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New BA Codeshare with Canadian airline, Porter Airlines
I’ve always been a big fan of Porter Airlines, which is a boutique short-haul carrier in Canada. For a start, they fly into the heart of Toronto at Billy Bishop airport, which gives a fantastic view of the city. They are also a far cry from most short-haul carriers and more akin to Bangkok Airways in terms of customer experience. Now British Airways and Porter Airlines have announced a new codeshare agreement, providing British Airways customers with easier access to selected Porter Airlines domestic routes.
British Airways customers will be able to book flights to 17 destinations in Canada including Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg, connecting from the British Airways network when travelling to or from London via Toronto or Montreal. In addition, members of the British Airways Club will be able to earn Avios and tier points when travelling on Porter Airlines flights.
Porter Airlines is headquartered in Toronto, flying to over 40 destinations in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. They have 20 years of experience providing award-winning customer service and operate a modern fleet of aircraft. They are known for their ‘Elevated Economy’ product, which includes complimentary drinks in real glassware and premium snacks, two-by-two seating (no middle seat), and free, fast-streaming Wi-Fi.
The Canadian destinations served by Porter Airlines are now bookable under a BA code on ba.com for travel from 8th July.
Earn Avios while charging your car
While BPme Rewards customers can already convert their BPme Rewards into Avios, BP Pulse, their electric car charging service did not offer Avios specifically. Now BP Pulse has partnered with IAG Loyalty to give customers the opportunity to collect Avios when charging their electric vehicles, making it the first EV charging network in the UK to offer Avios.
Members of The British Airways Club will be able to collect 4 Avios per £1 when using the bp pulse app or subscription, and 2 Avios per £1 when paying by contactless, on every qualifying charging session across bp pulse’s UK public charging network.
How it works:
British Airways Club members must register their payment cards at avios.com or on the Avios app before charging. Once registered, customers will automatically collect 2 Avios per £1 on eligible transactions when paying via contactless, with no additional steps required.
Customers using the bp pulse app to start and end their charge, or those with a subscription, must ensure they’ve downloaded the bp pulse app, are signed in, and have also registered a payment card in the app wallet.
You can find more details here.
American Express Platinum card to include Gold Accor status
One of the reasons to get an Amex Platinum is not just the points but all the travel perks that come with it, such as hotel status. Up until now, you have had Gold status in Marriott, Hilton and Melia chains as well as Radisson Premium. Now there is a new perk of Gold status with Accor, which applies to both personal and business Platinum cards. However, it only applies to the primary cardholder. Hopefully, this doesn’t mean they remove one of the other hotel chains!
ALL Accor™ Gold is not the most exciting status, but it could be useful if you use the Sofitel Heathrow T5, for example.
Perks include:
- 48% bonus Reward points on eligible stays
- Room upgrades upon availability
- Complimentary welcome drink and priority welcome upon arrival
- Guaranteed room availability
- Early check-in or late check-out
They also have an interesting partnership with Qatar Airways, which could give you Silver status in Qatar’s Privilege Club after you link your ALL Accor account and take a flight with Qatar. It’s only oneworld Ruby status, but better than nothing!
An ALL Accor Membership Number is required to enrol. If you are new to ALL Accor, you must sign up before registering for the benefit. To enrol for Gold Accor status, head to this page on American Express.
