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Vueling’s Loyalty Programme Overhaul to Leave Many With 0 Avios
In recent years, I’ve learnt to lower my expectations whenever an airline email opens with something like “we have something very special to share with you”. That was very much the case this weekend, when Vueling announced a major overhaul of its loyalty programme in the coming weeks.
One of the most negative changes of the overhaul, which is framed as “for the better”, is that Avios earnings will disappear for most flyers.
Like many airlines, Vueling is moving to a spend-driven model. There will be four status tiers, and you’ll earn 0 Avios until you’ve either spent €200 or flown three times in a membership year:
If you have flown with Vueling this year, you will automatically be upgraded to ‘Smart’ status, though any tier of Vueling’s status will not give you benefits with other airlines.
Vueling is part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), in which BA and Iberia have overhauled their loyalty programme last year.
Vueling has long been a good option for Avios earning on a low-cost carrier and flies many European routes not served by other airlines. It still is, but not earning Avios or having status does mean people are more likely to consider other low-cost options.
You Can Finally Book Aer Lingus Award Flights Online with American Airlines
American Airlines has added the option to book Aer Lingus award flights via Award Search rather than by phone. This is a much-needed addition!
You can now easily compare dates and routes and book your redemption without waiting for someone to pick up the phone.
Pricing is similar to AA’s existing reward flight pricing at Saver levels. A transatlantic Aer Lingus flight is priced at 57,500 miles one-way in Business Class (Saver) and 22,500-30,000 in Economy. Short-haul flights are priced at 12,500 miles one way. At the moment, Business Class availability seems much more reliable than Economy.
One of the main benefits of booking via AA is the very low surcharges – a great way to avoid high fees associated with UK journeys. You can also combine Aer Lingus with American or other partner airlines on a single award, but you’ll still be charged based on the origin and destination (unless the itinerary includes two long-haul international segments).
To add to your AAdvantage miles account, you can transfer from Marriott or credit flights to AA from partnered airlines such as Qatar and BA, though Avios cannot be transferred.
Major Runway Works Could Close Alderney Airport for Much of 2027
Plans are progressing for a £24 million rebuild of Alderney Airport’s ageing runway. If the proposal goes ahead, the airport could be shut from April to December 2027.
Works include widening the existing runway from 18 to 23 metres, keeping it at its current length, improving taxiways and apron areas, and upgrading drainage and airfield lighting. The aim is to maintain current safety standards, not to accommodate larger aircraft. Once work is complete, Alderney will continue to serve smaller turboprop aircraft, such as the Twin Otter. The work may also mean that the two existing grass runways for private aircraft may close.
The only mainland UK route currently operating to Alderney is from Southampton, operated by Aurigny Air, so much of the disruption would apply to inter-island services, which are vital for residents and popular with tourists. An extended closure would leave Alderney almost entirely reliant on sea services.
This work is essential to keep Alderney connected to the UK and the rest of the Channel Islands. Alderney is a hidden gem and well worth a visit. Think stunning scenery, beaches and surfing, paired with history, great food and wildlife.
