In this post:
Aer Lingus Introduces Passport-Only Rule on UK-Ireland Flights
From now on, you’ll need to present a valid passport or Irish passport card on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional services between the UK and the Republic of Ireland (and vice versa). Alternative forms of photo ID, including driving licences, are no longer accepted.
Previously, Aer Lingus accepted a range of photo IDs for travel within the Common Travel Area, which allows British and Irish citizens to travel between the UK and Ireland without passport controls, but airlines can set their own ID rules.
For example, Ryanair already has a passport rule, whereas BA still allows passengers to travel with recognised photo ID. However, if your BA flight is ‘Operated by Aer Lingus’, you will now need a passport (or Irish passport card).
The passport-only rule will not apply to Aer Lingus Regional flights between Belfast and other parts of the UK or between Dublin and Donegal.
Aer Lingus says it’s aligning document requirements throughout the network to improve operational consistency.
If you’re flying with Aer Lingus from now on, assume a passport is required for everyone travelling. Though you’ll most likely use a passport on these routes anyway, if this is a regular journey for you and you’ve become accustomed to using photo ID instead, make sure you remember to bring your passport!
AMEX Brings Back Huge Gold and Platinum Business Sign-Up Bonuses
Amex has relaunched its biggest UK Business welcome bonuses, with 120,000 Membership Rewards points on Business Platinum and 60,000 points on Business Gold.
AMEX Business Platinum
Fee: £650 per year
The 120,000-point bonus is available for sign-ups until 5th May 2026. You’ll need to spend £12,000 within the first 3 months to qualify.
Top benefits include:
- £200 Amex Travel credit
- Extra £200 AMEX Travel credit when you spend £60,000 per year and £400 when you spend £120,000 per year
- Priority Pass + Centurion Lounge access
- 2x points on Amex Travel
- Fine Hotels & Resorts + The Hotel Collection benefits
- Hotel status with Hilton, Marriott, Meliá and Radisson
- Travel insurance
There’s a variety of things you can use 120,000 Membership Rewards Points for (e.g. 120,000 Avios, Flying Blue Miles, or Virgin Points.
AMEX Business Gold
Fee: Free for the first year, then a £195 annual fee after
You’ll receive 60,000 bonus points when you spend £6,000 in the first 3 months and sign up before 5th May 2026.
Top benefits include:
- 1x Membership Reward point per £1 on general spend or 2 points per £1 on Amex Travel bookings
- The Hotel Collection benefits
- Travel Accident and Inconvenience Insurance
Recent Changes + Important Application Requirements
- You’ll now need to apply as a Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership.
- A minimum personal income of £20,000 for Business Gold or £35,000 for Business Platinum.
- From April 2026, the monthly bonus points will be scrapped and replaced with travel and rental credits, which are less flexible.
- The cards now combine elements of a charge card and a credit card. They have a Flexible Payment OptionYou can carry a balance up to that limit and pay interest, while any spending above it must be cleared in full each month. If you pay your entire balance by the due date, no interest is charged.
- If you currently hold an AMEX Business Gold, you can still apply for Platinum. Same with Platinum to Gold and regular AMEX cards. Even if you’ve previously had one of these cards, you can reapply.
Get the AMEX Business Platinum Here >>>
Get the AMEX Business Gold Here >>>
Cathay Pacific Reveals Plans for All-New 777 First Class Suites
Cathay Pacific has confirmed it plans to retire its long-standing Boeing 777 First Class product and introduce a new, fully private suite when its new Boeing 777-9 aircraft enters service.
Cathay’s current 777 First product dates back to 2007. Even now, it remains one of the most spacious and comfortable First products in the sky, and I’m sure many will be sad to see it go.
The fleet is currently expected from 2027, but the timing is tied to the delivery of 35 Boeing 777-9 aircraft. Certification will also play a role. The seat must be approved by regulators both as a standalone seat and as installed on the aircraft.
Alongside the new suite, the airline is further improving its First Class experience, including dining, service delivery and the way crew interact with passengers.
Cathay is currently refitting its Boeing 777-300ER fleet with its new Aria Suite Business Class. On those aircraft which currently feature First Class, that cabin is being removed as part of the retrofit and replaced with a 45-seat Business Class cabin. Originally, around 30 of Cathay’s 777-300ERs were expected to receive the Aria refit. However, Cathay has now confirmed it will refit all 35 aircraft in the fleet.
This means the number of aircraft flying with First Class will gradually reduce before increasing again when the 777-9 enters service.
Cathay has not released pictures or details of the new First Class suite yet, but we will update you once they do.
