British Airways flight status

Buy or bid on a limited edition British Airways Boeing 747 Globe-Trotter suitcase

British Airways Globe-Trotter BOAC suitcase

British Airways has teamed up with luxury suitcase brand Globe-Trotter for a limited edition range of luggage.

The handmade carry-on suitcases celebrate the retirement of the Boeing 747 from BA’s fleet and the end of the “jumbo jet” era.

The cases are delightfully retro. Here is an official description:

“The suitcases are made from high gloss vulcanised fibreboard with a metallic sheen for a pearlescent white shimmer, which is complemented by Navy leather trim on the corners and handles. The hand-painted ‘Gold Speedbird’ insignia adorns the exterior, while the 747 fragment decorates the interior.”

Each suitcase will also include an original piece of a British Airways Boeing 747 mounted on the interior lid:

British Airways Globe-Trotter BOAC suitcase 747 fuselage fragment

Just 150 cases will be available. The case will set you back a cool £1,935, or £2,060 if you want it initialed !

Get 30% bonus points when you transfer Ultimate Rewards to British Airways Avios

Today, Chase and British Airways announced a new transfer 30% transfer bonus. You will get a 30% bonus on all transfers processed by 11:59 pm ET on Dec. 9, 2020. This transfer bonus applies to transfers to AerLingus AerClub, British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus. All three of these programs participate in the Avios program.

This isn’t a targeted offer, so all Chase cardholders with an eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards earning credit card can take advantage of the offer. You can transfer points to Avios in increments of 1,000 points, equal to 1,300 points with the 30% bonus.

Like last month’s Southwest Rapid Rewards transfer bonus, this isn’t hard-coded into Chase’s system. Instead, you’ll process transfers as usual on the Chase website and the bonus points will appear on the British Airways (or other Avios member’s) website. Thankfully, transfers from Chase to Avios still process instantly with this bonus.

Why Your British Airways Flight Is More Likely To Have WiFi

For a couple of years, British Airways has been beavering away, adding WiFi capabilities to its aircraft. However, around a year ago, only 30% of the airline’s short-haul fleet had the technology installed compared to 64% of the long-haul fleet. How does that stack up a year later?

WiFi is slowly becoming a must-have accessory for full-service carriers, in addition to some low-cost carriers. Indeed, in a 2018 survey by Inmarsat, 67% of passengers said that they were more likely to rebook if an airline offered WiFi. Yesterday British Airways revealed that its High Life magazine would be moved online. However, to download it on a plane, you need WiFi.

British Airways plans to fly 29 long-haul routes in July, including 13 to North America

British Airways is gearing up for a return to long-haul service. During the coronavirus lockdown, the carrier had mostly halted passenger flights, opting to operate necessary flights. However, as of July, the carrier appears to plan to pick service back up in a big way.

In the first-quarter earnings call of International Airlines Group (IAG), the company that owns British Airways, CEO Willie Walsh said that the airline planned to make a “meaningful return to service” from July. Based on route information collected by RoutesOnline, the carrier appears to resume 29 long-haul routes beginning in the month of July.

British Airways latest travel advice and cancellation updates

British Airways (BA) has grounded the majority of its fleet due to the coronavirus pandemic.

All BA flights from Gatwick and London City Airport have been suspended while Heathrow Airport closed one of its two runways earlier this month.

In the latest update from the airline on April 16, customers are asked to check the status of their flight through BA’s online booking system or via its telephone contact centre.

Coronavirus: BA expected to suspend 36,000 staff

British Airways is expected to announce it will suspend around 36,000 staff.

The airline, which grounded much of its fleet due to the coronavirus crisis, has been negotiating with the Unite union for more than a week.

The two sides have reached a broad deal but are yet to sign on some details.

The agreement means that up to 80% of BA cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and those working at head office will have their jobs suspended but no staff are expected to be made redundant.

The decision will affect all staff at Gatwick and London City Airport after the airline suspended its operations at both locations until the crisis is over.

Those affected are expected to receive some of their wages through the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, which covers 80% of someone’s salary capped at a maximum of £2,500 a month.

British Airways launches premium seat deals

British Airways has today launched deals across its premium seats and luxury holidays. Offers cover 20 long-haul destinations in First and Club World, along with 35 European routes in Club Europe.

Highlighted discounts include return Club World fares to Boston from £1,195, to Rio de Janeiro from £1,999, and to Cape Town from £2,699.

First and Club World customers will also get priority check-in, lounge access, Elemis spa treatments at select lounges and fine dining on-board.

In Club Europe offers include return flights to Berlin from £218, to Copenhagen from £234, and to Nice from £281.

British Airways to refresh its Chicago O’Hare lounges

British Airways announced Thursday that it will be refreshing three of its worldwide network of lounges. The renovations at its First and Club lounges in Berlin, Chicago and Edinburgh are expected to be completed in spring 2020.

Once the renovation is complete in Chicago (ORD), passengers can expect to experience a personal, more interactive welcome at both the airport’s First and Club lounges. New décor, flooring, furnishings and specially crafted chairs will set the tone for a more relaxed atmosphere. Other improvements include an increase in the number of charging points and a redesign of food-serving stations.

Cabin crew secrets: Ex BA flight attendant reveals two things crew are really hired for

flights british airways cabin crew jobs ba flight attendant

Cabin crew ensure plane passengers are comfortable, safe and happy as they sit through their flights. It’s a common misconception that flight attendant jobs are pretty easy. However, as with many jobs, there’s much more to the occupation than many people realize.

British Airways launches premium sale

British Airways has launched its latest sale across business and first class cabins, with deals available on flight-only and holiday packages.

Highlighted promotional fares include a pair of return Club World tickets to the Seychelles from £2,499 (£1,250 per person), and to Durban from £2,999 (£1,500 per person).

Single person Club World tickets are also available from £1,399 to Philadelphia, Washington, Toronto, New York, and Montreal.

In First customers can pick up a pair of return tickets to Barbados from £4,930 (£2,465 per person) or Sao Paulo and Santiago from £5,999 (£3,000 per person).

Club Europe offers include £194 return to Malaga, £199 to Barcelona, and £242 to Budapest.

Meanwhile highlighted package holiday deals include return Club World flights from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi, with three nights at the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche, from £1,409 per person. Travel dates vary and bookings must be made by October 29.