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British Airways AMEX Premium Plus Card Devalued
American Express has just announced major changes to the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, and it’s not good news.
The main change is a reduced Avios earning rate. From 7th October 2026, cardholders will earn 1.25 Avios per £1 on everyday spending, down from the current 1.5 Avios per £1.
The bonus earning rate on British Airways purchases is also being removed. From 7th October 2026, BA purchases will earn the standard 1.25 Avios per £1, down from 3 Avios per £1.
This is a major devaluation, especially if you spend a substantial amount with BA each year. Even the 1.25 earning rate is lower than some of the other cards on the market.
There are some slight positive changes. From 1st April 2027, Premium Plus cardholders will continue to earn 1 Tier Point for every £10 of qualifying spend, but the annual cap will increase from 2,500 to 3,000 Tier Points, meaning you could almost reach the 3,500 Tier Points needed for Bronze status with the card. Tier Points will be credited continuously as you spend, rather than when you reach thresholds.
Considering the Premium Plus Card has a £300 annual fee, these changes narrow the gap between the Premium Plus Card and the free card which has an earning rate of 1 Avios per £1. If your main reason for holding the card is the earn rate, it may be time to re-think whether it’s still worth it.
The Premium Plus Card still comes with its valuable Companion Voucher. Unlike the voucher on the free card, it can be used in Club World and First, is valid for two years and gives access to additional reward availability, which means the card still has substantial value.
These are disappointing devaluations for a card that we’ve long regarded as one of the best for earning Avios on your spend. For many, this card will still be very much worth it, but that depends entirely on what you’re using it for.
Whether the card remains worthwhile will depend on how much you value the Companion Voucher, whether the Tier Points help you reach status and whether the reduced Avios earning rate suits goals.
If you’re not convinced, there are alternative options out there. The Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard costs £240 per year, earns 1.5 Avios per £1 and includes an annual cabin upgrade voucher. Alternatively, the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold card is free in the first year (£195 thereafter), includes four airport lounge visits, earns bonus Membership Rewards points on travel purchases and lets you transfer points to Avios and a range of other airline and hotel loyalty programmes.
With these changes, the card has essentially changed use. I’m sure many people will now spend £15,000 on the card to earn the compaion voucher then spend on other cards for the rest of the year for higher earning rates. If you spend 30,000 you could also earn the maximum 3,000 tTer Points.
Is this card still worth it for you? Let us know in the comments below!
View the AMEX BA Premium Plus card here >>>
Yotel Becomes Part of Hilton Honors
Back in March, Hilton announced plans to bring YOTEL into its new Select by Hilton collection. The integration has now started and most properties are expected to be live on Hilton Honors by late September.
There are 23 YOTEL properties across 10 countries, including city hotels in destinations such as Tokyo and Miami, YOTELAIR airport terminal hotels (including Gatwick) and the longer-stay YOTELPAD concept. The brand is known for its affordable rates, smart technology and distinctive design inspired by First Class airline cabins.
Once a hotel is intergrated you’ll be able to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points, enjoy elite benefits and earn elite qualifying nights.
We now know the benefits you can expect:
- 5 Hilton Honors points per $1 spent on eligible room rates. This is on par with brands such as Hampton by Hilton and Spark by Hilton.
- Space available room upgrades for eligible Hilton Honors members subject to availability.
- Food and beverage credit for Hilton Gold and Diamond members. This is usually worth around $10 but can vary.
The YOTEL loyalty programme closed on on 15th July. If you were a member, you should have recieved an email inviting you to sign up for Hilton. Some members have recieved personalised offers for instant or accelerated paths to Hilton status based on YOTEL stay history.
If you made a booking direct with YOTEL but the hotel has joined Hilton since, you will be able to earn Hilton points and enjoy benefits as long as booking details match your Hilton account.
Having another 23 hotels and many in fantastic locations is a great addition to the Hilton portfolio. Even though the earning rate is lower than most brands, you can still earn elite night credits and spend points on redemptions.
More Airlines Reveal Their Starlink Wi-Fi Policies: Don’t Assume It’s Free
One of the main selling points of Starlink Wi-Fi for airlines has been the promise of fast, free onboard Wi-Fi. But this is no longer always the case. Whether Starlink WIFI is complimentary depends on the individual airline, and a growing number of airlines are looking for ways to encourage loyalty programme sign-ups and offer it as a benefit in premium cabins. Even if Starlink is free, you may not be able to access it automatically.
Fortunately, using Starlink on many airlines is free, though many do require you to be signed up to their loyalty programme; this includes programmes such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, United MileagePlus, SAS EuroBonus, and Air France/KLM via Flying Blue (either now or once Starlink is installed). Qatar Airways will offer a complimentary session, but you’ll then need to log in.
This is especially important if you’re flying with an airline but crediting your flight to another loyalty programme. Make sure you’re signed up for the loyalty programme of the airline you’re flying with.
Some airlines have started to announce they will be charging for Starlink. Vueling has recently announced this without details, but Copa Airlines has released a few details. Free access is reserved for Business Class passengers, status holders (ConnectMiles Gold, Platinum and Presidential members), and Starlink Residential or Roam subscribers. Everyone else will need to purchase access.
Even if an airline charges, Starlink is a substantial improvement over old in-flight WIFI solutions.
Don’t assume Starlink will be free, and check whether the airline you’re flying with includes complimentary access. Check your airline’s policy to see whether you need to join its loyalty programme and whether there are any cabin or status restrictions.
