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American’s handy new amenity kits
It is good to see some viable transatlantic alternatives to BA for those who want to stay with oneworld airlines. As well as Alaskan launching UK-US flights, American Airlines has been launching a raft of improvements in recent months. These include new suites with doors for business class, better lounge food, and enhanced menus onboard, plus new amenity kits.
The airline has now announced new amenity kits which look like they would be very handy to use after the flight as a bag in its own right. Designed in collaboration with ethically sourced leather goods brand Raven + Lily, American Airlines is launching new limited-edition amenity kits for premium cabin customers on select international and transcontinental flights. These kits begin flying later this month, and feature an array of upgraded contents, some of which I have not seen in an amenity kit before.
Travellers can expect enhanced eye masks and socks, as well as skincare products exclusively from celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, with her signature natural, plant-based formulas.
There are three types of amenity kits depending on your cabin/seat. Each kit includes a selection of travel-friendly essentials, including hand and body lotion and moisturizing lip balm.
Flagship® First and Flagship Suite® Preferred seats
A navy blue crossbody bag inspired by Raven + Lily’s best-selling Yami Backpack, featuring a hand-stitched kantha zigzag detail and a removable strap. making it very versatile. Inside, as well as the toiletries you will find a premium oshibori towel, upgraded oversized eye mask and crew socks (Flagship Suite preferred are the new larger suites which are a first/business hybrid product.)
Flagship® Business and Flagship Suite® seats
A sleek powder blue and navy pouch with a removable, thoughtfully designed, kantha-stitched wristlet strap. You also get a new refreshing towelette, upgraded eye mask and crew socks.
Premium Economy
A structured magnetic leather pouch in navy or orange, designed to double as a sunglass case. This is something really clever, as I often misplace my glasses case or don’t want to take a large, bulky case with me. I think a lot of people would use this after the flight. It also comes with a microfibre cleaning cloth for glasses and devices
“These amenity kits are more than just a travel essential — they’re an elevated part of the journey,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “Our partnership with Raven + Lily allowed us to bring beautifully designed, purpose-driven bags on board that customers will enjoy in the air and on the ground. From the quality of the materials to the curated skincare and comfort items inside, every detail was chosen with intention and care. This is part of our larger commitment to delivering a premium and comfortable experience for our customers — and we’re just getting started.”
Virgin Atlantic Double Virgin Points on holidays
Virgin has launched a new bonus on holidays, which is available for Holidays booked by Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, with travel between 1 October 2025 and 30th June 2026.
To qualify you must book a holiday as follows:
- The booking as a minimum must include flights + accommodation, flights + car hire or flights + cruise.
– The booking must include a Virgin Atlantic-operated flight.
– The hotel, car or cruise element of the Virgin Atlantic Holiday must be for a minimum of three nights.
– The hotel, car or cruise booked as part of the Virgin Atlantic Holiday must be utilised for the full duration of the booking.
– The booking must originate and end in the UK.
– If the booking includes both Virgin Atlantic and non-Virgin Atlantic operated flights, the double tier points will only apply to the Virgin Atlantic flight(s).
If you spend £4,000, you also get 200 bonus Tier Points for the lead booker. You must book by 30th September 2025. The dates of this promotion are quite confusing. Personally, I’d just book by 23 September to be safe. The official information we received says 23 September for the double points, whereas the Virgin site only mentions 30 September for the tier points.
You obviously need to enter your Flying Club number when you book, and then your bonus Flying Club Virgin points will be credited to your Flying Club account once the holiday has departed.
The regular rates of points for Virgin Holidays are:
- Based on total spend on a Virgin Atlantic Holidays booking, the lead booker will earn Virgin Points at a rate of:
– 2 points per £1 for Red members
– 3 points per £1 for Silver members
– 4 points per £1 for Gold members
You can find the official page here.
IHG 25% off sale for Europe
IHG has been running sales almost continuously recently, so I’d be hesitant to book without a sale at the moment unless you want a flexible rate. All the sales are really, is a way to promote advance booking pre-pay rates.
The latest one only covers Europe, (specifically the UK and Ireland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands), but gives a decent total 25% discount if you are an IHG member. The hotels include are: InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Crowne Plaza, Garner Hotels, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, voco, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites, and Staybridge Suites located across Europe. Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas and Iberostar Beachfront Resorts are not included in this offer.
You need to book by 23 September 2025 to save a minimum 15% off the Best Flexible Rate with the Book Early and Save Rate. This discount applies to non-members with an extra 10% off for members.
You must book a minimum of 3 days in advance. A non-refundable deposit is required in full at the time of booking. You can not make cancellations or changes.
You can find the sale page here.
