NEWS & OFFERS: More BA sale discounts, Heathrow ditches liquids rule, Flying Blue experiences and IHG multiple offers

Heathrow finally ends 100ml liquids rule

It seems to have taken forever, but the UK is nearly at the point where all the largest airports have scrapped the 100ml liquids rule due to the new scanners. Originally, all airports were due to adopt a 2 litre rule by mid 2024. Then in 2024 near the deadline, the government decided that the new scanners were not robust enough, and the rule returned to 100ml. The time restriction for installing the news scanners was also extended to 2o25.

Despite most UK airports now having the new scanners, many are still imposing the 100ml rule and/or requiring you to remove liquids and electronics. While some airports have reverted to 2 litres, the Department of Transport has to give formal approval before they can do so, which has delayed airports from removing the old restrictions.

The UK airports that have scrapped the 100ml rule and allow you to leave liquids and electronics in your bag are now:

• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Edinburgh
• London Gatwick
• London Heathrow

From today, passengers travelling through all terminals at Heathrow no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their hand luggage, or juggle plastic bags at security. The UK’s hub has become the largest airport and busiest in the world to fully roll out next-generation CT security scanners. Although this has been in practise for a while in some terminals, this is the formal announcement that it applies across the airport. 

So as long as your liquids are 2 litres or less, you can take them through Heathrow security, which is fantastic news for those who like to travel hand baggage only. However, the downside is that many airports abroad still have the 100ml limit, so make sure you factor that in. 

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:

 “Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey – and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow.”

Flying Blue introduces experience redemptions

Flying Blue, the Air France-KLM Group’s loyalty program, has announced the launch of Flying Blue Experiences, a new line of unique, premium experiences available to all Flying Blue members by using their Miles. The experience option for points has long been around for hotel loyalty schemes, but recently airlines have started to get in on the act. Virgin and Qatar have boxes for concerts and BA has partnered with a new London concert venue at Olympia. 

This new service expands the ways to use Miles by offering access to carefully selected events at leading venues, including the Accor Arena and the Stade de France in Paris.  

Flying Blue Experiences allows members to enjoy exceptional hospitality offers, including:  

·       Accor Arena: Access to a VIP box (with 16 seats) for around ten concerts and sporting events. Flying Blue members with Silver status and above will also enjoy fast lane access to all events scheduled at the Accor Arena. 

·       Stade de France: Access to a VIP box (with 16 seats) for around ten concerts and sporting events, including the opening match of the Six Nations Championship between France and Ireland. 

While both venues are in Paris, at least it is an easy city to get to from the UK, both by train or plane. There are more venues planned for the future. 

“With Flying Blue Experiences, we are delighted to offer our members a new way to get even more value from their Miles, beyond travel, by granting them access to unique and unforgettable events. These opportunities are truly exceptional, starting with some of the most sought-after events and venues in France. Whether it’s attending a concert or experiencing the excitement of a major sporting event, Flying Blue Experiences aims to reward our members with extraordinary moments.” Benjamin Lipsey, SVP Loyalty, Digital & Data at Air France-KLM, and President of Flying Blue.

Reservations can be made directly on the Flying Blue Store website: https://store.flyingblue.com/experiences.

BA sale – more savings available

BA has today upped their discounts on holidays with up to £300 in additional savings when you book a flight + hotel package for travel between 24 Jan – 18 Dec 2026.

The savings are staggered as usual:

£300 off when you spend £10,000+ per booking

£200 off when you spend £5,000+ per booking

£100 off when you spend £2,500+ per booking

£50 off when you spend £1,250+ per booking

You can search for your perfect holiday using BA’s Holiday Finder page.

IHG One Rewards offers galore

IHG has a number of new offers, with some being targeted. Even if you do not have the email, it is always worth trying to register just in case.

Here are the offers:

• Double nights – allows you to earn double elite qualifying nights until 31 March 2026, up to a maximum of 10 nights. This seems to be available for most people. ‘Bonus Elite Night Credits’ do not qualify as Rollover Nights or as Qualifying Nights. Reward nights don’t count, and the stay must cost more than $30 per night. You need to register for the offer here. 
• 25% off stays until 31 August 2026 in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, South Korea and Southeast Asia. This offer ends 4 February 2026. You can find the offer page here.
• Buy points until 5 February 2026 with a 100% bonus. You can buy up to 200,000 points. The buy points page is here.