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BA Sending Out Gifts: What Could They Be For?
If you have had a slightly random email from BA saying a gift is on the way, you are not alone. Over the past few weeks, several people have been receiving unexpected gifts in the post.
Most recipients appear to be getting a hamper-style box containing a bottle of Gigondas Les Jocasses 2022, chocolates and a candle. A smaller group has received a personalised leather luggage tag and bag from Aspinal of London.
So what is going on, and why are some people getting the goodies while others are getting, well, nothing?
BA has offered little explanation beyond a vague hint at ‘thanks for flying with us’ and ‘where will your next adventure lead’. Some emails also reference that ‘your journeys have not always gone to plan’.
What we can say is that this is targeted. Could the hampers be for those who have recently lost GGL status or narrowly missed the spend for Gold, members who have submitted very negative feedback forms, and those who’ve had a bad experience on at least one flight this year? It’s unknown! The card also mentions that BA is ‘trying something new’, which only adds to the intrigue.
It’s certainly a nice touch, but if BA really wants to rebuild loyalty in the long term, it’s not with a hamper.
Have you received a hamper or luggage tag from BA recently? Why do you think you received it? Let us know in the comments:
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Joins Virgin Red
You can now earn and redeem Virgin Points for stays at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, a 5* lifestyle hotel that recently won Condé Nast Johansens’ Best New Hotel for Excellence 2026.
Located in one of the historic India Buildings on Victoria Street, the hotel is a mix of Virgin’s playful design and the traditional character of the area. Think gothic arches, rich wood panelling, and bold interiors that feel modern without losing a sense of place. Step outside of the distinctive red doors and you’re in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
You can redeem Virgin Points for a stay from 45,000 points per night until 15th January (60,000 thereafter) for a standard Chamber Room on a room-only basis.
Rooms are well-designed with plenty of thoughtful touches. Comparing the redemption vs cash rates across multiple dates, points are worth 0.28p-0.43p when redeemed for this hotel. Keep in mind, there’s a 7-day advanced booking requirement and a 72-hour cancellation policy.
For cash stays, you’ll earn 7 Virgin Points per £1 spent. Considering booking Virgin Atlantic Flights and Virgin Voyages cruises is often better value than redeeming with Virgin Hotels, this will most likely be the better option unless you have lots of Virgin Points you want to use. For a 2-night £450 stay (eligible spend), you would earn 3,150 Virgin Points.
You will need to make sure your Virgin Red and Virgin Hotels loyalty accounts are linked before booking. Remember, you can also link your Virgin Red and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club accounts to transfer points between them.
Redemptions at select properties via Virgin Red start from 27,500 points per night.
Huge Reduction in Permanently Lost Bags with New Tech
New data shows that permanently lost bags have reduced by 90%. This comes after Apple’s Share Item Location feature was integrated with SITA’s WorldTracer baggage solution in late 2024, leading to a massive increase in bag recovery rates when passengers opt to share location data.
The integration allows airlines to view passenger-authorised, real-time location data from Apple’s Find My network directly within their own baggage systems. Airlines can intervene earlier rather than waiting for the next baggage system update. When they do, airlines report a 26% faster recovery time for delayed bags, along with fewer escalations and compensation claims.
SITA puts the global mishandling rate at 6.3 bags per 1,000 bags. 66% of these are reunited within 48 hours.
If you’ve put an AirTag (or other Find My network accessory) in your checked bag, you can create a secure, temporary location-sharing link in the Find My app and share it with your airline when things go wrong.
WorldTracer is used by more than 500 airlines (including BA, Virgin, KLM, etc) and ground handlers at over 2,800 airports worldwide.
If you are not already travelling with an AirTag in your checked luggage, this is yet another reason to start.
6 comments
BA won’t know who’s going down a tier until 31/3/26.
Got excited when you said 4 x Apple AirTags for £59! Unfortunately, at the end of your link, they’re only selling at £28 each, offering a pack of 2 or 3 at no discount. Never mind, I thought it was too good to be true!
I haven’t had any emails, hampers etc from BA. I have been Silver for a number of years and have managed to retain Silver on cash flights. I sure wouldn’t mind a little something from BA but as I haven’t complained and an not Gold then we shall see – not holding my breath!
Well what can I say, as family of 5, all Gold Members for a number of years, all we have ever had recently is delayed flights, reduced and inconsistent service standards and barely even a thanks for remaining loyal along with the number of trips and money spent with the Airline. I’d have liked a luggage tag, maybe even the occasional thanks, hopefully they will be a bit better than the new club offering with an 8 week wait for one. Some may think I’m being a bit bitter, but as it stands loyalty doesn’t appear to be high on the airlines list of priorities.
BA GfL (>15 years ago) and currently GGL (for last 6 years), no email or goodie received
Off topic – apology. I just suffered yet another truly unappetising Gluten Free meal on BA. I’m Coeliac, so no choice here, but BA seem to think that Gluten Free means Dairy Free and Flavour Free too. As a gold member, who travels long-haul a lot, I am so fed up with it. Who wants to eat margarine when their preference is butter? I was made to feel I was asking for a huge favour when I asked for some. No jam with my concrete scone at tea either. Certainly no cream. My partner had. lovely salmon starter, which looked G/F to me. Not me, I got a dish of vegetables with buckwheat. No flavour at all. The chicken was left uneaten – dry as a bone. Pudding – I can’t remember.I’d had enough of it all by by then and just went to sleep. There are some excellent G/F choices in the shops now – EG M&S do a very good lasagne. Most curries are G/F. Most of their sausages are G/F now. I think the fact that these days, this is not necessary makes it a lot less tolerable. Rant over. Thanks for listening.