British Airways' A380 returns to service next month
In great news for both international travel and aviation enthusiasts, British Airways' biggest aircraft will return to regularly scheduled passenger service in November.
After sitting in storage for some 18 months, five of BA's 12-strong double-decker aircraft will initially be used on short-haul services from the carrier's London Heathrow (LHR) hub to Frankfurt (FRA) and Madrid (MAD) from Nov. 8, according to Head For Points, which quoted internal scheduling documents. This is to refamiliarize pilots and crew with operating the world's largest commercial aircraft.
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The four-class aircraft has 469 seats across four cabins, with 14 First class, 97 Club World business class, 55 World Traveller Plus premium economy and 303 World Traveller economy seats. The Club World cabin features the older business-class seats, and not the new Club Suite seats.
If you're looking for a very unusual way to fly within Europe next month, you can expect good Avios availability and a comfortable ride on this four-engine superjumbo. It's likely British Airways and Oneworld elites will be able to select premium-economy seats with economy tickets on these short flights, though the spacious and luxurious first-class cabin may be blocked.
The airline is then expected to roster the Airbus A380 on long-haul routes from early December with all four classes on sale, including those that regularly saw this aircraft type, including Miami (MIA) and Los Angeles (LAX). Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) is expected to receive a British Airways A380 for the first time starting in December, according to updates in Cirrum scheduling.
Storing the world's largest aircraft is no easy feat: British Airways has needed to find space for all 12 of its A380s in environments suitable for long-term aircraft storage. Aviation enthusiasts passing through Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, home to BA's sister airline, Iberia will spot half of BA's A380 fleet resting in the dry and hot conditions.
Returning stored aircraft to service is also a complex process.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees