News: British Airways closes Houston lounge, Virgin returns to Havana, Courtyard Exeter opens

News in brief:

British Airways closes its lounge in Houston

Whilst British Airways is investing huge sums in a new lounge complex at New York JFK Terminal 8 in advance of its move in December, other parts of the network are not so lucky.

BA has permanently closed its lounge in Houston. It was, by all reports, outdated so potentially not a major loss.

According to the oneworld alliance website, British Airways customers will now use the HAS Executive Club in Terminal D. Interestingly, oneworld partner Qatar Airways took a different route and has a deal with Air France KLM to use the Crown Lounge in the same terminal.

Virgin Atlantic to resume flights to Cuba

Virgin Atlantic has announced that flights to Havana will resume this Winter.

The service is due to resume on 1st November from Heathrow. It will use a Boeing 787-9 so you won’t be getting the latest Upper Class suite.

There will be three flights per week, departing on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

You can check prices and flight times on the Virgin website here.

Marriott opens Courtyard Sandy Park in Exeter

The first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the South West of England has opened in Exeter.

The 250-room Courtyard Sandy Park is designed for easy access to the Sandy Park conference and banqueting centre, which also happens to the home of the Exeter Chiefs rugby club. The club is the owner of the hotel.

The hotel offers three dining outlets including The View which is on the rooftop and opens during May. There is also an all-day restaurant and The Match Day, a dedicated bar for days when there is a rugby fixture.

You can find out more on this page of the Marriott website.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (June 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 15th July 2025, the sign-up bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. This would convert into 25,000 Avios or into 40 other airline schemes. It would also get you at least £300 of Marriott hotel stays based on our 0.5p per point low-end valuation. Other T&C apply and remain unchanged. Click here for our full card review and click here to apply.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

60,000 points (to 15th July) and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

50,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• The American Express Business Gold Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Business Platinum Card (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.