Changes to how Iberia flights operate at Heathrow Terminal 5

From Thursday, there are changes to how Iberia flights are handled at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Because Terminal 5 was built exclusively for British Airways, the IT systems were not designed to handle other traffic.  This meant that the Iberia services to Madrid were given BA flight numbers and, behind the scenes, treated as BA services.

This all changes on Thursday.  From this date, the Iberia flights from Terminal 5 will have their own check-in desks in Zone E.  The flights will no longer carry BA flight numbers and the Iberia check-in system will be used.  There is a dedicated group of BA check-in staff who have been cross-trained to work here.

Premium BAEC members can no longer check-in for Iberia flights at the Business Class desks in Zone H or the First Wing.  Gold card holders without checked luggage and with an online boarding pass may still use the First Wing security lane, and of course any Gold member with luggage can check it in at Zone E and then clear security via the First Wing.

How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (December 2021)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!

There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:

British Airways American Express

5,000 Avios for signing up, no annual fee and an Economy 2-4-1 voucher for spending ….. Read our full review

British Airways American Express Premium Plus

25,000 Avios and the UK’s most valuable credit card perk – the 2-4-1 companion voucher Read our full review

You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points, such as:

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & two airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express

30,000 points and an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee Read our full review

Run your own business?

We recommend Capital On Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, along with a sign-up bonus worth 10,500 Avios:

Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa

The most generous Avios Visa or Mastercard for a limited company Read our full review

You should also consider the British Airways Accelerating Business credit card. This is open to sole traders as well as limited companies and has a 30,000 Avios sign-up bonus:

British Airways Accelerating Business American Express

30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.

(Want to earn more Avios?  Click here to visit our home page for our latest articles on earning and spending your Avios points and click here to see how to earn more Avios this month from offers and promotions.)