avios and planning a trip to China, here’s some big news: Xiamen Airlines has quietly joined the Avios family.

When your long-haul flight turns into a long-haul saga A TUI Airways long-haul flight from Cancun to London Gatwick became a travel nightmare after a couple were allegedly caught smoking onboard, forcing the pilot to divert to Bangor International Airport in Maine, USA. Flight BY49, scheduled to land at Gatwick on July 8, made the unscheduled stop when crew reported “disruptive behaviour” mid-flight. The two passengers were removed by US authorities, but for everyone else,

There’s good news for weary travellers touching down at Heathrow Plaza Premium Lounge has officially reopened its Arrivals Lounge in Terminal 3, once again giving flyers a place to shower, recharge, and regroup before tackling London traffic or a connecting flight. Previously operated by Delta (before the airline moved to Virgin Atlantic’s Revivals Lounge in 2017), the Heathrow Arrivals Lounge has been lightly refreshed with a clean, modern look. Expect updated seating, Tube

Welcome aboard this week’s Plane News Weekly, your Sunday fix of UK airline updates, aviation news, loyalty deals, and travel hacks from the skies. I’ve just landed back from New York, where I tested new lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3 check out my latest reviews of the No1 Lounge and Clubrooms.

British Airways has just brought a wave of Miami luxury energy to the skies with the opening of its brand-new British Airways Lounge at Miami International Airport and it might just redefine what airport luxury looks like in the US.

United Airlines will operate a new 737 MAX service from Newark to Glasgow, providing another transatlantic option for UK travellers. This route adds capacity and flexibility for passengers looking to fly between the US and Scotland. Frequent flyers will benefit from additional miles and loyalty opportunities. The new service highlights the growing range of UK-US flights available in 2025.

Right now, thanks to a limited-time partnership between Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Hilton Honors, you can save 10% off your flights and earn up to 6,000 bonus Avios. Combine that with your American Express Gold Card or Hilton Debit Card, and this becomes a powerhouse travel hack that turns every booking into an Avios-earning machine. This is not your average points deal. This is the kind of offer that gets you closer to your next Qsuite upgrade, Doha stopover, or Maldi

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has unveiled its brand-new Aspire Lounge, marking a major upgrade in pre-flight comfort and convenience. Part of a £9 million terminal enhancement, the lounge now offers more space, improved amenities, and a stylish environment for travellers. If you want to make the most of it, Priority Pass with 30% off is the easiest way to access the lounge without worrying about availability or paying full price.

Big news for anyone planning a trip to Dubai (or beyond) this winter: Emirates is stepping up its London flights in a major way. From 26 October 2025, the airline will add a brand-new Heathrow–Dubai frequency, meaning Emirates will now fly six A380s plus one Boeing 777 out of Heathrow every day, except Fridays. That takes Emirates’ Heathrow schedule to 48 weekly flights, with a total of up to 13 daily flights from London airports combined

If you’ve ever flown with Ryanair, you’ll know the airline is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you can fly across Europe for less than the price of dinner. On the other hand… fees, fees, and more fees. Ryanair check in fee? Yep. Printing your boarding pass? Fee! Now, there’s a brand-new rule you don’t want to ignore:

Buying gifts for the travel-obsessed people in your life can be tricky. They don’t want more clutter, they don’t need another mug, and let’s be honest socks usually don’t cut it (unless they’re very special socks, more on that later). So, what do you get the adventurer, the wanderer, or the person who’s already planning their next trip while still on their current one?

It’s official: Buckingham Palace is getting festive. For the first time ever, the royal residence is opening a Christmas pop-up shop inside the historic Royal Mews. From November 14, 2025, to January 5, 2026, visitors will be able to shop a curated collection of seasonal gifts, decorations, and treats, all inspired by centuries of royal tradition. That means you could be wandering the same grounds where royal horses are stabled while browsing bau

It’s a YES for London Gatwick’s Second Runway and that means big changes are coming for travellers. The UK government has officially approved plans to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into regular use, unlocking more flights, more destinations, and potentially cheaper fares. For Europe’s busiest single-runway airport, this is nothing short of a game-changer. From exciting new long-haul routes powered by next-gen aircraft like the Airbus A321XLR, to a boost in short-haul ca

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) has just welcomed a brand-new addition to its passenger experience, the Aspire Executive Lounge, the very first of its kind in Italy. For frequent flyers, business travellers, or anyone wanting to start their trip with a touch of comfort, this is big news.

When most people think about earning Avios, they picture booking flights with British Airways or swiping a credit card. But here’s a little travel hack I love: you can earn thousands of Avios simply by shopping online for the stuff you were already going to buy. That new suitcase? Those summer trainers? The sunglasses you’ll inevitably leave on the beach bar table? All of those purchases could be quietly stacking Avios in the background. And one of the easiest ways to do it

But as of 2025, Ryanair has quietly updated its rules. The Ryanair hand luggage allowance has increased slightly, with the maximum free cabin bag size now set at 40 x 30 x 20 cm. It may not sound like a huge change, but this adjustment makes a real difference for travellers. In fact, it brings Ryanair more in line with other low-cost airlines like easyJet and Wizz Air, making it easier to choose a cabin bag that works across multiple carriers.

Norse Atlantic is a low-cost, long-haul airline based in Norway. They fly a consistent fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which is something I rate highly. Unlike some airlines, you don’t need to worry about being put on an old aircraft last minute. It’s always the 787, which means modern cabins, better air quality, quieter engines, and a generally smoother ride.

Big news in the world of hotel points and perks, Marriott Bonvoy has officially launched its loyalty partnership with Nectar, and it’s got some decent value if you shop at places like Sainsbury’s or Argos and fancy a free night or two somewhere swanky.

London Heathrow is many things: a global hub, a frequent flyer’s second home, and for most of us, a place where you spend half your time staring at the Heathrow departures board wondering why your gate still says “TBA.” But above all, it’s one of the most busiest airports in the world. Slots here aren’t just valuable, they’re gold dust. Airlines fight tooth and nail to get a piece of the Heathrow action, and in 2025, four new contenders are lining up to do exactly that: Air P

If you’ve ever flown through Heathrow Terminal 3, you’ll know the lounge scene is already one of the best in the airport. But this week it got even better with the opening of the brand-new My Lounge at Heathrow T3. Replacing the old Club Aspire space, My Lounge is a fresh, modern, and much more relaxed take on airport lounging and as someone who’s spent a fair bit of time sampling Heathrow lounges over the years (purely in the name of research, of course), I’m genuinely exci