NEWS: British Airways’ new codeshare, Accor 6000 point bonus and new app for US immigration

British Airways’ new codeshare

British Airways and India’s leading airline IndiGo, have signed a codeshare agreement to boost connections between the UK and India.

Through this partnership – which sees British Airways add its code onto a range of destinations across IndiGo’s network – there will be improved connectivity between Southeast Asia and Europe for travel from 12 October 2023.

In total, eight destinations are now available as codeshare options when travelling from London Heathrow via New Delhi or Mumbai. This includes three new destinations that haven’t been accessible to British Airways customers until now:

• London Heathrow to Amritsar via New Delhi
• London Heathrow to Kochi via Mumbai
• London Heathrow to Ahmedabad via Mumbai
• London Heathrow to Goa via Mumbai
• London Heathrow to Thiruvananthapuram via Mumbai (NEW)
• London Heathrow to Kolkata via Mumbai
• London Heathrow to Rajkot (Hirasar) via Mumbai (NEW)
• London Heathrow to Vadodara via Mumbai (NEW)

The agreement means that British Airways’ customers travelling, for example from Rajkot (Hirasar) to London, or transiting through Heathrow (or vice versa) will be able to connect to their destination on a single ticket.

IndiGo operates an extensive domestic and regional network with a fleet of A320 aircraft. All British Airways customers travelling onwards with IndiGo will get a complimentary meal and BA’s baggage allowance in economy via codeshare for flights to India – two checked bags up to 23 kilos per person.

When you book a codeshare flight through British Airways you get the same tier points and Avios as a BA flight. 

Codeshare flights are available to book from now for travel from 12 October 2023, subject to government approval.

Accor 6000 point bonus

ALL – Accor Live Limitless has launched a new offer for up to 6,000 Reward points on 2-night minimum stays. You need to 
register for the offer, book by 17th October, and stay at a participating hotel between 10th October 2023 and 20th December 2023.
If you book more than one room, it will be counted as just one stay. Reward stays do not count. 

You earn:

• 500 Reward points on your first stay 
• 2,500 Reward points on your second stay
• 3,000 Reward points on your third stay

You can find the registration page here.

New US immigration app for Global Entry

If I had to say what travel purchase I get the most value out of, it is probably my Global Entry, which allows me to enter the US in a matter of seconds with biometric recognition and also gives priority Pre-check security where you do not need to remove shoes/coasts or take anything out of your bag. Although the initial price may seem a little steep, it lasts for five years, so it works out to around £25 a year. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection have now announced a new Global Entry App that will further enhance the efficient travel experience of more than 12 million Global Entry members. Global Entry holders can now complete their arrival processing via the app instead of waiting in line to use a portal.

With the new app, travellers simply take a photo as a “selfie,” which will be compared to a photo gallery to verify their identity through facial biometrics. After the photo has been submitted, the traveller will receive a receipt on the app. Then you just go directly to the Border officers and show your mobile receipt. While I rarely wait, there are times when there are several machines out of use, so this will be very handy. 

The Global Entry Mobile Application will initially be available for use by travellers arriving at seven airports: Seattle Tacoma International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport with plans to expand to other airports in the future. 

The app is free and will be available for download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Global Entry is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs, and is used at land, air and sea ports of entry into the United States at all major airports and all Preclearance airports. All applicants undergo background checks and an in-person interview before initial enrollment. More information on Global Entry and CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs is available here.