What you missed on Head for Points last week

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This week Marriott Bonvoy launched a generous new status match, which lets you match existing status from Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards Club, World of Hyatt and Accor Live Limitless and gain Gold or Platinum Elite with as few as 5 nights.

Iberia is offering 50% of ALL Avios redemptions, for example NYC business class return for 34,000 Avios and £133! Remember you can move your Avios between British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus for free.

Virgin Atlantic, meanwhile, is giving free coronavirus insurance to ALL passengers. You can see what’s covered in this comprehensive article. It is the first major European airline to do so.

This week’s top offers

British Airways launched a new 50% ‘buy Avios’ points bonus this week. We take a look at whether it’s worth it.

Hilton has launched a new ‘double points’ and ‘double night credits’ promotion, letting you achieve Honors status at an accelerated rate. Conrad, Waldorf and a variety of other luxury brands are also offering a 3rd night free for stays in Europe.

An exceptional £76 hotel deal is also still available at the Hotel Indigo Kensington. You get breakfast for two, chocolates and a bottle of Prosecco included!

Latest travel corridors update

On Thursday, the Government once again shuffled around countries on its travel corridors list. You will now need to self-isolate when you return from Switzerland, Jamaica and the Czech Republic, whilst the requirement has been removed for arrivals from Cuba.

The 80/20 slot rule may also be back and force airlines to fly empty planes or risk losing their slots at (previously) congested airports such as Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic

In addition to announcing that it is bundling free Covid-19 cover with all flights we now also have better idea of where Virgin Atlantic plans to fly this autumn. 26 destinations are planned.

Virgin Atlantic creditors also approved a refinancing package on Tuesday, securing the airline’s future.

Finally, we take another look at which Virgin Atlantic credit card is the best now that the 2 for 1 voucher have been upgraded.

American Express news

If you’re thinking of cancelling you Amex Gold or Amex Platinum, you may want to consider the free Amex Rewards Credit Card which will keep your Membership Rewards points alive.

We also take a look at how the American Express Platinum Cashback cards compare to other points-earning cards and whether you should change your Amex card strategy.

A rather delightful Membership Rewards bonus offer for Santander Cycles has also landed on some cards. The best bit is you can use it without ever needing to rent a bike!

British Airways

Things have been quiet at British Airways this week with the news that it is delaying the start of some of its London City routes.

Whilst British Airways continues to work through its redundancies, there are signs that a civil war might be brewing as BALPA’s deal fails its younger pilots.

Miscellaneous

It is rarely worth transferring hotel loyalty points to frequent flyer miles, but there are some instances when you should consider it.

This article looks at how you can earn Avios with the little-known NH Hotels and nhow chains.

The Plaza Premium lounge in Heathrow T5 has re-opened.

Offers you missed:

This week, you missed the chance to save 62% on British Airways centenary gin as Pickering’s tries to flog its leftover stock. HfP readers drank them dry by 8am!

You also missed the last call for IHG’s 2-4-1 UK and Europe sale.