News and notes from around the interweb:
- Club1 Hotels is a new site offering wholesale hotel rates. It’s normally paid membership but for a limited time they’re giving free one year memberships if you sign up now. And they’re giving away $500 in hotel credit to a reader of this blog. With far fewer entries than usual so far, odds are good, so enter.
- We’ve seen business class meal cutbacks on British Airways and now BA has announced that buy on board will replace meals in short haul economy.
British Airways will charge even for water, and unlike US airlines top tier members don’t get snacks or drinks for free. BA argues that passengers will get better food this way, since the existing food was so bad much of it was returned uneaten. The changes will go into effect for Heathrow and Gatwick flights January 11 and London City and Stansted come summer. Here’s the menu with pricing.
- App to give you free wifi codes at airports (HT: Marilyn B.)
- The opportunity to buy British Airways Avios at least than a penny apiece has been extended to February 3, 2017 (HT: Head for Points)
- United eliminating bake on board cookies in first class and replacing with ‘warm on board’. When an airline says they’re doing something “in response to feedback” you know (1) they’re at least sort of lying, and (2) they’re hoping you don’t notice you’re getting screwed.
- Lufthansa board approves full acquisition of Brussels Airlines
Gary, how much is the real “Heathrow” tax ? Always been wondering
AA should eliminate complimentary onboard food/alcoholic beverage for OW Emeralds on domestic flights and to make it clear it is because of BA – implement the change on the same date BA is implementing their change.
This reminds me of another reason why I am done with loyalty to AA/BA. Last month passed through LHR twice. First time, try to enter BA Galleries First with my AA EXP card and the desk agent says I cannot go in, need to go to Galleries Club.
I say, “I thought AA EXP can use the First lounge”
“no”
So I try a third approach, “One World Emeralds can use the First lounge right?”
“yes”
“Isn’t AA EXP One World Emerald?”
“oh yes, I guess you are right”, so I am granted access.
Then on the return trip a week later, same three step negotiation but this time when I point out that AA EXP is OneWorld Emerald, desk agent sticks with “no, you can use the Galleries Club though.” I gave up and went upstairs. It’s kind of humiliating to be standing in front of other passengers looking like you are trying to scam your way into a lounge when in reality you are simply trying to use the benefits that were told would come with 80,000+ BIS miles on AA/BA. Not much point in loyalty if you have to be belligerent in order to use the benefits.
Why does anyone fly BA TATL? Is it the lousy food, snooty service, the marginal seats or re-living the early 20th century immigration experience by transiting LHR? Wait-maybe the big fees help with minimum spend!
Buh-bye BA…
BA charging for water? Seriously? Honestly, I can’t believe that. Water is essential on a flight; you need to be hydrated. EXCUSE ME!!!
It gets super dry in airplanes, the least they could offer is a cup of water to their customers. Bad move IMO
The downward spiral of one of the worst “major” airlines in the world continues.
Just watch. AA will now start charging for beverages, including water. Water should ALWAYS be free and available, it is a BASIC HUMAN RIGHT. Next thing you know, AA/BA will start charging for using the bathroom.
@brad: ” Next thing you know, AA/BA will start charging for using the bathroom.”
Don’t give them any ideas. 🙂