Aviation with Krish

Travel is something that allows us to experience new destinations and gives us the chance to find our new favorite place. In 2024, we’ve had the chance to explore several new locations and enjoy what they have to offer. Here are some of our favorite destinations we’ve visited this year. 

London’s Heathrow Terminal 5 serves as the home of British Airways, with four BA departures lounges. However, one of the four lounges is a less-known tranquil space not found in the main T5 building. British Airways operates a Galleries Club Lounge in the B Gates, where passenger commotion is less busy. If you’re flying in British Airways Club World from LHR’s T5B or T5C, then this is the place to go before your flight.

With plenty of travel perks and great earning rates, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is considered to be one of the best luxury travel cards on the market. Alongside cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Platinum Card from American Express, this card offers some great travel perks and statement credits. All of this comes at a reasonable $395 annual fee.

Within the heart of London, England, is a luxurious and sustainable five star hotel you won’t want to miss out on. Of course, I’m talking about the 1 Hotel Mayfair. With comfortable rooms, great amenities, and impressive dining options, this extravagant hotel is one that makes for a perfect stay in the English capital. Plus, the hotel has less of an environmental impact on the community compared to some of London’s other luxurious hotels.

On a recent trip to London, I had the chance to fly round-trip with British Airways in their Club Suites Business Class. When flying back home from LHR, I was able to fly from Terminal 5 and pass through the Galleries Club Lounge South before my flight. To make the most of my visit to this old yet cozy space, I arrived at the airport early.

An airline that was once a pioneer of Business Class seats is now a carrier that offers one of the industry’s sleekest premium cabins. British Airways made the turn in 2019 when it introduced Club Suites on its A350-1000 aircraft, featuring more storage and privacy than the outdated Club World model. Ever since then, the airline has been installing these gorgeous beauties on more widebodies, including an increasing number of Boeing 777s. On a recent flight from London to New York (Newark EWR), I had the chance to put the Club Suite to the test, and it’s a Business Class product I would be thrilled to fly again.

Airport lounges can make for a great place to relax before a long flight. However, lounges within airport terminals aren’t always enjoyed just before departure. In fact, using a lounge upon arrival can be a nice way to refresh before heading into town. One of the most relaxing arrivals lounges is the BA Galleries Arrivals Lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport. On a recent transatlantic flight from JFK to LHR, I visited the arrivals lounge in London and was very pleased.

For those of you planning your 2025 travels, you might be interested in knowing if you’re targeted for a new promotion. Eligible Chase cardholders have the chance to earn 10,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points when booking via Chase Travel.

Avios are the points currency used by the airline loyalty programs of British Airways Executive Club, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, Iberia Plus, and Finnair Plus. You can transfer Avios at a 1:1 ratio between each of these loyalty programs. Of these airlines, British Airways has the largest route network and flies to many destinations in Europe, the U.S., and worldwide. Flying isn’t the only way to earn Avios points. You can spend on credit cards, buy Avios, and make purchases with retail partners.

British Airways revolutionized air travel by inventing the first lie-flat Business Class seat. Of course, the first lie-flat Business Class seat isn’t nearly as impressive by today’s standards as some of the world leading Business Class products. However, British Airways still has one of the nicest current Business Class products of any European airline, the Club Suite. On a recent flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to London Heathrow on BA’s Boeing 777-200ER, I had the chance to put the current Club World product to the test.