NEWS: BA launches new route, Hawaii rumours and drops another plus Heathrow strike – what is like at T5?

British Airways launches new route

British Airways has yet to formally announce it yet, but they have filed to start a new seasonal route to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Technically it is not a new route, but the route was stopped in 2015 when flights were banned to Sharm El Sheikh due to security concerns. 

The route will start from 3 November and start at four times a week, reducing to three times a week in December. 

• BA2814 LGW 0800-1520 SSH (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun)
• BA2815 SSH 1620-2000 LGW (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun)

The route would get 80 tier points each way, so if prices are good, then it could be a cost-effective way to get some tier points. However, I can not see any Club seats for sale. But if you look at the seat map, the front cabin is blocked off, so I suspect they are just not on sale yet. Prices in economy seem reasonable starting from around £220 on a hand baggage fare which for a 6-hour flight is not bad. 

You can check prices and availability on ba.com here

HT: To fly, to Travel

BA to fly to Hawaii rumours

Rumours have been swirling that an airline is going to start a route between London and Hawaii. Originally it was thought that Hawaiin may be planning it, but they do not actually own an aircraft capable of flying the distance. Now BA’s name is in the frame as considering flying the route in this article.

Personally, I can’t see how such a route would be profitable given that it would be almost exclusively leisure travel. The long-distance could mean the crew needing extended rest as well. The distance is similar to BA’s current longest flight to Santiago, so technically it is possible. One thing that could tip the balance is passengers connecting from Europe, where there are also no long-haul flights to Hawaii. 

Obviously, this would not be a popular option for those wanting their tier points since it would most likely only get 160 tier points each way in Club. 

British Airways to stop San Jose in California?

It did not come as a surprise to see that BA may be stopping the San Jose route. Originally started to service the tech industry in “Silicon Valley” the airport is very close to San Francisco. Given how the tech industry is at the start of a slump with layoffs galore, it is not surprising that BA has chosen now to stop the route. This could be temporary, but there are no more seats available from 14 October 2023.

Some have suggested it is because the winter schedule has not been finalised but given it does not start until the end of October it does not seem likely. The winter schedule should be finalised in the next couple of weeks so we may see more changes before then. 

HT: @Sean1997

Heathrow T5 strike latest update

Late yesterday talks between Unite and Heathrow broke down again, meaning that the first day of the strike is taking place today. The strike over pay is due to last until 9 April, so encompasses the start of the Easter Holidays. 

So far the terminal has been functioning relatively well during the earlier hours on Friday. The First Wing is still open for check-in, but the security channel there is closed. You will need to go the long way round to enter the First Lounge. 

Queues for security have been ok at around 15 minutes, although Fast track lanes are reduced, so it is often quicker to go through the main lane. There is plenty of staff around to suggest the best queue to join.

However, it may be helped by the fact that weather and ATC  strikes have caused further cancellations today with around 70 flights cancelled today. I think tomorrow will be the crunch point as Easter Holiday travel really starts. Heathrow is still warning that they expect queues today.