This Week in Travel Episode 26 - BA Double tier points changes and using Avios on non BA flights

After Qatar joined Avios recently, Finnair is the latest airline to join Avios as from today, 9 March. I will be interviewing Chris from IAG Loyalty (Avios) about what this means for Avios collectors and in particular those that are a member of BA's Executive Club. You can find more information in this article: https://www.turningleftforless.com/breaking-finnair-to-join-avios-free-wifi-for-finnair-plus-and-new-lounge-at-helsinki/

Wondering which are the best deals for business class flights, hotels and travel accessories? I run through the main deals and also talk about target prices and which are the best deals for Black Friday 2023. You can find all the deals I talked about and many, many more on our special Black Friday page.  https://www.turningleftforless.com/black-friday-23/

Are you interested in using your Avios on different airlines other than British Airways? Not sure how to book them or what the best value is? Or perhaps didn’t know about using your BA companion voucher on Iberia and Aer Lingus? You can find all the answers in this month’s episode. Links: Which airlines can you redeem Avios on? https://www.turningleftforless.com/beginners-guide-spending-avios-part-1/ Multi carrier awards https://www.turningleftforless.com/save-avios-by-not-flying-ba-multi-carrier-including-round-the-world-redemptions/ Aer Lingus changes: https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-flash-50-less-avios-for-aer-lingus-flights-seats-and-bags-but-aer-lingus-avios-big-charges-increase/ Using companion vouchers on other airlines: https://www.turningleftforless.com/beginners-guide-spending-avios/

In the first of our new season, I will be interviewing female racing driver Abbie Eaton who started competing at aged just 15. She has won many races such as the Mazda MX5 Supercup and the GT Cup championship. She has competed in the 2021 and 2022 all female W Series alongside formula 1 in Singapore, Texas and Florida as well as European circuits. Abbie talks about how she travels with all her race gear, adapts to new time zones and also makes sure she arrives fit to race at peak fitness. She also tells me about her time being the test driver for The Grand Tour alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

This will be the last This Week in Travel until September when we will be coming back with a fresh format. If you have any suggestions about future program format or content, please let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, feel free to catch up on any episodes you have missed and follow turningleftforless.com for more regular content.   Description: In this video I will be discussing the higher tiers of Marriott and Hilton with Gold status and above. Which can you get via credit cards, which are easier to earn points and redeem them, which has the better perks and which one do I prefer? I hold Marriott Platinum and Hilton Diamond and stay at both chains regularly.   Links:  World of Hyatt/MGM https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/landing/mgm-rewards-update.html Amex Platinum and Marriott Bonvoy Amex: https://youtu.be/DljlItYEFx8 Hilton full article: https://www.turningleftforless.com/hilton-honors/ Hilton Status Match: https://www.hiltonhonors.com/en_US/status-match/landing Marriott full article: https://www.turningleftforless.com/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-right-hotel-loyalty-programme-for-you-one-of-the-best-for-luxury-travellers/  

British Airways have changed the terms and conditions of their double tier point offers. Find out what the changes are, do they affect your bookings and ways round them. Also how do you book Avios flights on airlines other than BA? Links: https://www.turningleftforless.com/beginners-guide-spending-avios-part-1/ Double TP T&C https://www.turningleftforless.com/breaking-british-airways-holidays-changes-the-rules-on-double-tier-point-promotion/ https://www.turningleftforless.com/redeeming-avios-on-other-airlines-aa-qatar-etc-how-to-do-it-the-new-prices/ Vueling Club: https://www.avios.com/es/en/join-avios

If you are unsure of all the rules about retaining your BA status or don’t know what a soft landing is then this is for you. I will also take a look at the best options to maintain your status cheaply. All fares are business class unless stated.   Links: Learn more about the BA Executive Club in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rMNw42QPUA&list=PLAJhZqbxo2iXn6aIrRztc2lMiZ9bzL_0K&index=2&t=33s   Luxembourg tier point break https://www.turningleftforless.com/tier-point-breaks-luxembourg/   Catania tier point break https://www.turningleftforless.com/tier-point-breaks-catania-sicily/   Avis status with BA https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-british-airways-offer-avis-status-for-exceutive-club-members-and-1000-avios-bonus/   BA Low fare finder https://www.turningleftforless.com/suggests/ba-low-fare-finder-phg/   160 tier point routes https://www.turningleftforless.com/best-british-airways-tier-points-runs-including-december-for-the-25-reduction/   Double tier points https://www.turningleftforless.com/offers-british-airways-holidays-extends-double-tier-points-and-winter-hilton-sale-starts/

This week I have been in the Arctic Circle to celebrate Finnair’s new route to Bodø in Norway. It’s a great time to visit Norway as the NOK is very weak against the British pound meaning prices for many things are less than the UK. Hotels outside of Oslo are also great value. I then took a train journey down to Trondheim that cost just £45 in first class and was absolutely breathtaking. I took hundreds of photos of the snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, lakes and fjords that we passed. Trondheim is a larger city than Bodo with no less than three Michelin star restaurants and a beautiful Grand Dame of a hotel – the 5* Britannia.  Finnair are increasing their frequency to Trondheim this summer so I flew back to London via Helsinki with Finnair.   Here are all the links you need: RIB-boat from the waterfront to Saltstraumen – the world’s strongest maelstrom Stone age visit and lunch at Tuvsjyen Climbing at Bratten via Ferrata, Bodø’s newest attraction Hike to Keiservarden – Bodø’s city mountain Kjerringøy, one of the Nordland county’s prettiest villages, surrounded by high mountain peaks and a beautiful coastline. Kjerringøy Trading Post - Norway’s best preserved trading post Red sand beach of Mjelle Radisson Blu Hotel Bodo Craig Alibone Champagnerie & Patisserie Pust Sauna, to experience a traditional sauna on the Norwegian Sea LystPå restaurant Minimum Collection Time Credit Cards Britannia hotel(part of Leading Hotels of the World)  and Spielsalen restaurant Trondheim: https://britannia.no/en You can get extra perks by booking through our luxury travel agent partners GTC https://www.turningleftforless.com/booking-enquiry/ Radisson Blu Royal Garden Trondheim Finnair flight reviews: https://www.turningleftforless.com/reviews/flight-reviews/

If you enjoy a tipple onboard your British Airways flight, then this one is for you. I chat to British Airways’ own Master of Wine Tim Jackson about how he chooses wine for Club World and First, what we can expect to be sipping in the next few months onboard and an update on cocktails and spirits.    You can find out more about luxury travel for less on our main website: www.turningleftforless.com TLFL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningleftf... TLFL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningleft... TLFL Twitter: https://twitter.com/turningleftfor   Cape Town episode: https://youtu.be/CFioU6S1qhk

If you have been interested in visiting Palm Sorings then this week is for you. I chat to TV presenter Patrick Hoy about his love for the city and his top tips for visiting as well as adding in my own experience in how to get there, where to stay and what to do. Hotels:  1. The Sand - https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g32523-d13913281-Reviews-Sands_Hotel_and_Spa-Indian_Wells_Greater_Palm_Springs_California.html The Twist Palm Springs - https://thetwistps.com Restaurants:  Spencer's restaurant - https://www.spencersrestaurant.com/ Copley's - https://www.copleyspalmsprings.com/ The Tropicale Restaurant: http://www.thetropicale.com/ Wilma and Frieda - https://wilmafrieda.com/ Bars: The Paul Bar - https://www.thepaulbarps.com/ Tailor Shopps - https://www.tailorshopps.com/ The Parker Bar - https://thetasteedit.com/the-parker-palm-springs-secret-wine-bar/  Other Links: 1. https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/ 2. https://www.gpsmycity.com/ 3. https://www.amtrak.com/home Book now using GTC: https://www.turningleftforless.com/booking-enquiry/