Bits: BA Manchester changes?, bonus Avios from Avis, 20% off Friends & Family Railcards

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News in brief:

Big British Airways changes at Manchester?

Following on from the launch of BA’s weekend European flights from Manchester, I have heard from a couple of sources that other major changes are now in hand.

First, there are strong rumours that British Airways will take over the AA service to New York JFK. I have mentioned this before on HfP and the story refuses to go away. The AA flight is only bookable until 28th October if you look at aa.com.

Secondly, it is rumoured that British Airways will move from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1

Thirdly, other rumours state that British Airways has agreed a deal with the airport to take over multiple long-haul gates in Terminal 1. The implication is that there is little point running one long haul service and they might as well use the infrastructure to run other, presumably also North American, routes.

Note that 2) and 3) above have not been confirmed by multiple sources although they sound sensible given 1). Let’s see.

Bonus Avios when you rent with Avis

Both British Airways and Iberia have launched bonus offers when booking a 3+ day Group C or above car rental with Avis this spring.

The offers are different so you might want to think about which portal works best for you.

Book and complete via avis.es by 31st March and you will receive 1,000 bonus Avios on top of the usual 3 per €1 (minimum 700 Avios), giving a minimum reward of 1,700 Avios

Book and complete via avis.co.uk by 7th April and you will receive 800 bonus Avios on top of the usual 3 per £1 (minimum 700 Avios), giving a minimum reward of 1,500 Avios

You need to use the relevant BA or Iberia discount code which links to your BA or Iberia membership tier. The Iberia offer is not necessarily better because the Avis / BA deal gives you a free additional driver and 250 bonus Avios for paying with a British Airways American Express card.

Details of the Avis / BA offer are here.

20% off Friends & Family Railcards

Until 20th February, you can save 20% on a Friends & Family Railcard. You need to buy via the Railcards website here and use code FEB17.

The price will drop from £30 to £24. The card will save you 33% of adult rail journeys and 60% off for accompanying children.

Category

American Airlines and AAdvantage, Avis and Avis Preferred, British Airways and Avios, Iberia and Iberia Plus

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

Paul says:

12 Feb12 February 12:00

One wonders what deal was provided by the British Government for BA to consider a Manchester base in support of the Northern powerhouse policy of the government? A third runway at LHR perhaps and continued protection for this already overly protected carrier?
- Peter K says:
  
  12 Feb12 February 12:35
  
  The third runway does not help BA. It gives more room for rivals.
  I think BA has taken this time to realise that people can’t be bothered with flying via Heathrow from up north and they are attempting to gain back lost ground.
- Mike says:
  
  12 Feb12 February 12:42
  
  Nice conspiracy theory but BA doesn’t want a third runway at LHR.
  BA is the sitting tenant, the third runway opens the door to the competition.
Nate1309 says:

12 Feb12 February 15:16

O/T Grain Store breakfast was really good this morning. Thanks for the heads up Rob. Used 2 priority passes (AMEX Plat) for 2 people. £60 saving on 4x full english with drinks. Definitely worth a visit over No1 IMHO.
Jovanna says:

12 Feb12 February 16:12

Anyone else noticed the graffiti etched into wall above one of the urinals in the BA lounge at MAN? It’s one thing walking off with a packet of crisps but tagging the name of you and your latest squeeze, while having a slash, is another.
Dan says:

12 Feb12 February 16:16

OT (but I hope OK in the bits article)….is there any way to buy foreign currency using my gold Amex charge card? I’ve got a spending target to hit, and if there was this would help make a big dent!

Assume I’d there is an official way to do this, it would be treated as a purchase?
- Rob says:
  
  12 Feb12 February 17:15
  
  Not that I know of, as someone said on there that Moneycorp had stopped accepting it.
  - Roger says:
    
    12 Feb12 February 17:28
    
    Yes, you can not use for topping up an existing card. Just tried today.
    - Dan says:
      
      12 Feb12 February 17:39
      
      That’s a shame – will have to stick with curve!
Simon says:

12 Feb12 February 16:51

O/T just booked a BA flight to HK via Amex travel to avoid the card fee on my BAPP, but seems I can’t choose seats ahead of time on the BA site. Any workarounds for this?
- Rob says:
  
  12 Feb12 February 17:12
  
  No, not if you don’t have status.
  - Genghis says:
    
    12 Feb12 February 18:21
    
    Or a willingness to pay?
- TGLoyalty says:
  
  12 Feb12 February 18:53
  
  Unless you have Silver or above or are willing to pay you can’t choose your seat weather you book direct or not, even if you are in business.
  
  btw if you happen to accidentally select ukraine rather than UK its no fee on BA too
  - Genghis says:
    
    12 Feb12 February 18:59
    
    How coincidental we all make that mistake.
    
    With some travel agent bookings you also get free seat selection
    - Simon says:
      
      12 Feb12 February 20:25
      
      Thanks all – I don’t even get the choice to pay on manage my booking. It says seat selection is only available at check in. Bit of a bummer if I have to wait till then!
      - Simon says:
        
        12 Feb12 February 21:35
        
        The option to pay for seats is now showing up on manage my booking, false alarm over! Must take their IT a while to transfer all the details from the travel agent.