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United Launches UK Debit Card – But Reduces MileagePlus Earning for Everyone Else
On 2nd April 2026, a new United MileagePlus debit card will launch.
The card will be issued by Currensea, the same company that runs the Hilton debit cards. It will run via Mastercard and link directly to your existing UK current account.
From 2nd April, the number of miles you earn on United-operated flights depends on whether you have the card. There will be a 1-mile increase per $1 for cardholders and a 2-mile decrease per $1 for non-cardholders.
Here’s what the new structure looks like:
| Status | Current (miles per $1) | Without card (miles per $1) | With card (miles per $1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Premier Silver | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| Premier Gold | 8 | 6 | 9 |
| Premier Platinum | 9 | 7 | 10 |
| Premier 1K | 11 | 9 | 12 |
Members without the card will earn 0 miles on Basic Economy.
Cardholders will also receive 10% off redemptions booked entirely with miles, rising to at least 15% for Premier members who hold the card. The discount applies to United-operated flights only and does not reduce taxes and fees. You’ll also earn miles on your spend, though earning rates have yet to be confirmed.
United Airlines is part of the Star Alliance, so you can redeem miles with airlines such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air Canada.
If you pre-register and take out the card, you’ll have the chance to win one of five prizes of 100,000 MileagePlus miles.
We will update you once more details are released! The value of this card will depend on its annual fee, FX rates and how often you fly United.
You can pre-register for the card before launch here (closes 16th March) >>>
Double Avios with LeShuttle
You can now earn up to 12 Avios per £1 spent on new LeShuttle bookings made by 8th March 2026, for travel until 27th February 2027, when using the code 26X2AVIOS.
Services run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can remain with your vehicle for the duration of the crossing.
Earnings depend on ticket type:
| Ticket Type | Standard Rate | Promotional Rate (until 8th March 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Day Trip, Overnight, Short Stay Saver, Standard, Standard Plus | 3 Avios per £1 | 6 Avios per £1 |
| Short Stay Flexiplus, Flexiplus | 6 Avios per £1 | 12 Avios per £1 |
The bonus applies to the full ticket type, including taxes and charges. This is a great earn rate, especially if you’re travelling as a family or at peak times.
For example, if you book a week-long trip for four people with the Flexiplus fare at £546, you would earn 12 Avios per £1. That’s 6,552 Avios, compared to the non-promotional amount of 3,276.
You’ll need to add your BA membership number on the confirmation page. Avios will be credited 30 days after you complete your journey. As usual, this applies only to new bookings.
Search LeShuttle crossings here >>>
New Hotel: The Webster Covent Garden to Debut This July
A new lifestyle hotel brand is arriving in London this summer, with its first property opening on Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
The Webster is a new concept from Altus Hospitality, the group also linked to Club Quarters Hotels, and will debut with The Webster Covent Garden on 20th July 2026. The 167-room hotel is now bookable, with lead-in rates starting from £350 per night.
Overlooking Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the hotel sits between Covent Garden and Holborn and within easy reach of the West End. The hotel will also be near other great options such as NoMad, The Waldorf Hilton, The Savoy and Rosewood.
Interiors will have plenty of wood, brass lighting and terrazzo bathrooms. The rooms will have a subtle nostalgic edge – think Marshall speakers and old-school alarm clocks alongside hand-knotted wool rugs and a curated selection of books. Room types vary from King Classic to Webster Studio Suite.
The hotel will have a range of dining options, including:
- Carmelina’s – An Italian restaurant and speakeasy focused on classics such as fiori di zucca and branzino all’acqua pazza.
- Carla’s List – A late-night Italo-disco bar with craft cocktails.
- The Terrace – An all-day social space with outdoor terrace seating overlooking Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
There are also three event spaces, the largest accommodating up to 160 guests, alongside plans for a Webster Book Club and other in-house events.
A second property, The Webster Times Square, is scheduled to open in winter 2026.
