Bits: BBC on non-vanishing fuel surcharges, Club World pax to Vancouver can sit in First

News in brief:

The BBC covers the mystery of the non-vanishing fuel surcharge

The BBC website moved into interesting frequent flyer territory last week, taking a look at why fuel surcharges still appear to exist – especially with British Airways.

It also ponders why, following a legal challenge in the US, they are now called ‘carrier imposed surcharges’ over there.

It is well worth having a read – click here for the full piece.

Be prepared to roll your eyes as a Lufthansa spokesman claims the charge is now for “costs beyond our control such as air traffic control fees, emissions trading scheme payments and so on.”  Obviously.

No British Airways First Class on Vancouver until March

Due to aircraft changes, British Airways will not be offering First Class on Vancouver services from Thursday until the end of February.

The aircraft, a Boeing 747, will have a First Class cabin but it is one of the few which has not been refurbished as the plane was due to be retired.  The aircraft will fly with the First Class cabin closed or, if demand is high, open the cabin but operate a Club World service.

If you are booked on one of these services with Avios, you will receive a partial refund based on the cost of a Club World redemption.

If you are booked to Vancouver in Club World before the end of February, keep an eye on the seat map.  If BA opens up the First Class cabin, you will able to move your seat reservation.

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How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (April 2023)

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

In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.

You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:

There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:

You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points.

Run your own business?

We recommend Capital On Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, along with a sign-up bonus worth 10,500 Avios.

You should also consider the British Airways Accelerating Business credit card. This is open to sole traders as well as limited companies and has a 30,000 Avios sign-up bonus.

There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.