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Reopening date for BA’s First Wing security
British Airways’ First Wing security lanes have been closed since January for the installation of the new style of security bag and body scanners and were expected to be closed for a number of months. The First Wing is open to those who hold a BA Executive Club Gold card or above and those travelling in First class.
Now, according to Flyertalk, staff at Heathrow have confirmed that the new scanners have been installed and are currently being tested. The new scanners are the same as those in T3 Fast Track which I have been through a number of times and are very speedy as you don’t need to take anything out of your bag.
The First Wing scanners are currently being trialled for 3 hours per day which will gradually be increased until the security lanes fully reopen on 27 March.
Buy your way towards Qatar Airways status
If you are a member of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and currently hold status or are working your way towards it, there is an interesting new offer from Qatar. They are offering a 40% discount on buying QPoints when you buy by 28 March 2024. QPoints are a type of tier points that count towards your status.
Depending on your current status, you can buy points to either upgrade your status or maintain it. Only Platinum, Gold and Silver members are eligible to purchase Qpoints with the purpose of retaining their current membership tier. Gold, Silver and Burgundy members are eligible to purchase Qpoints with the purpose of upgrade to the next tier. QPoints usually cost $15 per point.
Qpoints purchased count towards the minimum activity required within a membership year to qualify for tier retention or upgrade, but you will also need to have earned at least 20% of your Qpoints or have flown 4 sectors (within 12 months prior to retention) on flights either marketed and operated by Qatar Airways. (Marketed refers to the airline whose flight number is specified on your booking. Operated refers to the airline you are flying on.)
Upgrade your status
If you are a Burgundy, Silver or Gold member, you can buy Qpoints to upgrade to the next tier. However, you must meet the minimum Qpoints balance required to be eligible for this purchase. Additionally, there is a maximum number of Qpoints from 14th March to 28th March 2024.
- Burgundy – Buy up to 100 Qpoints to upgrade to Silver
- Silver – Buy up to 200 Qpoints to upgrade to Gold
- Gold – Buy up to 400 Qpoints to upgrade to Platinum
Retain your status
As a Silver, Gold or Platinum member, you can purchase the Qpoints you need to retain your tier, regardless of your current Qpoints balance. However, there is a maximum number of Qpoints you can buy from 14th March to 28th March 2024.
You can find the relevant page here.
Radisson Rewards – Up to 15% discount + 10,000 points on 4+ night stays
Radisson Rewards are offering extra bonus points on longer stays. You will also get a discount that might be up to 10% or up to 15%, depending on the hotel.
The 10,000-point bonus is unlocked by booking a 4-+ night stay. You don’t need to enter any special code, but you must book by 25 April 2024 and stay by the end of May 2024. You will also need to register first on the page linked below.
