This Week in Travel from Turning Left for Less (Turning Left for Less)

For This Week in Travel's episode, we look at the daily life of pilots and air traffic controllers, how to become one, how they handled emergencies, weather and unusual occurrences, and more. 

In the first of our new season, I will be interviewing female racing driver Abbie Eaton who started competing at aged just 15. She has won many races such as the Mazda MX5 Supercup and the GT Cup championship. She has competed in the 2021 and 2022 all female W Series alongside formula 1 in Singapore, Texas and Florida as well as European circuits.

Abbie talks about how she travels with all her race gear, adapts to new time zones and also makes sure she arrives fit to race at peak fitness. She also tells me about her time being the test driver for The Grand Tour alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

This Week I will be broadcasting from my pool suite in the UAE and the KLM Crown lounge. I’ll be talking about flying business class to Dubai via Amsterdam using Virgin Points. I will also look at what other airlines you can use points on, what other airlines you can fly to Dubai on as well as my top tips for arriving in and getting around Dubai.

After Qatar joined Avios recently, Finnair is the latest airline to join Avios as from today, 9 March. I will be interviewing Chris from IAG Loyalty (Avios) about what this means for Avios collectors and in particular those that are a member of BA's Executive Club.

You can find more information in this article: https://www.turningleftforless.com/breaking-finnair-to-join-avios-free-wifi-for-finnair-plus-and-new-lounge-at-helsinki/

If you have ever wondered about visiting Oman, this episode is for you. Find out how to get there using miles or Avios, which hotels you can use your points on and what there is to do there. There are also tips on how to get about and the costs of food and drink.

I’ll also take an in-depth look at the latest luxury hotel opening, Jumeirah Muscat Bay. Plus I’ll be at the Shangri La Al Husn adults only hotel which is part of the largest resort in Oman.

Plus of course a look at the latest news and offers including some good business and first deals and the new Swiss business and first class.

Qatar offer to Bangkok: https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-bangkok-on-qatar-from-1318-eu-entry-etias-postponed-luxury-hotel-offers-inc-mandarin-oriental/

Qatar offer to Middle East: https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-qatar-announce-7-new-routes-and-up-to-20-off-business-class-from-1253/

British Airways first and new Swiss seats: https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-swiss-new-business-first-class-seats-and-british-airways-first-class-from-2078/

British Airways premium sale: https://www.turningleftforless.com/offer-british-airways-launch-new-premium-sale-and-there-are-some-decent-prices/

You can book the Jumeirah or Shangri La with extra perks by using a luxury travel agent such as GTC https://www.turningleftforless.com/booking-enquiry/

If you enjoy a tipple onboard your British Airways flight, then this one is for you. I chat to British Airways’ own Master of Wine Tim Jackson about how he chooses wine for Club World and First, what we can expect to be sipping in the next few months onboard and an update on cocktails and spirits. 

You can find out more about luxury travel for less on our main website: www.turningleftforless.com

TLFL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningleftf...

TLFL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningleft...

TLFL Twitter: https://twitter.com/turningleftfor

Cape Town episode: https://youtu.be/CFioU6S1qhk

Want to choose a new suitcase or hand luggage wheelie bag but not sure where to start? I talk about what luggage I use as a frequent traveller that looks good, is practical and last well. As well as others that I have tested over the years. And of course, how to get the bag you want cheaper!

Links:

This is the previous version of the Samsonite suitcase that I had until recently and it’s a bit cheaper. It’s pretty much exactly the same as the newer version except the mouldings.

https://amzn.to/3INMkEo

Current C Lite:

https://www.samsonite.co.uk/c-lite-spinner-81cm--black/122862-1041.html

Comparison of hand luggage including Away and Tumi:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/luggagereviewtumiawaysamsonite/

Level 8 reviews:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/luggage-review-level-8-carry-on-and-medium-suitcase-black-friday-sale-and-chance-to-win-luggage/

Level 8 Road runner hand luggage:

https://amzn.to/3MKtVcT

Are you finding the cost of business class flights very high currently and want to know how to find the best deals. This week I’ll be telling you all the tricks on how to find cheaper flights including ITA Matrix, Google flights and Ex EU departures. Plus of course the latest news.

Avios price increases: https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-ba-will-raise-price-of-avios-subscription-heathrow-blames-loss-on-price-cap-and-up-to-35-off-luxury-hotels/

ITA Matrix guide: https://www.turningleftforless.com/so-you-want-to-book-a-tp-run-ita-matrix-part-1/

BA low fare finder: https://www.turningleftforless.com/suggests/ba-low-fare-finder-phg/

This week I look at the latest travel news, including strikes and airport improvements. Then find out five ways you may not know to collect Avios. Finally, I speak to Debbie from Luxury Travel agents GTC about how to get free perks on your hotel stay like upgrades and hotel credit while still collecting hotel points. 

Find our website: https://www.turningleftforless.com/

Links:

Avios:

https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/executive-club/collecting-avios/lifestyle

Book with GTC:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/booking-enquiry/

Marriott promotion:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-great-new-marriott-promo-get-status-at-half-price-and-groundbreaking-qatar-avios-change/

This week I’ll be talking about the lastest travel news the latest strike news and the latest lounge at T5 to reopen for oneworld

I will also talk about my first experience of travelling on a private jet on an empty leg with Luxaviation on an Embraer Legacy that has a royal claim to fame. Find out what it was like and how to get cheaper empty legs on private jets.

https://www.turningleftforless.com/jsx-review-a-semi-private-flight-a-viable-alternative-to-commercial-flights-in-the-us/

https://www.luxaviation.com/jets/jet-charter/empty-legs/

https://www.globeair.com/empty-leg-flights

In this video I will look at what options are available for those that wish to use a credit card to collect Avios miles or points. What is the best card to start out with? Which one is best for a solo traveller or a couple? What perks can I get from my credit card?

You may think that some cards sound very expensive, but in fact if you use all the perks and offers, you can often make a profit. 

Amex Membership Rewards travel transfer partners https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/rewards/membership-rewards/travel/all

Current Platinum sign up offer: https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-ba-a380-returns-to-la-and-boston-new-60000-mr-amex-bonus-and-amex-lounge-benefit-at-wembley-arena/

Barclaycard Avios cards https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-new-upgrade-voucher-barclays-british-airways-launch-barclays-avios-rewards/

BA Amex: https://www.turningleftforless.com/beginners-guide-to-earning-avios-part-1/

Using upgrade and companion Avios vouchers: https://www.turningleftforless.com/beginners-guide-spending-avios/

Virgin Atlantic mastercard https://www.turningleftforless.com/virgin-atlantic-flying-club-big-improvements-and-how-to-use-the-virgin-companion-and-upgrade-vouchers/

Find out more on www.turningleftforless.com

Find us on social media:

TLFL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningleftforless

TLFL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningleftforless

TLFL Twitter: https://twitter.com/turningleftfor

In this debut extended episode, I'll be talking to celebrities about what they think 2023 has in store for travellers and what their personal travel plans are. 

TV presenters Andi Peters, Jonathan Samuels from Sky TV and Paul Charles of the PC Agency share their extensive knowledge as frequent travellers about whether 2023 will be a better year for 2023 after the chaos of 2022 and what they hope to be doing over the year. 

Wondering which are the best deals for business class flights, hotels and travel accessories? I run through the main deals and also talk about target prices and which are the best deals for Black Friday 2023.

You can find all the deals I talked about and many, many more on our special Black Friday page. 

https://www.turningleftforless.com/black-friday-23/

If you have been interested in visiting Palm Sorings then this week is for you. I chat to TV presenter Patrick Hoy about his love for the city and his top tips for visiting as well as adding in my own experience in how to get there, where to stay and what to do.

Hotels: 
1. The Sand - https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g32523-d13913281-Reviews-Sands_Hotel_and_Spa-Indian_Wells_Greater_Palm_Springs_California.html

The Twist Palm Springs - https://thetwistps.com

Restaurants: 
Spencer's restaurant - https://www.spencersrestaurant.com/

Copley's - https://www.copleyspalmsprings.com/

The Tropicale Restaurant: http://www.thetropicale.com/

Wilma and Frieda - https://wilmafrieda.com/

Bars:

The Paul Bar - https://www.thepaulbarps.com/
Tailor Shopps - https://www.tailorshopps.com/
The Parker Bar - https://thetasteedit.com/the-parker-palm-springs-secret-wine-bar/ 

Other Links:

1. https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/
2. https://www.gpsmycity.com/
3. https://www.amtrak.com/home

Book now using GTC: https://www.turningleftforless.com/booking-enquiry/

This week as well as topical news stories such as the airport that's about to unveil its outdoor terrace with hot tubs, I'll be looking at British Airways tier points - how do get them, what do you get with them and ultimately, is it worth it? I'll also be taking a dive into Barbados - how to have a Barbados trip with Avios, points and miles, as well as what you need to know before you go. 

We've also covered a lot about credit cards in the last episode where you can start collecting Avios, miles and points. You can watch it here 

or listen to the podcast here. 

I chat to Jonathan Samuels, the Sky News reporter and presenter about his travels as a news reporter around the world. From flying out of Iraq in the dark to flying into a hurricane, Jonathan has some fascinating stories. 

British Airways have changed the terms and conditions of their double tier point offers. Find out what the changes are, do they affect your bookings and ways round them. Also how do you book Avios flights on airlines other than BA?

Links: https://www.turningleftforless.com/beginners-guide-spending-avios-part-1/

Double TP T&C https://www.turningleftforless.com/breaking-british-airways-holidays-changes-the-rules-on-double-tier-point-promotion/

https://www.turningleftforless.com/redeeming-avios-on-other-airlines-aa-qatar-etc-how-to-do-it-the-new-prices/

Vueling Club: https://www.avios.com/es/en/join-avios

This week I will be looking at the latest news including Air France and KLM's decision to charge for business class seat selection and the latest on the strikes.

The main part of the program is about flying from Heathrow Terminal 3 with oneworld and which is the best lounge to visit. Many people don't realise that if you have oneworld status that entitles you to lounge access (sapphire and emerald status) you can visit any oneworld lounge at T3, not just the airline you are flying with. This also applies if you are flying on a oneworld airline in business and first class.

I'll be talking about the British Airways Galleries lounge, Qantas business and First lounge. American Airlines business and first lounges and Cathay Pacific business and first lounges.

Plus I take a quick look at the American Express Centurion lounge which is free to enter with an American Express Platinum or Centurion card.

You can find more details and photos about oneworld lounges at Heathrow T3 in this article: https://www.turningleftforless.com/which-is-the-best-oneworld-lounge-at-london-heathrow-terminal-3-what-lounges-can-i-use-worldwide/

You can find the opening hours and locations of oneworld lounges here: https://www.oneworld.com/airport-lounges

You can find the opening hours and locations of American Express Centurion lounges here https://thecenturionlounge.com/

Visit www.turningleftforless.com for more tips on how to travel in luxury for less.

This week I’ll be talking about the lastest travel news including what it was like travelling on a French ATC strike day. I will also talk about my first experience of travelling long haul in Air France’s business class. Magnifique or Quelle Horreur? Plus I will look at what Virgin’s membership of Skyteam means for Virgin status holders and why you may want to consider switching to Virgin points.

RIB-boat from the waterfront to Saltstraumen – the world’s strongest maelstrom

Stone age visit and lunch at Tuvsjyen

Climbing at Bratten via Ferrata, Bodø’s newest attraction

Hike to Keiservarden – Bodø’s city mountain

Kjerringøy, one of the Nordland county’s prettiest villages, surrounded by high mountain peaks and a beautiful coastline.

Kjerringøy Trading Post - Norway’s best preserved trading post

Red sand beach of Mjelle

Radisson Blu Hotel Bodo

Craig Alibone Champagnerie & Patisserie

Pust Sauna, to experience a traditional sauna on the Norwegian Sea

LystPå restaurant

Minimum Collection Time

Credit Cards

Britannia hotel(part of Leading Hotels of the World)  and Spielsalen restaurant Trondheim: https://britannia.no/en You can get extra perks by booking through our luxury travel agent partners GTC https://www.turningleftforless.com/booking-enquiry/

Radisson Blu Royal Garden Trondheim

Finnair flight reviews: https://www.turningleftforless.com/reviews/flight-reviews/

In this episode, I'll be coverering the latest travel news and offers as well as reporting from Cape Town and the Winelands. Find out why it is one of my favourite winter sun destinations and how to use your miles and points for your trip.

In this week's episode, I will be talking about how to use your companion voucher and Avios and some alternative destinations if you are struggling to get to the place that you want on Avios. As an example, New York is usually readily available but you may not want to visit the city. Instead, if wine or nature are more your thing you could visit the beautiful Finger Lake region north of New York with its stunning scenery and boutique wineries.

BA contact numbers worldwide for redeeming companion viouchers at midnight. https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/help-and-contacts/contact-us Blade

Helicopter New York plus discount for £50:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/blade-review-the-coolest-airport-transfer-ever-plus-save-50-on-blade/

My favourite hotel in the world: https://www.turningleftforless.com/the-sanchaya-hotel-review-bintan-indonesia-singapore-slh/

Great £1250 offer in business class to New York (suites) https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-business-class-suite-uk-to-us-from-1249-new-jw-marriott-madrid-and-accomodation-offers/

Visit www.turningleftforless.com  for more tips on how to travel in luxury for less.

TLFL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningleftforless 

TLFL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningleftforless 

TLFL Twitter: https://twitter.com/turningleftfor 

This will be the last This Week in Travel until September when we will be coming back with a fresh format. If you have any suggestions about future program format or content, please let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, feel free to catch up on any episodes you have missed and follow turningleftforless.com for more regular content.

Description: In this video I will be discussing the higher tiers of Marriott and Hilton with Gold status and above. Which can you get via credit cards, which are easier to earn points and redeem them, which has the better perks and which one do I prefer? I hold Marriott Platinum and Hilton Diamond and stay at both chains regularly.

Links:

 World of Hyatt/MGM https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/landing/mgm-rewards-update.html

Amex Platinum and Marriott Bonvoy Amex: https://youtu.be/DljlItYEFx8

Hilton full article: https://www.turningleftforless.com/hilton-honors/

Hilton Status Match: https://www.hiltonhonors.com/en_US/status-match/landing

Marriott full article: https://www.turningleftforless.com/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-right-hotel-loyalty-programme-for-you-one-of-the-best-for-luxury-travellers/

In this episode I will be broadcasting from Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE from

the 5* Waldorf Astoria. I will also be covering the latest Hilton in Dubai,

the Hilton Palm Jumeirah and the latest travel news. Plus an in depth look

at why you should visit Ras Al Khaimah, how to get there and the pick of the

best luxury hotels which are usually much cheaper than Dubai and include

overwater bungalow and beach chalets with private pools. I'll be talking

about the Movenpick 5* with beach chalets, Waldorf Astoria and

Intercontinental hotels there.

Want to know how you can travel with ease, get great deals, and find all the inside information about your flight before even the airline tells you? Or perhaps you struggle to find reward flights on Miles or Avios. This week I’ll take a look at the apps I use when travelling and how to get the best out of them.

BA Concorde Room T3? https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-ba-to-open-concorde-room-at-t3-uk-us-business-class-from-1066-and-emirates-free-wifi-for-all/

Finnair Super Light fares and baggage changes for business class:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-finnair-negative-changes-to-baggage-allowances-redemptions-and-seat-selection-on-most-fares/

https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-clarification-on-ba-and-oneworld-status-holders-on-finnair-new-policies-and-business-class-to-us-and-beyond-from-1202/

Trip it: https://www.tripit.com/web

Expert Flyer: https://www.expertflyer.com/

Get Transfer: https://gettransfer.com/en

Get your guide: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/getyourguide-tours-tickets/id705079381

Reward flight finder: https://www.turningleftforless.com/suggests/reward-flight-finder-3/

Seat spy: https://www.seatspy.com/

Have you ever wondered what the best way to find the cheapest price for your chosen hotel was? Or how to find the cheapest 4 or 5* hotel in a particular area? This week I will be lookin g at how to search for hotels, how to get the best prices, how to get added perks like hotel credit and upgrades and how to lower the price with cashback sites. I’ll be talking you through how to use all the best tools and what offers you can stack to reduce your overall cost of the hotel.

Links:

Marriott Escapes – save up to 20% on weekend stays

https://www.marriott.com/offers/last-minute-hotel-deals.mi

Book with GTC for more perks such as upgrades and free breakfast:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/booking-enquiry/

Previous episode where I discussed using a luxury agent such as GTC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2d1zRT-cJQ&list=PLAJhZqbxo2iXn6aIrRztc2lMiZ9bzL_0K&index=3

Did you know that when you spend money abroad or buy a hotel or flight in a foreign currency, most credit cards charge a fee of around 3% or more? Luckily, there are many ways to spend money on a card abroad to get avoid these fees or reduce them to a very low levels. This week I will be looking at all the main options from card aggregators to pre paid cards and credit cards. Plus how you can still earn your miles and points abroad while getting the best deal on foreign currency.

Note: The Virgin Atlantic Mastercard that I discussed in a previous episode also offers fee free spending in Euros. 

Links:

BA Prepaid MasterCard:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/tlfl-special-offer-3000-avios-with-the-british-airways-prepaid-mastercard/ (Note the special offer of 3000 Avios has ended).

Curve card:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/how-to-save-money-whilst-earning-miles-points-abroad-and-even-time-travel-with-curve/

Revolut: 

More info:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-heathrow-5-drop-off-fee-tenerife-vaccine-passport-for-bars-restaurants-revolut-offers-10-off-hotels-cheap-currency/

Apply here:

https://revolut.com%2Freferral%2F%3Freferral-code%3Dmicheltor!APR2-23-AR

Are you interested in using your Avios on different airlines other than British Airways? Not sure how to book them or what the best value is? Or perhaps didn’t know about using your BA companion voucher on Iberia and Aer Lingus? You can find all the answers in this month’s episode.

Links:

Which airlines can you redeem Avios on? https://www.turningleftforless.com/beginners-guide-spending-avios-part-1/

Multi carrier awards https://www.turningleftforless.com/save-avios-by-not-flying-ba-multi-carrier-including-round-the-world-redemptions/

Aer Lingus changes: https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-flash-50-less-avios-for-aer-lingus-flights-seats-and-bags-but-aer-lingus-avios-big-charges-increase/

Using companion vouchers on other airlines: https://www.turningleftforless.com/beginners-guide-spending-avios/

This week I'll be coming to you live from Charleston in the US with a brief view of visiting the area, plus the latest news about the new Heathrow strikes.

The main part of the program will be about visiting Las Vegas. If you have been and didn't like it, perhaps you were doing it wrong! There is definitely a way to have a more relaxing and luxurious holiday in Las Vegas without the crowds and queues!

TLFL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningleftforless

TLFL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningleftforless

TLFL Twitter: https://twitter.com/turningleftfor

Link for Hilton offer and Heathrow strike dates:

https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-offers-flash-ihg-sale-until-20-4-qatar-10-discount-wine-flyer-offer-50-off-and-new-hilton-stay-bonus/

If you are unsure of all the rules about retaining your BA status or don’t know what a soft landing is then this is for you. I will also take a look at the best options to maintain your status cheaply. All fares are business class unless stated.

Links: Learn more about the BA Executive Club in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rMNw42QPUA&list=PLAJhZqbxo2iXn6aIrRztc2lMiZ9bzL_0K&index=2&t=33s

Luxembourg tier point break https://www.turningleftforless.com/tier-point-breaks-luxembourg/

Catania tier point break https://www.turningleftforless.com/tier-point-breaks-catania-sicily/

Avis status with BA https://www.turningleftforless.com/news-british-airways-offer-avis-status-for-exceutive-club-members-and-1000-avios-bonus/

BA Low fare finder https://www.turningleftforless.com/suggests/ba-low-fare-finder-phg/

160 tier point routes https://www.turningleftforless.com/best-british-airways-tier-points-runs-including-december-for-the-25-reduction/

Double tier points https://www.turningleftforless.com/offers-british-airways-holidays-extends-double-tier-points-and-winter-hilton-sale-starts/