- Mr Plane Guy
- 59 minutes ago
- 4 min read
This Week’s Plane News
03 May 2026
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Plane GEEK
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of overpriced airport lattes). Thanks for your support!
Note: I’m not a financial advisor, just sharing my experience.
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.
Some of it is fascinating, some of it is brutal, and some of it is just unintentionally hilarious.
It also reminded me just how seriously airlines used to take training. Six weeks, long days, constant assessments and yes, being pulled up for not offering to carry bags for the girls! Different times.
On a more current note, I’ve been putting my LEVEL8 Carry-On Suitcase through its paces at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport this week and I have to say, it’s seriously impressive. Smooth, solid, and actually makes airport life easier (which is rarer than it should be). Best Carry-On Suitcase (UK 2026): LEVEL8 Carry-On Review
I’ve posted a video over on Instagram, if you could check it out and send it some love, I’d really appreciate it. For some reason, anything marked as a paid partnership never quite gets the same reach… funny that.
Anyway, back to the news, because this week, there’s quite a bit to get through!
Boarding Announcements, Airline Updates & Loyalty News
Ryanair Tightens Check-In Cut-Off Times
Ryanair will now close check-in and bag drop 60 minutes before departure (from 10 November), up from 40 minutes.
👉 Translation: leave it late, and you’re not flying.
This makes understanding Ryanair Baggage Allowance Rules for Passengers in 2026 more important than ever, especially with strict cabin bag rules still catching passengers out.
If you fly Ryanair regularly, having a case that actually fits the rules matters. The LEVEL8 Carry-On Suitcase works well for Priority boarding or as a solid hold bag option, no last-minute gate stress.
Iberia Avios Sale: Up to 35% Off
Iberia is offering 10–35% off Avios redemptions across Europe and long-haul routes.
👉 Book by 15 March for travel until 31 May 2026
You’ll still pay taxes and fees, but Iberia’s are often lower than British Airways.
To maximise value:
Use Reward Flight Finder (now supports Iberia)
Transfer Avios via BA or Amex (1:1)
BA Status Chaos – Upgraded… Then Downgraded Anyway
British Airways has managed to upgrade people by mistake… then downgrade them anyway.
Thousands were told they’d kept status, then hit with a correction days later.
All while BA rolls out its new spend-based system:
3,500 = Bronze
7,500 = Silver
20,000 = Gold
👉 Reality check: status from flying alone just got a lot harder.
So yes… I think I’m officially no longer Bronze 😅
The upside? The same flight can earn very different points depending on where you credit it.
Spirit Airlines Shuts Down Overnight
Spirit Airlines has ceased operations immediately after failing to secure a bailout, cancelling all flights.
Passengers were stranded, staff impacted, and refunds remain uncertain for some.
Fuel costs, now up to 40% of airline expenses, are being blamed as a key factor.
Recent developments, including Ascend Airways returning its operating licence, show just how fragile parts of the industry are becoming.
Deals & Opportunities This Week
💳 Virgin Atlantic Credit Card Boost
Virgin Atlantic is offering a strong bonus right now:
👉 36,000 points + extra 7,000 via my link
That’s a solid boost if you’re building towards a reward flight or upgrade.
👉 Virgin Atlantic Credit Full details and eligibility checker
⚠️ 18+, subject to status. This is a credit product, make sure it’s right for you.
✈ Cheap Flight Deals
Jack’s Flight Club, 30 Days Free!
If you’re serious about finding flight deals, this is one I genuinely rate.
What you get:
Economy, Premium & Business deals
Error fares
Personalised alerts
No ads + money-back guarantee
I use it and it’s one of the easiest ways to spot deals without doing the hard work yourself.
About Me
I’m Mr Plane Guy, sharing UK airline news, flight deals, and loyalty tips with a Plane Honest perspective.
I test lounges, review flights, and break down what’s actually worth your money, so you can fly smarter, spend less, and make the most of your points.
✉️ Subscribe to Plane News Weekly for exclusive flight deals, loyalty tips, and aviation updates every Sunday. Sign up here.
Final Boarding Call
👉 Big theme this week: The game is changing
Status is harder to earn
Costs are rising
Airlines are tightening rules
But…
The opportunity is still there if you’re smarter about:
Where you credit flights
How you use points
Which tools you use
That’s where “luxury for less” really lives.
Same time next Sunday. Mr Plane Guy Let’s make travel better.
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