Wizz Air’s ‘All You Can Fly’ is one of the most exciting new initiatives for short-haul travellers from the UK. In August 2024, the ‘most sustainable low-cost airline’ announced the £534 per year membership option, allowing travellers to book last-minute flights, with options displayed 72 hours before departure. While this option is not for travellers who need to plan a lot, it is a game-changer for digital nomads and hobby travellers willing to jump into seats that would otherwise remain empty. Other short-haul developments include Easyjet’s new routes between Southend and Tenerife, and a year-round connection to Menorca.
British Airways’ new codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways is another exciting development for long-haul travellers. A direct service from London Gatwick to Bangkok will resume in October 2024, just in time for winter breaks in the sun. The new partnership with the Thai airline has opened five new destinations in Thailand and Cambodia, giving BA customers easy access to popular destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Siem Reap.
Singapore Lounge at London Heathrow AirportAlex Rumford
Airport lounges
Airport lounges are peaceful havens for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal before a flight. To ensure value for money (and time), lounges worldwide are ramping up their offerings to attract repeat customers. In August 2024, Singapore Airlines reopened the doors to the SilverKris Lounge in London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2 after a six-month renovation. Now offering more seating and comfort, the upgraded space spans a generous 10,689 square meters in exclusive first and business class areas. Travelers can get work done in individual productivity booths, settle into wingback chairs, and enjoy 75-inch widescreen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The first class area offers an à la carte menu of Asian and Western cuisine’s most popular dishes, along with glasses of sparkling Laurent Perrier Champagne and a curated selection of wines.
Long-haul travellers looking to take a break between flights are now welcome at Hong Kong International Airport’s Kyra Lounge, which is equipped with comfortable seating areas and workstations. The British Airways Lagos Lounge is the latest in a series of global lounge renovations by the British airline, ahead of its new-look opening in Miami in 2025.
Comfort in flight
While the most luxurious flight experience is reserved for business and first class passengers, airlines are increasingly modernising their economy offerings. This includes Turkish Airlines, which is working to offer all passengers “free, unlimited, uninterrupted and high-speed connectivity” by 2025. Its existing fleet will be equipped with the latest in-flight connectivity (IFC) technologies so travellers can stay connected to what’s happening on the ground even while in flight. Meanwhile, Emirates recently announced plans to use newly refurbished Boeing 777s on its Zurich and Riyadh routes. The modernised cabins will offer more of Emirates’ premium economy seats – great news for travellers who want more comfort without the price of business class.
