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

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

or

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.