British Airways has won several accolades at prestigious travel site awards, including Best Seat and Service in Premium Economy, Best UK Airport Lounge (Airline) and Best Airline/Rail Loyalty Programme.
The UK’s flag carrier received the accolades at the Head for Points Travel & Loyalty Awards, with the winners announced at an industry dinner at The Crypt by Bleeding Heart in London. It was presented by Sky News’ Jonathan Samuels and attended by representatives from nominated airlines, hotel groups, airport lounges and travel rewards credit cards.
More than 6,000 readers Go to the points They cast their votes for the awards in recognition of “the best services the UK has to offer the business and leisure traveller”.
Head for Points praised British Airways for investing in its premium economy cabin (‘World Traveler Plus’). He said: ‘British Airways has been investing significantly in its World Traveler Plus experience over the past five years, and this win proves it has all been worth it.
‘Upgraded meals, blankets, pillows and amenities kits mean the cabin is now a real step up from economy, while – finally! – The launch of dedicated check-in and baggage drop-off counters at airports appears to have given it an advantage compared to our last awards.’
Suite dreams: Frequent traveler website Head for Points has announced its 2023 Travel and Loyalty Awards. Qatar Airlines took home best seat and service in Business Class for its exclusive ‘Q-Suite’
British Airways won the award for Best Seat and Service in Premium Economy. BA was praised by Head for Points for investing in the cabin (‘World Traveler Plus’). He said: “British Airways has been investing significantly in its World Traveler Plus experience over the past five years, and this win proves it has all been worth it.”
The best airport lounge in the UK (airline) was the BA Concorde lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5, above
The award for Best Seat and Service in Business Class went to Qatar Airlines and its ‘Qsuite’.
Head for Points said: “From the exclusive Qsuite with private door and on-demand a la carte dining, and touchscreen in-flight entertainment information, to comfortable loungewear, Diptyque amenities and highly attentive service, it’s not to be missed. No wonder Qatar Airways is the winner in this category.’
The BA lounge award was courtesy of the BA Concorde lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5.
Head for Points said: ‘The Concorde lounge, exclusively for passengers holding a first class ticket departing from Heathrow Terminal 5, demonstrates that British Airways can offer good quality table service lounge food and premium drinks. Let’s see how it is implemented in the Gold and Business Class lounges too!’
Meanwhile, BA’s loyalty program win came thanks to the airline’s Executive Club, with Head for Points commenting: “It’s no surprise that readers of a UK-focused frequent flyer site choose British Airways Executive Club as their your favorite program. However, while it’s easy to get annoyed by high surcharges and shaky IT, you have to admire the industry-leading innovations, such as guaranteed Avios seats on every flight, new “all Avios” flights and the 2-4 bonus -1 offered on the BA Amex Credit Card.
Best UK Airport Lounge (Independent) went to the American Express Centurion Lounge (Terminal 3).
Head for Points said: “The first Centurion Lounge to open in Europe, accessible at Heathrow Terminal 3 to anyone with an American Express Platinum or Centurion card, is a remarkable example of what good design can do with a space. no windows”. A variety of seating ‘zones’ means there is something for every type of trip and traveler.’
Best New Hotel Chain went to W Edinburgh, a Marriott Bonvoy hotel. Head for Points said: “This hotel isn’t going to win any awards for its, ahem, interesting silhouette or the speed of its construction, but it’s finally open as Scotland’s first W hotel, and only the UK’s second.”
Sky News’ Jonathan Samuels awards ‘Best Loyalty Programme’ to British Airways’ Esme Fillingham at Head for Points Travel and Loyalty Awards
Best New Hotel Chain went to W Edinburgh, a Marriott Bonvoy hotel.
Head for Points said: “This hotel isn’t going to win any awards for its – ahem – interesting silhouette or the speed of its construction, but it’s finally open as Scotland’s first W hotel, and only the UK’s second W hotel A branch of trendy restaurant SushiSamba sets the pace and the rooftop bar will come to life during its first summer season in 2024.’
Speaking about the awards, Rob Burgess, editor and founder of Head for Points, said: “Our Travel & Loyalty Awards 2023 are a great opportunity to recognize the best of the crop when it comes to premium business and leisure travel in the Kingdom. United.
“Many of the areas we cover, such as airport lounges and travel credit cards, are ignored by other rewards because they are too specific, but to our readers they are very important and appreciated.”