Bits: British Airways bans hover boards, Virgin Atlantic sale launched

News in brief:

British Airways bans hover boards

For anyone planning to unleash their inner Marty McFly over Christmas, be aware of this important release that was rushed out by BA yesterday:

Prohibition of the carriage of hover boards including Air Wheels and Solo Wheels

Corporate Safety and Security have been assessing the risk associated with the carriage of hover boards including Air Wheels and Solo Wheels within baggage following a number of adverse press reports relating to poor product quality and the potential fire risk associated with them.

As a result British Airways has decided to prohibit the carriage of these items in both hand baggage and checked baggage with immediate effect.

Further information:
These devices are recreational devices, not an essential travel item and are not defined as a mobility aid.

Virgin Atlantic launches its Winter sale

Virgin Atlantic has decided to steal a march on British Airways by being the first to launch its Winter sale.  BA is holding firm and will be starting its sale on the day it originally planned, which will be soon.

The Virgin Atlantic sale home page is here.

All fare classes are included.  To be honest, the Upper Class deals are not sparkling – the cheapest New York ticket is £2,029.  Premium Economy looks better at £849 for travel up to mid March.

Dubai is worth a look.  With strong competition from the Middle Eastern airlines, an economy return is just £349.  Premium Economy is £659 – for a flight that is the same distance as New York which is £849.  Upper Class is £1,449.

The Delta service from Edinburgh to New York is also in the sale, as is the Glasgow to Orlando service Virgin is trialling.

You can book for travel until roughly the end of June, varying by route.  The last day to book is 2nd February.  The sale home page is here.

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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (December 2023)

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

You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 15,000 Virgin Points):

You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 9th January 2024, you will receive 30,000 Membership Rewards points (convertible to 30,000 Avios) with American Express Preferred Rewards Gold. You receive 25,000 points if you spend £3,000 in three months and a further 5,000 points if you hold the card for 15 months. You can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 30,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 30,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 9th January 2024, you will receive a huge 100,000 Membership Rewards points (convertible to 100,000 Avios) with The Platinum Card. You receive 75,000 points if you spend £10,000 in six months and a further 25,000 points if you hold the card for 15 months. You can apply here.

Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points. 

(Want to earn more Virgin Points?  Click here to see our recent articles on Virgin Atlantic and Flying Club and click here for our home page with the latest news on earning and spending other airline and hotel points.)