🧭 How to Use This Archive

It’s simple:
1. Browse the Travel Updates section for the latest airline and destination changes.
2. Scroll through the Travel Tips section for inspiration and practical planning advice.
3. Refer back to this page anytime you need a quick refresher or want to understand recent trends.
If you see something on the homepage that later disappears, it will be saved here. This archive will grow week by week, creating a valuable resource for travellers who want to stay informed.

15/12/25
✈️ American Airlines — Smarter Connection Protection

⏱️ Short holds to reduce missed connections
American Airlines is expanding a new connection-saving system that allows departing flights to briefly wait for late-arriving passengers — as long as it won’t disrupt the wider schedule. Travellers are now told exactly how many minutes the aircraft will wait, removing guesswork and last-minute panic. The system is designed to protect tight domestic connections.
💡 What this means for travellers
Real-time operational data now determines whether a short hold is approved, rather than gate-agent judgement. If your flight is waiting for you, you’ll receive a direct alert — easing pressure and reducing stressful terminal sprints.
✨ The bottom line
This won’t prevent every missed connection, but it does offer clearer communication and a better chance of keeping travel plans on track ✈️

✈️ Delta Air Lines

✈️ Delta Air Lines has returned to London Gatwick Airport after a 15-year break, launching a new daily service to New York’s JFK Airport. Available to book now.

14/12/25
✈️ Zurich Airport — Security Checkpoint Disruption

🚧 Longer queues expected
Zurich Airport is carrying out construction work at its main security checkpoint, and passengers are being advised to allow extra time when arriving. Expect longer waiting times during busy periods, especially mornings and early evenings.

💡 Plan ahead: Arrive earlier than usual and keep an eye on your boarding time to avoid last-minute stress.

🎄 Emirates Adds Festive Touches Onboard This December ✈️✨

Emirates is rolling out a month-long Christmas programme across its cabins, lounges and inflight entertainment, creating a fully festive journey for travellers flying from mid-December. Expect winter-themed menus, seasonal drinks, limited-edition treats and plenty of cosy holiday touches in every cabin.

Premium passengers can enjoy dishes like roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, salmon gravadlax and festive desserts, while economy travellers also receive a dedicated holiday main course. Lounges in Dubai and worldwide are joining in too, with winter-inspired menus and upgraded champagne and wine selections — plus the ice entertainment system now features dozens of Christmas films

12/12/25
Avios Prices Rising: Key Changes from 15 December

British Airways is increasing the cost of Avios reward flights from 15 December, meaning you’ll soon need to spend more Avios and more cash for the same seats. The rise applies to all BA reward flights in every cabin, plus partner redemptions with airlines like American Airlines and Iberia.

If you’re planning to redeem points, it’s worth booking before the changes hit — and always compare the reward price with a standard fare, as cash tickets can sometimes work out cheaper. For anyone looking to stretch their balance further, Martin Lewis has shared 28 clever ways to boost and maximise Avios.

Wizz Air Launches “Wizz Class” for Extra Space Without the Premium Price

Wizz Air is testing a new upgrade option called Wizz Class, designed to give travellers more comfort while keeping fares low.

What you get:
• An unoccupied middle seat for extra elbow room
• 18-inch-wide seats (same as BA and Emirates)
• Priority boarding
• A carry-on bag included
• Guaranteed overhead bin space
• Seats placed toward the front for a quicker exit

The trial has started on flights from London, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest and Budapest, aimed especially at business travellers who want low-cost flights with a more spacious, smoother onboard experience. Book your upgraded budget flight.

1/12/25
Heathrow Drop-Off Fee Increasing in January

Heathrow has confirmed that its terminal drop-off fee will rise from £6 to £7 from January. Drivers will continue to have a 10-minute limit in the drop-off zones before a PCN is issued, so factor in a little extra time when arriving at the airport.
👉 See our full guide to UK Airport Drop-Off Fees and how to avoid them

TAP Launching a New Premium Economy Experience

Starting in summer 2026, TAP Air Portugal is introducing a new Premium Economy option across its long-haul fleet. Rather than brand-new seats, the airline is setting aside 12 seats at the front of economy with the middle seat blocked, giving travellers extra space, more privacy and a noticeably quieter section of the cabin.

Premium Economy guests can also expect a range of upgraded perks — including flexible rebooking, priority boarding, upscale meals with meal pre-selection, premium pillows, amenity kits, and more. It’s a step up from standard economy without the price tag of business class, offering a more comfortable way to fly long distances with TAP.

American Airlines Adds Mattress Pads to Long-Haul Business Class

American Airlines has confirmed that all long-haul business class flights will soon include new mattress pads, giving travellers a more comfortable and restful sleep experience in the air. The upgrade is part of the airline’s wider effort to refresh premium cabins and enhance the overall onboard comfort for long-distance passengers.

🎄 Stress-Free Christmas Travel: Beat the Holiday Crowds Like a Pro

Travelling over Christmas? 🎅✈️ It’s one of the busiest times of the year… but there’s a simple trick that can save your sanity, your time, and sometimes even your money:

✨ Travel on the “Off-Peak Christmas Days”

Most people travel 23–24 December and 27–28 December — the most chaotic (and expensive) days.
But here’s the insider secret:

🎁 25 December (Christmas Day) and 26 December (Boxing Day) are two of the quietest travel days of the entire festive season.
Fewer queues, fewer delays, and often lower fares because fewer people fly.

🎯 Top Tip:

If you don’t mind landing later for dinner or celebrating early, look at flights departing:
✨ Early AM on 25th
✨ Late PM on 26th
These usually have the best combination of price + peace.