Bits: underwhelming BA sale now on, new Qatar Airways amenity kits launched

News in brief:

British Airways sale now on

British Airways has launched its annual December sale – click here for details.  Without a hint of irony, it is called ‘The Unforgettable Sale’.  Once you’ve seen the pricing you may disagree.

I’m not sure what is going on here – I am guessing that there will be a separate premium sale later on.  We know that business class loads are weak but there are no real deals here.

The headline deals being advertised are all in World Traveller:

• New York from £399 return
• New Orleans from £545 return
• Santiago from £679 return
• Los Angeles from £499 return
• San Diego from £577 return
• San Francisco from £499 return
• Dubai from £299 return
• Calgary from £549 return
• Buenos Aires from £699 return
• Tokyo from £677 return
• Fort Lauderdale £379 return
• Oakland £379 return
• Singapore £499 return
• Johannesburg from £570 return

A quick look at the British Airways Low Fare Finder site doesn’t show much of merit in Club World.

New York is no cheaper than £1800, for example.  San Francisco is no cheaper than £2075.  Buenos Aires is no cheaper than £2639 whilst Dubai bottoms out at a still pricey £1495 – and only if you travel during Ramadan.

The sale home page is here if you want to take a look.  All deals must be booked by 31st January.

There are some slightly better deals over at BA Holidays, assuming you are happy to package in a hotel with your flight.

New Qatar Airways amenity kits launched

Qatar Airways – a popular choice with HfP readers due to their low sale fares and ability to collect Avios and tier points – has launched a new range of amenity kits.  These are a partnership with BRICS and Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio, who apparently are an environmentally friendly olive oil-based cosmetics company.

My first thought was ‘these look cute’.  My second thought was ‘no more Armani in First Class’ (I am still working through some Armani goodies I got earlier this year!).

The new First Class kit is pictured above, click to enlarge.

And here is the Business Class one:

The kits include lip balm, hydrating facial mist and City Cream anti-ageing moisturiser in Business Class, with the added night recovery cream for First Class kits.

PS.  Qatar now runs 72 flights a week from the UK, according to the press release they sent me.  Add in Emirates and Etihad and I wonder what % of BA’s long-haul capacity the ‘Middle East 3’ now have between them?