New planes to new places; many more lie-flat beds on flights out of Heathrow; good food and drink news for all Premium customers, and a new base coming in the autumn

New planes, new places
The Boeing 787-9 will begin serving Houston and Shanghai from this summer. The Dreamliner, which flies higher, faster and further than any other mid-sized commercial aircraft, will start flying to the US on 1 August and China on 6 August. The model is 20ft longer and four inches taller than the 787-8 and features an improved First cabin, with just eight seats. For more fleet facts, visit ba.com

Flat out
Sleep will be even easier for Premium customers travelling to the US, as BA’s partner American Airlines now offers lie-flat beds to all destinations from Heathrow. There are 62,000 fully flat seats available each week, featuring direct aisle access from every seat – as well as onboard Wi-Fi, noise-cancelling Bose headsets, more than 250 movies, and luxury amenity kits from Cole Haan.

Sunny side up
This August, BA celebrates 20 years of working with franchise partner SUN-AIR of Scandinavia. SUN-AIR aircraft carry BA livery and fly from three bases (Billund, Aalborg and Aarhus) in Jutland, western Denmark, to Dusseldorf, Gothenburg, Hamburg, Humberside, London City, Manchester, Munich, Oslo and Stockholm. A new base will open in Bremen, Germany, in September.

Doing it for the kids
For a limited time, kids can travel for free with their parents when they fly between UK destinations. Until 1 November 2016, kids under 12 can travel at no cost on flights between London Heathrow, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, Belfast and Inverness. Up to two children can travel for free with one adult, meaning a family of four will only pay for the two adult fares. Children can also enjoy free travel on the Heathrow Express and eat for free at Gordon Ramsay Plane Food at Heathrow Terminal 5. For more information click here

A little pick-me-up
Premium travellers who feel peckish during their next long-haul flight will be able to help themselves to a wider range of onboard treats. Following customer feedback, those flying in Club World can enjoy a greater variety of both indulgent and healthy snacks from the Club Kitchen. Lemon drizzle cake, Cadbury’s chocolate and retro sweets, will all be available, as will cold salad pots and fresh yogurt. Flights to India will also feature Indian-specific snacks, including curry and naan wraps.

First glass
Sip your Champagne and other top tipples in new glassware next time you fly First. Crystal specialist Dartington Crystal has created a selection of glassware exclusively for BA, including a tumbler, brandy glass, wine glass, Champagne flute and a crimson-red water glass. Meanwhile, Club World customers can look forward to a glass of award-winning Champagne next time they fly. Henriot Brut Souverain NV has been awarded a gold medal in the 2016 International Wine Challenge.

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips