News: Norse drops San Francisco flights, new Hampton Budapest hotel opens
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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 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.
How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (December 2024)
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.
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
10,000 bonus points, Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review
NEW: Hilton Honors Debit
2,500 bonus points, 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 American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 160,000 Hilton Honors points! The spend requirement is changed to £10,000 in six months for this offer. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Huge 80,000 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 Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is increased to 30,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 60,000 Hilton Honors points. Click here to apply.
and for small business owners:
- American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)
The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton points is 1:2.
(Want to earn more hotel points? Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)
Mike 
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