News: Norse drops San Francisco flights, new Hampton Budapest hotel opens

News in brief:

Norse Atlantic drops Gatwick to San Francisco flights

Norse Atlantic appears to be reviewing its route network, having trimmed flights to Barbados and dropped Kingston entirely.

The airline now appears to be reviewing its USA network and has decided that San Francisco isn’t working.

Whilst always seasonal, flights to San Francisco were due to resume for the Summer 2024 schedule on 31st March. As flagged by Aeroroutes, this is no longer the case and tickets are no longer bookable.

Under EU261 regulations, anyone booked on these flights next year can choose either a refund or a re-route, although you may have to fight to be rerouted. No additional compensation is due as the cancellation is more than 14 days in advance.

Hilton opens a Hampton hotel in Budapest

If you are thinking about a break in Budapest and want to stay somewhere good value and in excellent condition, Hilton has just opened a Hampton by Hilton hotel in the city.

Hampton by Hilton Budapest City Centre has 219 rooms, and features the latest version of the Hampton ‘design principles’.

As with all Hampton hotels, a hot breakfast is included.

You can find out more on the hotel website here.

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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (June 2025)

There are various ways of earning Hilton Honors points from UK credit and debit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

There are two dedicated Hilton Honors debit cards. These are especially attractive when spending abroad due to the 0% or 0.5% FX fee, depending on card.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th August 2025, the sign-up bonus on the Hilton Honors Plus debit card is TRIPLED to 30,000 Hilton Honors points. You will also receive Gold Elite status in Hilton Honors for as long as you hold the card. Click here for our full card review and click here to apply.

You also receive FREE Hilton Honors status for as long as you hold the debit cards – Gold status with the Plus card and Silver status with the basic card. This is a great reason to apply even if you rarely use it.

We reviewed the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here and the Hilton Honors Debit Card here.

You can apply for either card here.

NEW: Hilton Honors Plus Debit

30,000 bonus points (to 14th August), Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review

NEW: Hilton Honors Debit

2,500 bonus points, 50% fee discount, Hilton Silver status and 0.5% FX fees Read our full review

There is another way of getting Hilton Honors status, and earning Hilton Honors points, from a payment card.

Holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as they hold the card.  It also comes with Marriott Bonvoy 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 Hilton Honors points indirectly with:

• 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 Hilton Honors points is 1:2.

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