What you missed on Head for Points last week

Welcome to the Head for Points weekly newsletter, full of the latest Avios, travel loyalty and travel credit card news, hints and tips.

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The latest travel and aviation news:

British Airways parent IAG has finalised an order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft – but will we see them flying at BA? Could they end up at Gatwick or are they destined for Vueling?

British Airways news:

British Airways tier points are not being given on fully flexible American Airlines tickets. Why?

Avios news:

We take a look at all the airlines you can now earn and burn Avios with thanks to the new Qatar Airways Avios partnership. There are now a number of brand new airlines where you can earn and spend Avios.

Credit card news:

Here’s how you can maximise the Barclaycard Avios Upgrade Voucher from the new Barclaycard Avios credit cards. Used well, it is very powerful.

American Express has confirmed that Shop Small will be back in June. If you have a small business of your own, there is still time to sign up to accept American Express and take part – our article explains how.

Amazon has launched a new promo for Barclaycard holders, which presumably includes the new Barclaycard Avios cards. You can get £10 back when you spend £10 at Amazon.

You can still use your Amex Business Cards travel benefits when you’re off duty.

Many people cancel their Amex Gold card after the three first year, but here are six reasons why you may not want to.

Could the Star Alliance test it’s new alliance-wide credit card in the UK first? Here are some reasons why it might – and a few why it might not.

Hotel news:

IHG One Rewards is celebrating the launch of the new programme with an exceptionally generous status challenge, including INSTANT IHG One Rewards Platinum status. There is also a very easy path to Diamond – and you’d keep it until the end of 2023.

What to watch the F1? You can now bid for British Grand Prix packages at Silverstone with Marriott Moments using your Bonvoy points.

Hilton has extended its ‘3rd night free’ offer at luxury hotels in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America until next year, with many new hotels now added.

Crediting Hertz rentals to IHG One Rewards is surprisingly attractive.

Other interesting articles:

Etihad is the latest airline to unveil a new business class seat, and it looks eerily familiar! We got a special preview of the new Etihad business class cabin at a Heathrow tour.

What’s the difference between Eurostar’s Standard Premier and Business Premier? Rhys finds out. Plus here’s our review of Business Premier from Amsterdam to London.

Two weeks ago Rhys revisited Malaysia with Malaysia Airlines as the country reopens to tourism. Here is our review series:

• Review of Malaysia Airlines business class on the A350
• Review of the Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
• Review of the Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge in the Satellite Terminal at Kuala Lumpa International Airport
• Review of the W Kuala Lumpur, the first W in Malaysia

Deal of the century (well, year anyway): Virgin Voyages was selling €2,900 full board Mediterranean cruises for just 95,000 Virgin Points for two. You even had a pick of weeks and a choice of routings. But alas, they have now sold out. Don’t give up hope though – there is a chance that it will return in the next week or so.

See you next Saturday.