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1 Week Only: Avios Now Worth 33% More with British Airways Holidays
From 13th-18th May, your Avios will be worth 33% more when used towards eligible British Airways Holidays bookings with travel before 27th March 2027.
The offer is a 25% reduction in the number of Avios needed, making each Avios worth 33% more. Each Avios will be worth 0.57p each, up from the usual 0.43p:
- £100 off – 17,440 Avios vs 23,254
- £250 off – 43,602 Avios vs 58,136
- £500 off – 87,203 Avios vs 116,271
Despite the increased value, this is a low-value way to spend your Avios. For example, you can get a one-way Club World ticket to Bangkok starting at 110,000 Avios + £599. That’s a few Avios less than you would need for £500 off a holiday booking. These flights are worth £1,500-£2,500 each way, so even with the taxes and fees, you’re getting a lot more value.
When purchasing Avios, you can get up to 56 Avios per £1 or 109 per £1 for boosts. 1 Avios being worth 0.57p is not comparable! That said, if you have a small Avios balance you’re looking to spend, getting a small amount off your holiday could be a good way to spend them.
You must have at least 1,000 Avios to take part. The discount applies to flight + hotel and flight + hire car bookings.
You’ll find the option to pay with Avios on the ‘Add Extras’ page after you’ve added the passenger details. You’ll still receive the same number of Avios and tier points on your holiday, plus any bonus tier points where applicable.
Air France Improvements to Premium Economy Dining
Air France has announced a second meal service shortly before landing for Premium Economy flights over seven hours.
For overnight flights, you will be served a continental breakfast, including a pastry, fromage frais, and granola. Warm bread will also be served on flights of over 10 hours.
On day flights, you can look forward to a selection of club sandwiches. If the flight is over ten hours, you will also receive a mixed salad and warm bread.
This will replace the underwhelming ‘Bon Appétit’ bag, which is identical to what’s offered in Economy.
Air France is also continuing its collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Simonin for the main Premium cabin dining service. The French-style meal includes savoury biscuits, a starter, a choice of two hot dishes, cheese and a dessert. His dishes are available on flights departing Paris, selected French overseas destinations, and all Air France departures from the US and Canada.
The move is part of a range of investments into Premium, including the Premium recliner seat, which is now installed on more than 80% of the long-haul fleet. These improvements are certainly creating a more premium product with a distinct experience from Economy.
Birmingham’s Refurbished Aspire Lounge Will Have Three Tiers of Access
Birmingham’s new Aspire lounge at Gate 1 is set to open on 23rd June, and it will have three tiers of access, including the usual Aspire lounge area as well as upgrade options Luxe by Aspire and Suite by Aspire.
The lounge has plenty of natural light and some good runway views, with the design drawing on Birmingham’s industrial heritage. The idea is that you can upgrade your lounge experience and access different areas with better offerings and service.
You can opt for:
- General Entry: The experience is typical of most Aspire lounges and starts at £42.99. The area seats 132.
- Luxe by Aspire: Aimed at business travellers and the premium leisure market. There are 104 seats and more space to work and relax, including private work rooms. There will also be more food and drink options, and a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival. Entry starts at £52.99.
- Suite by Aspire: Designed to feel closer to a First Class lounge experience. With space for 52 guests, there’s à la carte dining, premium drinks, table service and a more intimate layout. The space is adults only if you pay to enter, but children with a Business Class ticket can still enter. Entry starts at £62.99. This looks to be the most interesting of the three, particularly given that Birmingham’s current independent lounge options have not always felt especially Premium.
You can enter the refurbished Aspire lounge with a variety of lounge passes, such as DragonPass and PriorityPass, but the Luxe and Suite areas cannot be pre-booked and are subject to an on-the-door upgrade fee depending on availability.
James Millett, Director of Lounges UK&I and Global Customer Innovation at Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, said:
“We’re delighted to introduce our proven Luxe by Aspire and Suite by Aspire products to Birmingham in addition to a new look for our Gate 1 Aspire lounge. Birmingham’s investment plan and terminal work is creating significant opportunities for partners, travellers and our guests. With over 13m travelling in 2025 and significant future growth ahead, we look forward to welcoming guests in our latest design-led lounge with elevated food and beverage offering and our award-winning hospitality. The lounge is designed with our data-led insight at the heart, and we’re excited to launch in Summer 2026.”
The existing Aspire North lounge is available until 22nd June. This is a welcome improvement to the lounge at Birmingham Airport, particularly given how busy it’s become in recent years. The Luxe/Suite concept is already available at Newcastle Airport and has proved popular. Hopefully, we’ll see it being expanded to more airports.
