In this post:
Heathrow unveils improvements
Prior to Covid, I actually really liked Heathrow airport and generally thought things were well run. Since then it has gone downhill and many things are tired or could work better. It has all just felt that Heathrow had given up on making it a world-class airport and just wanted to save money.
There have been several changes recently with a new CEO and new investors. Heathow have now announced a major 10 billion investment plan to improve the airport which is well needed. The customer-led investment plan which will span from 2027 – 2031.
This major infrastructure programme will beHeathrow’s most significant transformation in over a decade – including creating new space within existing terminals equivalent in size to 10 football pitches.
The airport has set it itself some challenging targets:
- 99% of bags travelling with passengers
- 80% of flights departing on-time
- 95% of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security
- A step-change in service with more choice for passengers requiring additional support
The result: a travel experience where 95% of passengers rate their journey as “good” or “excellent”. The plan released so far has few details other than there will be new lounges, shops, and restaurants as well as improving their environmental impact and increasing the airport’s capacity to serve an additional 10 million passengers a year, an increase of 12%. The next stage is that the CAA has to approve the plans, which hopefully will then give us more details on exactly what we can expect.
Commenting on the investment plan, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:
“We’re making good progress on our strategy to become an extraordinary airport – having become Europe’s most punctual major airport so far this year. But our customers want us to improve our international rankings further, as do we. To compete with global hubs, we must invest. Our five-year plan boosts operational resilience, delivers the better service passengers expect and unlocks the growth capacity airlines want with stretching efficiency targets and a like-for-like lower airport charge than a decade ago. With Heathrow’s UK-based supply chain, this private investment will create jobs and drive national growth during this Parliament. We are ready to deliver the more efficient, sustainable Heathrow that will keep Britain connected to the world.”
Waldorf Astoria reopens for bookings in New York after 8 years
If you have been saving your Hilton Honors points for something special, the reopening of the iconic Waldorf Astoria may give you some inspiration.
The hotel was a legend for many reasons, including being credited with introducing in-room telephones, modernizing 24-hour in-room dining, and being the first female cooks in a hotel kitchen.
Guests can now book stays at Waldorf Astoria New York in refurbished guest rooms and suites. Reservations are also available for the hotel’s three distinctive food and beverage experiences — Chef Michael Anthony’s signature brasserie Lex Yard, the legendary Peacock Alley, and the Japanese dining concept Yoshoku
“In many ways, Waldorf Astoria New York is the most important hotel in the world. It is the original luxury property and the place where luxury service was perfected. It not only holds a special place in Hilton’s history, but also in modern history,” said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. “Today, we build on this legacy as we mark the start of a new chapter for this iconic property. We look forward to once again welcoming guests to experience its timeless charm and modern enhancements, as this hotel and Waldorf Astoria properties around the world set the standard for luxury stays.”
The restoration has been careful to keep the grandeur of the hotel’s original Art Deco architecture and history, while integrating contemporary furnishings, cutting-edge technology, and high-end finishes.
Food & Beverage
- Peacock Alley: Linking Park Avenue, Lexington Avenue and Library Lounge, it serves as the hotel’s main thoroughfare and features the historic Waldorf Astoria Clock and Cole Porter piano. Restored to its former glory and positioned in the center of Peacock Alley, the Waldorf Astoria Clock was crafted in London for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The clock has now become an icon at many Waldorf Astoria properties and a symbol of the brand globally. Cole Porter was a longtime resident at the hotel and his Steinway piano, which was gifted to him by hotel staff, has been carefully restored and relocated to its permanent home in Peacock Alley.
- Lex Yard: Lex Yard is Waldorf Astoria New York’s signature restaurant, led by Chef Partner Michael Anthony and located at the corner of Lexington and 50th Street. The menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and refined technique, with dishes like the Royal Ocsiètre Gold Caviar Sando and Slow-Poached Halibut with Borscht Sauce.
- Yoshoku: Yoshoku offers a kaiseki-inspired menu with a la carte or tasting menus. The six-course tasting traces life, from birth to memory, with dishes like Grilled Lobster with clarified butter, Toro Tartare with Caviar, and King Crab with Tosazu Jelly.
Accommodations
Waldorf Astoria New York will offer some of the largest guest rooms and suites in Manhattan, with the majority of the hotel’s guest rooms exceeding 570 square feet. Guests will experience modern design with a residential feel, with larger layouts and spacious bathrooms.
With more than 11 different guest room categories, rooms are meant to feel like private apartments with a bespoke bar in each room.
Marble-finished spa-like bathrooms feature walk-in showers, separate toilets, and dressing areas, with a direct path from the dressing area to the guest room door, making it easy to unpack luggage.
You can see more about the restoration here:
Avios flights up to 45% off with a catch
If you are considering buying some Avios rewards flights there is a new sale on. You must book by 23 July 2025 for savings on travel between 1 August 2025 and 11 February 2026. The discount is only off the Avios required, not the taxes and charges. These sales are quite rare so its worth taking advantage. The good news is that you can use your British Airways American Express 2-4-1 Companion Vouchers with the offer. However, there is one big drawback, you can only get the discount on World Traveller on long haul flights but you can use it on Club Europe at least.
There are a list of destinations available from London airports on this page. Note that there are different destinations from different departures points so it is worth going through them all if you can be flexible.
Most destinations are 40% off but these selected airports offer 45% off return prices:
- Cologne
- Jersey
- Budapest
- Madeira
- Barbados
To book, you should find that it will show you the discounted prices once you log in and select a flight.
You can find the offer page here.
2 comments
I liked Heathrow best when they had 3 terminals, with a building (the queens building ?) between T1 and T2 with a plane spotting area on the roof.
Heathrow was good before CoVid? Are you mad?
Heathrow is a lost cause – in the last 6 months I’ve travelled through CdG in Paris, Schiphol, Adu Dhabi, Doha, Bangkok, Panama – by far the worse experience was Heathrow.
They are nothing more than money grabbing, bad service, filthy dirty spaces and uninterested investors. Their customer service targets are nothing more than pie in the sky.
The best thing that could happen is for it to be bulldozed and turned into much needed housing in west London.