BA to cancel 10,000 more flights
As a result of Heathrow extending their cap on the number of departing passengers until the end of October, BA has sent out an email to travel agents announcing that there will be further short haul cancellations and as well as more alterations to the winter schedule.
The statement said,
Whilst the vast majority of our customers will travel as planned and we’re protecting key holiday destinations over half-term, we will need to slightly reduce our short-haul schedule at Heathrow up to the end of October. In addition, we may also need to limit the number of seats or fares available on some flights during this period to ensure we continue to be compliant with the cap.
Separately, we’re giving customers travelling with us this winter notice of some adjustments to our schedule, which will include consolidating some of our short-haul flights to destinations with multiple services. Changes to our long-haul winter schedule have been previously actioned.
We will be offering customers affected by any of these changes an alternative flight with British Airways or another airline or the option of a refund.”
So this means that prices are likely to stay high and BA may be reduced to having to only sell fully flexible tickets on some flights which are eye-wateringly expensive.
Virgin Red adds 56 new retailers
Virgin Red has welcomed 56 different retailers to its rewards programme, giving its members the opportunity to earn even more Virgin Points on their everyday spending. Virgin Red is a separate scheme that covers other Virgin products to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club but they both earn Virgin Points, and they all end up in one account. So to earn Virgin Red points or redeem for a Virgin Red redemption you will need to join Virgin Red too.
With Virgin Red, members can earn Virgin Points on their everyday spending and train travel with Virgin Trains Ticketing, to spend on hundreds of different rewards from everyday treats like a coffee or sausage roll, or bigger experiences like a flight, holiday or tickets to see your favourite artist from the Virgin Red Room at AO Arena.
Until 9 October, Virgin Red members are being given a great offer on Virgin Voyages cabins and can book a 7-night Mediterranean sailing for only 115,000 Virgin Points.
Using a points site like BA’s e-shop or the Virgin Red portal is one of the easiest ways to earn points without flying. You just use their site to click through to your preferred online retailer and shop as normal. So you can still get an loyalty points from the shop and use offers or earn points on your credit card as normal too.
The 56 new retailers will be joining the likes of John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer, H&M and Boots.
The new retailers include:
- Mulberry
- Monica Vinader
- Waterstones
- Superdry
- Homebase
- Ralph Lauren
- Farfetch
- MANGO
- White Stuff
- Liberty London
- THE OUTNET
- Oliver Bonas
- Habitat
- MR PORTER
- Robert Dyas
- Molton Brown
- JD Sports
- Superdrug
- Deliveroo
- Ticket Master
- Space NK
- Sonos
- Boden
- London Theatre Direct
- NET-A-PORTER
- Dyson
- Dell
- Ernest Jones
- Nintendo Official UK Store
- Cult Beauty
- REISS
- HP
- Pandora
- Pizza Hut Delivery
- Hotel Chocolat
- Harrods
- Fat Face
- Clarins
- MATCHESFASHION
- Ted Baker
- Joules Clothing
- Sweaty Betty
- Schuh
- Bloom and Wild
- Office
- Footlocker
- Lakeland
- Mamas & Papas
- Viking Direct
- Flannels
- Decathlon
- Kiehl’s
- Screwfix
- Monsoon
- Dreams
- River Island
Richard X Moore, Partnerships Director at Virgin Red, says: “We are delighted to welcome these 56 prestigious retailers to Virgin Red, giving our members even more ways to boost their points balance. We want to be able to reward our members for their everyday spending, so they can treat themselves or a loved one with a range of rewards.”
Find out more at https://www.virgin.com/virgin-red or download the Virgin Red app on your smartphone.
23 UK Marriott’s undergo rebranding
Marriott has decided that it will rebrand 23 regional Marriott hotels to its Delta brand which you rarely see in Europe. This is not particularly good news as the hotels will no longer have to stick to Marriott’s brand standards. However, the good news is that this should not affect the Elite benefits such as free breakfast, as these are currently the same as for Marriott.
Delta offers an Elite Pantry for Bonvoy Elite members and participates in the Lounge access guarantee for Platinum and Titanium members. Marriott says there will be no changes to Elite benefits at the hotel.
A Pantry usually offers offers soft drinks, coffee and tea, bottled water; fresh fruit, chocolate, crisps, chips etc. It also has a breakfast option such as cereal and milk, snack bars, yoghurt and hard-boiled eggs. Some have space to sit; others are literally like a pantry.
The changeover will happen this October with the hotels then renovated (presumably to be more in a Delta style) with completion by late summer 2023.
Marriott describes Delta as “Delta Hotels focuses on the details that truly matter, delivering a streamlined and flawless stay for its guests every time. The brand’s simple and intuitive designed rooms, free Wi-Fi, exclusive Delta Pantry for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members, and convenient dining options offer travellers an effortlessly comfortable and stylish place to stay.”
The hotels due to be rebranded are:
- Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel
- Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County
- Swindon Marriott Hotel
- Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel
- Heathrow/Windsor Marriott Hotel
- Northampton Marriott Hotel
- Newcastle Gateshead Marriott Hotel MetroCentre
- Birmingham Marriott Hotel
- Preston Marriott Hotel
- Edinburgh Marriott Hotel
- Liverpool Marriott Hotel City Centre
- Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre
- Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel
- Swansea Marriott Hotel
- Peterborough Marriott Hotel
- Huntingdon Marriott Hotel
- Aberdeen Marriott Hotel
- St. Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Worsley Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- York Marriott Hotel
4 comments
Regarding the BA flight cancellations – am I right in thinking these are largely short haul flights to Europe? My good lady wife is already irked enough that our LHR-AUS trip next month has been switched from an A350 to a 777.
Yes but they did announce at the same time that “a small number of longhaul flights will also be in affected”.
Absolutely no details on which, where or when though.
I’d love to say that of you don’t get an email in the next few days you’re safe but at this point it’s anyone’s guess.
Indeed. I know all I can do is watch, wait, and perhaps pray our flights do not get cancelled. I also understand the unfortunate reality is that anything is possible in this climate.
Yes. It’s pretty rare on the long haul and then only something like JFK with multiple flights a day.
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