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BA extends vouchers
Today, as a thank you to customers for their continued loyalty, British Airways has announced a 6-month extension to all Executive Club vouchers, due to expire between 1 April and 31 December 2021.
This applies to Gold Upgrade Vouchers, American Express Companion Vouchers, Chase Travel Together Tickets, RBC Companion Award Vouchers, Asba Companion Vouchers, RSB American Express Companion Vouchers, and RSB World Mastercard Companion Vouchers.
This is the third extension that has been applied, following similar extensions in March 2020 and October 2020, to account for the impact of the pandemic. The extension has been applied today and the changes will already be showing in Members’ accounts.
British Airways is also adding an additional 6-months validity to all new Companion Voucher or Travel Together tickets earned between June 2020 and the end of December 2021.
Ba.com will be updated to reflect these changes shortly.
UPDATE: It appears that despite no announcement about it, Gold Upgrade vouchers have been extended by 6 months for those expiring 1 April and 31 December 2021. As yet I don’t know about the GGL Space release (jokers). I believe that BA are doing ad-hoc extensions, so it’s always worth calling to ask if you want to keep them current. Thanks to Marek for spotting it!
UK & European slot waiver extension
During the pandemic, airlines have been given dispensation from the usual slot rules that apply at major airports. This means that airlines normally have to use their allocated slots 80% of the time. This is to stop them from blocking slots that they are not actually using. However, it led to so-called ghost flights early on in the pandemic, where airlines fly virtually empty just to keep their slot.
The latest EU dispensation which has just been confirmed means that airlines will be required to use 50 per cent of their take-off and landing slots during summer schedules in order to keep them for the following year. Given the situation in many countries, this is still a pretty tall order.
In a statement, the EU said: “This grants the necessary flexibility to adapt to different air traffic levels based on traffic data and forecasts and other indicators.”
In January, the Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) announced that the UK’s slot waiver had also been extended for the summer schedules. The ACL represents 46 airports including 11 in the UK and Europe.
5* luxury hotel offers with no pre-pay and free cancellation
Last week I announced a new partnership for TLFL with Debonair, a luxury travel agent which is part of Pro Travel. One of the advantages of using a specialist agent such as a Virtuoso one like Debonair, is access to exclusive perks and discounts. The vast majority of these offers are completely flexible and require no pre-payment (Vegas being one exception). I have booked quite a few of these offers as there is no risk if there is no pre-payment and you can cancel 24 hours before.
All the following hotels also come with:
- $100 hotel credit
- Free breakfast for 2 people
- Upgrade subject to availability
- Early check-in and late check-out subject to availability
St Regis Abu Dhabi – stay 5 pay for 3
- Stay: stay 5 nights pay for 3
- Booking dates: by 28 February
- Stay dates: 1 May until 30 September 2021
You can request a quote from Debonair here.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Phoenix and Scottsdale are one of my favorite winter sun destinations. You can read my guide here.
The JW Mariott resort features five heated pools: Mesa Pool, Wildfire Pool, Sidewinder Pool, Lazy River Pool and the Revive Spa adult pool. There are also two Jacuzzis, a Serpentine Waterslide and Kids Splash Pad. Pools are heated to 80° in winter months. There are also two immaculate golf courses, designed by Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo and a spa.
- Stay 5+ Nights and Save 15%
- Stay 10+ Nights and Save 20%
- Booking dates: 31 December 2021
- Stay dates: 31 December 2021
You can request a quote from Debonair here.
Orlando World Center Marriott – Save 25% when you stay 5 nights or more
- Offer: Save 25% when you stay 5 nights or more
- Booking dates: 31 December 2021
- Stay dates: 31 December 2021
This is a sprawling 200-acre resort where you can choose to do as much or as little as you’d like. There are water slides and a kids splash zone just right for your smaller children. The rooms are newly redesigned and spacious. Walt Disney World® is just 1.5 miles away or Universal Studios® and SeaWorld® are just a short drive away. There’s also a newly redesigned 18-hole championship golf course, stunning views of Disney Springs®, and a nightly laser show.
You can request a quote from Debonair here.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
This is one of my favourite places to stay in Waikiki, thanks to its great location, historic building, and a decent size pool.
Book a 2-night stay or longer in the Historic Banyan Ocean Suites, Tower Ocean Suites or Tower Premier Ocean Suites, and receive Beach Club Lounge access, $100 Bonus Dining Credit on top of the other benefits listed above. There are also offers for Stay 4-nights in these categories, and receive a complimentary night
on every 4th night.
- Offer:
- Total of $175 resort credit & $25 value Moana Surfrider historical book ($100 original plus an extra $75)
- Beach Club Lounge access for two
- Or stay 4 nights and get the fourth free
- Booking dates: 14 December 2021
- Stay dates: until 18 December 2021
You can request a quote from Debonair here.
JW Marriott New Orleans
This is another hotel I have stayed at (I still need to write the review but given the US has not been open for nearly a year, it didn’t seem worth it!). I liked the hotel as it was reasonably priced but only a short walk to Bourbon street. For those that have status, it had a good executive lounge as well. The room we were upgraded to was massive and the bathroom was modern and looked very smart with the marble-lined shower.
- Offer: Guests booking reservations for 3+ nights to receive 15% discount
- Booking dates: 31 January 2022
- Stay dates: 31 January 2022
You can request a quote from Debonair here.
If you don’t see the hotel you want here, just get in contact with Debbie at Debonair and she can advise you what offers are available on the property you want to stay at.
