There’s a new First cabin seat in town, plus fun in the lounges, Christmas charity milestones and – hurry! – your last chance to get to Lapland

Last chance for Lapland
Loving this frosty chill in the air? Then you’ll want to extend your snowy fantasy and cash in your holiday spirit in Lapland, Finland’s natural winter wonderland. Until 28 February 2025, we are flying a new seasonal route from London Gatwick to Ivalo, the gateway to Finnish Lapland. Whether you’re here for the northern lights, the Arctic’s culinary treasures or an adventurous day out on a snowmobile, there is so much to see and do in Lapland. You can even take the kids to meet Santa Claus – an experience the family will never forget. Discover everything you need to know about this magical new route here. 

What’s on in the lounges this Christmas?
We have just the Christmas present for you! Until the end of December, luxury vintner Castel Frères will be bringing its delectable French wines to our lounges at Heathrow T5. There will be samples of the luscious Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Chablis Blanc 2023 and Crémant de Bordeaux – all on offer to try and buy. Experience Castel Frères’ luxury tipples for yourself in the First, Club North and Club South Galleries Lounges.

Those with a sweet tooth should keep an eye out for The Cocoabean Company’s tempting array of handmade festive treats in T5 Club South. This family-run Scottish firm offers twists on Christmas classics, including Christmas pud-flavoured chocs and chocolates in the shape of Santa Claus. Also in the Club South Lounge, you’ll find bespoke chocolates from Harry Specters. Try its exclusive Chocopops, alongside other seasonal sweet things. With every £1 spent at Harry Specters, 69p goes directly to helping the lives of young autistic people and their families.

Are biscuits more your bag? Then Honeywell Bakes’ plane-shaped gingerbreads (based on our fleet, naturally) are sure to delight. The Northamptonshire-based bakery has a gorgeously festive range of goodies made from locally sourced produce, and its baking kits come beautifully wrapped with a Christmas ribbon.

Finally, if you’re looking to upgrade your audio set-up, British brand Bowers & Wilkins will be showcasing its award-winning collection in the First Lounge. Try its noise-cancelling headphones, the flagship Px8 and the inspired Px7 S2e. Or get your hands on the recently released Pi6 and Pi8 earbuds, which combine premium design with outstanding performance. And as a special treat, the new Zeppelin Pro, the 702 S3 Signature loudspeakers and other custom installation options will be on show as well.

Support Alzheimer’s Society this festive season
With the help of your Avios donations, our work with Alzheimer’s Society has become one of the most successful partnerships in BA Better World Community Fund history.

The partnership, which is helping to ensure an increasingly inclusive and positive travel experience for British Airways customers impacted by dementia, has seen us invest in a range of services and bespoke customer service dementia training for customer-facing colleagues. 

British Airways and Alzheimer’s Society are also proud to announce that we are the joint lead sponsor for the Royal Albert Hall’s Christmas carol concert series this month, where each show sees a different presenter (the likes of Jess Gillam and Greg Beardsell) and soloist bring much-loved carols to life. Come and sing along.

As a British Airways Executive Club Member, you can choose to support Alzheimer’s Society by donating your Avios through the BA Better World Community Fund. Avios donations made until 6 January 2025 will be matched by the Executive Club. Terms apply.

Flying Start says thank you
Ever-striving to help give a brighter future to young people around the UK and beyond, Flying Start (our charity partnership with Comic Relief) continues to celebrate success. Since 2010, we have raised more than £29m to provide support for more than one million people in Britain and across the world. As 2024 comes to a close, we would like to thank all of you for your continued generosity. For ideas on how to get involved with fundraising, visit Comic Relief.

What to watch on board this December on Paramount+
The epic return of Yellowstone is here, exclusively on Paramount+. Amid the grand landscapes of Montana, the Dutton family’s fight to defend its ranch continues. The cast is stellar: Kelly Riley is lead character and fan favourite Beth Dutton, Cole Hauser plays her husband Rip Wheeler, and heartthrob Luke Grimes is Beth’s brother Kayce, the youngest son of John and Evelyn Dutton. As blood feuds and power struggles, backstabbing siblings and tests of loyalty continue in the new episodes, tune in to the hit drama that’s gripped audiences around the world.

Yellowstone seasons 1-2 are available to watch on board now on the Paramount+ channel until 31 December 2024.

The new First seat is coming
Have you heard the news? Our new First seat is set to roll out in mid 2026 across the retrofitted A380 fleet, and will continue to be the only First seat by a European airline available between the UK and USA. 

Designed in conjunction with renowned London design consultancy, Tangerine, and manufactured at 12-time Crystal Cabin award-winner Collins Aerospace in Northern Ireland, the suite features our widest ever armchair and longest ever bed, at an oh so stretch-able 6ft 7in. Other features include ‘buddy dining’, which turns your suite into a private restaurant for two, while a wireless tablet controls your 32in 4k IFE screen, your choice of various lighting settings depending on your mood, plus your headrest, bed and more. And with 5ft-high walls, ultimate privacy is guaranteed. 

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips