BA bits: how to redeem on partners with Qatar Avios, City Airport evening bag drop

News in brief:

How to redeem on partner airlines via Qatar Privilege Club

Last week we wrote about how British Airways has increased the cost of short-haul Avios redemptions on Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.

One way to get around this, saving up to 40% on the Avios needed, is to redeem via Qatar Privilege Club. Unfortunately this isn’t as easy as it could be as you can’t book online.

The Singaporean blog Mainly Miles has just published an article on how to book a partner reward via Qatar Privilege Club.

I recommend having a read, but basically it seems that:

• you should confirm availability via ba.com first

• you submit your online booking request (your Qatar Privilege Club account must have enough Avios for the booking)

• the flight is put on hold for you and you are sent a link to pay the taxes and charges

It seems straightfoward, especially as the flight is automatically put on hold without an intermediate stage of ‘yes it’s available, do you still want it?’ emails. The article also covers the cancellation rules and fees.

British Airways adds overnight bag drop at London City Airport

British Airways has added London City Airport to the list of airports which offer a ‘bag drop’ service on the night before you fly. This adds to the existing options at Heathrow, Gatwick and Edinburgh.

Overnight bag drop is available if:

• you are departing London City Airport before 9am, and

• you drop your bags between 6pm and 8.30pm

You will need to show your boarding pass and passport to drop your bags.

I suspect that this service will be less popular at London City than other airports, mainly due to the lower level of leisure traffic, but the option is now there if you want it.

You can confirm the times above on the London City page of ba.com here.

If you are staying overnight before your London City flight, you should read our review of the new Courtyard London City Airport hotel here.