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New Centurion lounge for Heathrow T5
The good news for regulars at Heathrow T5 keeps coming this week. Hot on the heels of BA’s announcement of a new T5C lounge and a refurbishment of its arrivals lounge, we can now look forward to a new Centurion lounge for Platinum and Centurion American Express cardholders.
American Express has today announced plans to open a second Centurion Lounge at Heathrow (LHR) in Terminal 5, complementing its existing Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 which opened in 2021. I really enjoy the one at T3 due to its sophisticated food and drink offerings as well as the modern decor. It is way above most of the third-party lounge offerings.
The new Centurion lounge will be more than 9,000 square feet, and will be located on Concourse A near gates A1-A7. It is expected to open in 2028.
Hannah Lewis, UK Country Manager, American Express, said: “Today’s announcement builds on American Express’ continued investment in expanding and evolving The Centurion Lounge Network to meet the changing needs of Cardmembers. Our lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 has been incredibly well received since opening, so we’re excited to expand our footprint to Terminal 5, giving Cardmembers a dedicated space to relax before their flight in a terminal we know they travel through regularly.”
The lounge will offer American Express’ usual amenities, including refined food and beverage offerings, comfortable seating, dedicated work areas and a VIP area. Other than the rendering, we don’t have any further information yet.
It will be accessible to Platinum and Centurion Cardmembers and their eligible guests.
Newark Centurion lounge
American Express has also today announced expanded plans for its new Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which will make it the largest Centurion Lounge in the network when completed, as well as plans to expand and redesign existing lounges at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The new lounges will be home to various spaces dedicated to different customer needs and dedicated work zones, complimentary food and drinks that will feature a locally inspired menu and signature cocktails, premium restrooms and shower suites, dedicated workstations, several seating areas and access to high-speed Wi-Fi.
At more than 30,000 square feet and located in Terminal A, the expanded Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) will span two floors
Card Members can look forward to a range of new offerings, including:
- A Blue Roast by American Express Coffee and Wellness Bar, featuring espresso beverages, cold brew and seasonal coffee specialities from a local roaster, alongside fresh, healthy options such as smoothies, avocado toast and chia pudding.
- Three distinct bar experiences will offer guests a taste of New Jersey throughout the lounge. The Main Bar will feature craft cocktails and curated wines, while the Specialty Bar will put a modern spin on the state’s diner culture. At the Pine Barrens-inspired Terrace Bar, guests can enjoy gelato, Italian pastries and Italian-inspired cocktails celebrating New Jersey’s Italian heritage.
- Signature offerings from the Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge, featuring dishes created by James Beard Award®-winning Resy chefs, including Kwame Onwuachi, Mike Solomonov, Mashama Bailey and Sarah Grueneberg.
- The lounge is expected to open in 2027.
Limited offer: Fewer Avios to Save on BA Holidays
From 8–13 October 2026, Avios will go further, as BA Holidays are offering customers 33% more value when Avios are used towards eligible holiday package bookings. Members of The British Airways Club will need 25% fewer Avios to achieve the same savings on holidays travelling between 5 January 2026 and 30 September 2027 (inclusive).
Tenerife is currently British Airways Holidays’ most searched-for short-haul destination of 2026 for travel in 2027 – and, as an example, customers booking a seven-night holiday to the island with economy flights would normally need 57,000 Avios to save £228. During the offer, they can make the same £228 saving using just 42,750 Avios.
Even with the reduction, using Avios against a holiday is generally poorer value than for a flight. For example, two return Club Europe flights to Antalya, Turkey would cost 53,500 Avios +£20 but would cost at least £1000 in cash.
The Avios payment options will vary depending on your Avios balance, selected package, cabin, destination, and number of people in the booking. You must have 1000 Avios in your account to be able to participate. Promotional prices will be shown in payment options on the ‘Add Extras’ page.
Here is how to book using the promotion:
1. Log in to your account and choose a holiday package to your desired destination. Flights must depart from the UK. It can be either flight + hotel or flight + car.
2. You’ll see Avios part-payment options on the ‘Add Extras’ page. The 33% Avios value increase will automatically be applied to the payment options, meaning you spend fewer Avios.
3. Complete your booking as usual .
You will still collect bonus Avios and earn tier points on your holiday, plus Avios on any included flights. Holidays earn 1 bonus Avios for every £1 spent on flight + hotel and flight + car packages.
You can find more information on the BA offer page ba.com/aviosoffer.
Hilton’s best ever buy bonus- 120% bonus
Hilton has launched its best-ever offer for buying points until 21 November 2026. Members can purchase a maximum of 240,000 points per calendar year during the promotion period.
You only need to buy 5000 to get the full 120% bonus. If you buy the maximum amount, you would get 528,000 points for $2,400. Given that the hotel I stayed in for my honeymoon (Hermitage Bay Antigua, review here) costs over £2000 a night or 230,000 points, you can see there are substantial savings to be made. However, unless you have a specific use for them in the near future, it is not advisable to buy them on speculation. Devaluations happen frequently and with no warning, which could substantially reduce the value you get from any purchased points.
All purchases are non-refundable and the points will be posted to your Hilton Honours account within 48 hours of the completed transaction.
You can find the Hilton buy points page here.
