- Mr Plane Guy
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Plane News Weekly
2 August 2026
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Plane Geek
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running and funds my ongoing airport lounge "research." Thanks for your support!
Welcome back to another edition of Plane News Weekly, your Sunday roundup of airline news, loyalty updates, airport lounges, travel deals and everything happening in the world of aviation. (OK sometimes Monday if I'm too busy!)
This week has been a mixture of loyalty bargains, airline shake-ups and and a nostalgic return to Lille, where I used to live a few years ago. It was brilliant wandering around the old streets again, although I don't remember it ever being quite so hot. Let's just say sightseeing in 35°C is a very different experience!
Next week I'm heading to Paris, and if all goes to plan there should be another airport lounge review coming soon...
Boarding Announcements, Airline Updates & Loyalty News
£300 Cashback Returns on United Airlines
If you've logged into your American Express account this week, check it immediately. One of the best airline cashback offers of the year has returned.
American Express has once again launched its incredibly generous United Airlines cashback offer, giving many cardholders:
Spend £700 Get £300 back
That's effectively a 43% discount if your fare comes to exactly £700.
The offer is valid on flights departing from the UK when booked before 23 October, and there's currently no published travel deadline, meaning you could potentially book travel well into 2027.
United currently flies direct from:
London Heathrow
Edinburgh
Glasgow (seasonal)
with onward connections across North America. If you've been thinking about a New York, California or USA road trip, it's definitely worth checking whether the offer has appeared on your Amex account. If you don't have American Express I will leave an elibility referral below with the latest bonus offer.
IndiGo Says Goodbye to Norse Aircraft
One of the more surprising airline announcements this week came from IndiGo.
The airline will end all of its widebody operations from 25 October, with its damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways officially ending on 31 October.
That means:
✈️ London Heathrow flights will disappear for now.
Instead, Amsterdam services will continue using the new Airbus A321XLR until IndiGo begins taking delivery of its own Airbus A350 fleet.
👉 If you're curious what it's actually like flying Norse, I've now reviewed both Norse Atlantic Airways Economy Review and Norse Atlantic Airways Review of Premium which should help if you're considering booking with them.
What I Wish I’d Known Before Flying Norse Atlantic Airways
British Airways Gives Newark Lounge a £15 Million Makeover
British Airways has closed its Newark Liberty Airport Galleries Lounge for a complete refurbishment.
The new lounge promises:
brand-new interiors
improved shower facilities
a redesigned staffed cocktail bar
floor-to-ceiling runway views
a Concorde Dining Room for eligible First Class and Gold Guest List customers
The refurbished lounge is expected to reopen during summer 2027.
With New York remaining British Airways' biggest long-haul destination, it's another sign that BA continues investing heavily in its premium experience.
If you're planning a trip across the Atlantic, don't forget to check out my growing collection of New York guides, including where to stay, airport hotels and flight reviews.
Where to Stay in New York: My Plane Luxury Escape Guide
Plane Points
New Guide: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
One of my biggest projects this week has finally gone live.
I've published my complete guide to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, covering everything from earning Virgin Points to spending them on flights, upgrades, hotels and partner airlines.
If you've ever wondered whether Flying Club is worth joining, or how to maximise your points, this guide walks you through it all.
New Guide: Hilton Honors
I've also launched my brand-new Hilton Honors Guide.
It explains how Hilton's loyalty programme works, the benefits of elite status, how to earn more points and whether it's actually worth joining before your next hotel stay.
If you regularly stay with Hilton, even just once or twice a year, it's well worth a read.
Travel Trend
Welcome to the Summer of "Luxonomy"
One piece of research really caught my attention this week. Aspire Lounges says we're entering the summer of "Luxonomy."
Rather than spending thousands on extravagant holidays, travellers are increasingly choosing small affordable luxuries that make a trip feel more special.
According to Aspire's latest research:
50% of people now prioritise smaller luxuries over expensive purchases.
55% still plan to travel the same amount, or more than last year.
For many travellers, luxury now means comfort rather than extravagance.
55% say their holiday actually begins at the airport.
Airport lounge access, good food and somewhere peaceful to relax ranked among the biggest travel luxuries.
To be honest..I'm not surprised at all. It's exactly what I've been seeing.
Many people don't necessarily want First Class. They simply want a calmer airport experience, somewhere comfortable to sit, decent food and a glass of wine before boarding.
Sometimes spending £35 on an airport lounge can completely change how a holiday begins.
Coming Soon
Here's what's coming up on Mr Plane Guy:
✅ Business Class content
✅ More baggage buying guides (I know... I get strangely excited about luggage.)
✅ Paris airport lounge review (hopefully!)
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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.
Plane Question of the Week
What's one travel luxury you refuse to give up?
Airport lounge?
Extra legroom?
Fast Track security?
Or is it something completely different?
I'd love to hear your answer in the comments.
FINAL BOARDING CALL
This week felt like one of those editions that perfectly sums up modern travel. Airlines continue investing millions into premium lounges. Loyalty schemes are throwing out huge cashback offers. Travellers are looking for small upgrades that make a big difference rather than spending a fortune.
And after returning to Lille this week, I was reminded that sometimes the best trips aren't the most expensive ones, they're simply the ones that let you slow down and enjoy somewhere you love.
Next stop... Paris, au revoir.
Until next Sunday...(sometimes monday..)
Keep collecting points. Keep discovering airport lounges. Keep travelling smarter.
Mr Plane Guy
Let's make travel better.
