British Airways becomes the first UK airline to board flights from the USA using biometric technology, the airline’s travel spas enjoy a makeover, plus two new seasonal flights take to the skies this July

A350-1000: routes revealed
The latest plane to join the British Airways fleet, the A350-1000 is a sophisticated new aircraft designed to promote a feeling of well-being throughout all three cabins, compromising 219 seats in World Traveller, 56 seats in World Traveller Plus and a 56-seat Club World cabin (to find out more about the new Club Suite, click here). In July, the first A350 will begin some short-haul flying between Heathrow and Madrid, before heading to Toronto and Dubai in October. Two more routes, Tel Aviv and Bangalore, will join the list at the end of 2019. To find out what else is new at BA, click here

Buy before you fly: London Heathrow
Customers wishing to get their retail fix at 35,000ft can now enjoy British Airways’ onboard pre-order service across all Heathrow short-haul flights. The service, which is already available on long-haul flights (and on short-haul flights from Gatwick), will allow customers flying in or out of Heathrow to pre-order duty free onboard, as well as have pre-ordered goods delivered directly to their seat. Executive Club Members will also collect 2 Avios for every £1 they spend.  

Seasonal routes: summer 2019 
From a South of France scorcher to Slovenia’s stellar city, British Airways’ two new seasonal routes promise a summer of culture, seaside sun and excellent foodie finds. From 12 July, the airline will fly twice a week from Heathrow to the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, where you can follow native chef Ana Roš’ guide to the region’s tastiest restaurants, coffee spots and wine bars. Or, why not don your Breton stripes and head to Montpellier; flights take off from Heathrow four-times-a-week starting 11 July. Book flights on one of our new routes today.

Elemis’ new treatment menu
If you’re in the mood for a pre-flight pamper, you’re in luck, as number one British skincare brand, Elemis, has launched new treatments across our British Airways Travel Spas. The wellness-boosting menu now includes complimentary 15-minute treatments and enhanced Elemis Biotec add-ons (scientifically proven to increase cell energy by 27 per cent). So that you’re soothed in style, interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE has also transformed the spas with her trademark chic aesthetic. Click here to learn more about what’s on offer.

A whisky worth the wait
The next in a series of centenary editions to celebrate British Airways’ 100-year milestone is a limited-edition whisky from InchDairnie, the modern Scottish distillers (pictured below). The two British brands have joined forces to begin the 12-year distillation process that will culminate with a centenary dram being served up in 2031. Over the next 12 years, the spirit is set to mature to produce a cask-aged spirit that’s malty, fruity and works perfectly at altitude. For more information on British Airways’ centenary celebrations, visit our BA/100 page today.

Biometric boarding
Last year, British Airways became the first airline to introduce biometric arrivals at New York JFK, using facial recognition technology to give customers who had previously visited the USA an easier arrival. This year, the focus has been on biometric departures, and has now seen more than a quarter of a million customers successfully use their face as their identity on flights leaving the USA. As well as New York, the technology has also transformed the experience for those travelling from Orlando and Los Angeles – halving the amount of time it takes to board the aircraft. For a glimpse at the future of business travel, read our trends feature

For the very latest British Airways news, click here

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips