Head for Points Weekly: Avios Card Bonus, Hilton Spark

A special 60,000 Avios sign-up bonus is now available on the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card for the first time in three years. To qualify, applicants must spend £6,000 within three months and not have held either British Airways American Express card in the past 24 months.

According to Head for Points, the bonus on the free British Airways American Express card has also doubled to 10,000 Avios for spending £2,000. The site suggests a better strategy is to apply for the Premium Plus card for the larger bonus and then downgrade later, as its £300 annual fee is refundable pro-rata. For small businesses, the British Airways American Express Accelerating Business Card currently offers a 40,000 Avios bonus, available even to sole traders who hold a personal BA Amex card.

Hotel Loyalty Updates

Hilton has added 10 new budget Spark hotels across the United Kingdom. The brand is part of Hilton's effort to expand its affordable accommodation options.

In other hotel news, the JdV by Hyatt brand has signed for its first UK property in Oxfordshire. Meanwhile, Marriott has opened Hyde & Seek, a design-led hotel near London's Hyde Park that joins the Tribute Portfolio. IHG has opened a new flagship Crowne Plaza at Times Square in Manhattan, and Radisson Blu has opened the Medlock Hotel in Manchester.

Current Points Promotions

Several hotel chains are running promotions for bonus points. Hilton has launched a new bonus points promotion for stays in October and December, requiring registration. World of Hyatt is offering double points at Thompson hotels. IHG One Rewards, in partnership with Revolut, is offering a 15% discount on hotel redemptions this week.

Head for Points also published its latest valuations for major hotel loyalty currencies. The articles detail what IHG One Rewards points and Marriott Bonvoy points are currently worth.

Airline and Avios News

British Airways has announced new flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, which the site describes as a great new Avios redemption opportunity. Qatar Airways has eased its rules on using Avios points to book flights for other people.

Etihad Airways will debut its new 'Beyond Borders' lounge design at London Heathrow. The airline is also introducing new business and first class seats for its Airbus A330neo aircraft. In a separate promotion, Emirates is offering double Skywards miles on new flight bookings.

The site's new 'BA Q&A' series answered several common Avios questions this week. Topics included earning Avios on American Airlines flights, the points required for upgrades, booking for others, extending point expiry, booking windows, the Gold Priority Reward, and Bronze card lounge access.

Additional Travel Updates

Manchester Airport will get a new direct train link starting in May. Plaza Premium has launched 'meet and assist' services at London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic Holidays is offering discounts on bookings for 2027 and 2028. A survey by Which? magazine revealed the best UK airport lounges as voted by its readers.

The weekly roundup concluded with reminders about offers closing soon and a forum for questions on loyalty programmes and credit cards.