NEWS & OFFERS: JetBlue Adds Redemptions with Japan Airlines, Virgin Adds Seoul Route & IHG Europe Summer Sale

JetBlue Adds Japan Airlines to TrueBlue Redemptions

You can now redeem your TrueBlue points for flights on Japan Airlines (JAL). a big move for JetBlue’s loyalty programme, and the fifth airline partner added in just over a year (after Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and Icelandair).

This update means you can now use JetBlue points to book JAL-operated flights in economy, premium economy, and business class, directly on JetBlue’s website. No first class, but the value is there:

• LAX to Osaka – 64,000 points in business

• London to Tokyo – 39,900 points in economy, 79,900 in business

• Bangkok to Tokyo – 20,000 in economy, 25,000 in premium economy, 30,000 in business

No carrier surcharges, and availability across JAL’s international network.

What It Means for Oneworld Members

Since JetBlue isn’t in the Oneworld alliance (where JAL, British Airways, and others sit), this doesn’t change anything directly for Oneworld frequent flyers. However, it might affect availability. With JetBlue customers now competing for JAL award seats, especially in business class, it could get tougher to find Oneworld redemptions.

Also, if you book JAL flights with JetBlue points, Oneworld status benefits won’t apply (unless you have elite status with JAL directly). So no lounge access, extra baggage, or priority perks if you’re just a BA Gold flying on a JetBlue award ticket.

Why UK Travellers Should Take Note

This could be great news for UK-based travellers:

• JetBlue flies direct from London Heathrow and Gatwick to New York JFK and Boston, so TrueBlue points are earnable even without living in the States.

• If you have access to US-based credit cards with points that transfer to JetBlue (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Citi ThankYou), this opens up a new long-haul option.

• 79,900 points for business class from London to Tokyo on JAL is a solid redemption, especially given JAL’s excellent product.

For now, UK travellers will still need to be a bit creative about earning TrueBlue points. But if JetBlue ever partners with a UK credit card provider (or expands its routes from the UK), this could become a really compelling option for premium Asia travel on points.

Virgin Atlantic Adds New Seoul Route

Virgin Atlantic is continuing to grow its network eastward, with a new daily service to Seoul, South Korea, launching on 29th March 2026. This marks the airline’s return to the Asia-Pacific region, following the end of its Hong Kong and Shanghai routes.

The new flights will operate between London Heathrow and Incheon International Airport on a Boeing 787-9, with tickets going on sale from 14th May 2025.

Through its partnership with Korean Air, another SkyTeam member, Virgin customers will also get access to onward connections across South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Greater China on a single ticket.

The new Seoul route comes not long after Virgin’s recent expansion into the Middle East, including its brand-new flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showing a clear focus on tapping into emerging markets and building stronger links across Asia.

With a solid product onboard and new routes opening up, Virgin Atlantic looks set to offer travellers even more choice and flexibility heading east.

Route Details:

IHG Launches Europe Summer Sale with 15% Off for Members

IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its Europe Summer Sale for 2025, giving IHG One Rewards members 15% off stays at participating hotels across the continent. The deal is available now and must be booked by 15 July 2025, for travel from 25th April onwards.

The sale is essentially IHG’s usual Advance Purchase Rate, rebranded for the summer. To access the discount, bookings need to be made at least three days in advance and, in most cases, are fully pre-paid and non-refundable.

Non-members can still save a minimum of 10%, but the best value goes to IHG One Rewards members. The promotion applies to a wide range of brands including InterContinental, Kimpton, voco, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and more. Bookings must be made directly via the IHG website, app, or reservations centre to qualify for the discount and earn points.

While this isn’t a ground-breaking discount, 15% off can offer decent value, especially in high-demand summer cities like Rome, Paris, or Barcelona. Just keep in mind the rates are non-refundable, so it’s only a good choice if your plans are solid.