
'I got £2 return flights with British Airways using credit card'
In one video, she shared: "I've just come back from a five-day holiday in Tenerife, and the flights cost me just 50p each way. These were British Airways flights from London Gatwick, which included 23kg bags, and this was all thanks to my British Airways American Express card."
The British Airways American Express Credit Card enables people to collect Avios, the loyalty currency of The British Airways Club. These points can be used to pay for reward flights or reduce the cash price of flights.
Other ways to collect points include booking British Airways flights, hotel stays, and car hire. The British Airways website explains that European reward flights are available from £1 and 18,500 Avios, or from £100 and 50,000 Avios for longer flights.
Abi said she saved for years to accumulate her points. "For a couple of years now, I've been using a British Airways credit card, pretty much just for big items like fuel, things for our house, and booking holidays, but all things I'm going to be spending on anyway. I use the free card so I don't have any fees, but there are paid credit cards," she explained. "Everything I spend on my card earns me Avios points, and I've built up almost 40,000 points."
Once she had accumulated her Avios, she also used a companion voucher she had earned. Abi said: "It's essentially a buy one get one free deal, but with flights. So I booked return flights for both my friend and I to Tenerife from London Gatwick (...) and it came to 27,500 Avios points and £2, so £1 each for the return flights."
The American Express website explains: "You get a Companion Voucher when you spend £15,000 each membership year on the Card. You can use your voucher to either take a companion with you on the same flight and cabin or, if travelling solo, get a 50% discount on the Avios price you pay for your flight."
Responding to Abi's video, someone replied: "That's amazing." Another viewer commented: "Amex and avios is a game changer. I got business class flights from Tokyo to London £80 plus 80k points."
Someone else suggested Abi could have found another deal that would offer better value for points, but she was happy with her results. "We just wanted to put as little towards it of our own money as poss!!" the holidaymaker explained.
Citizen's Advice shares information for people applying for a credit card. The website says: "If your application is accepted you will be asked to sign a credit agreement. This is a legal document which sets out what you and the provider are agreeing to.
"The credit agreement includes details such as how much you can borrow, how much and when to repay, the interest rate and charges that can be added, your rights and responsibilities under the agreement and any other conditions that apply to it. Always try to read the small print so you know exactly what you are agreeing to."
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Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Telegraph
The unsung corner of Asia you should visit now – before everyone else does
Find a map of South-east Asia and spot Malaysia in the heart of it, with lush rainforest, glittering cityscapes and pristine seaside. But despite being in the centre of the region, Malaysia is often reduced to a quick stopover in Kuala Lumpur, overlooked for its more popular neighbours of Thailand and Indonesia. But the country has plenty to offer within its own borders: white sand beaches, rare wildlife, unique street food and a rich cultural history. With a population of 36 million, the country is divided into Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia – essentially two trips in one. In Peninsular Malaysia, you can experience the cosmopolitan rush in Kuala Lumpur, enjoy street food in Penang and trace the colonial past in Melaka. East Malaysia, situated on the island of Borneo, is an eco-adventure paradise, whether you're climbing Malaysia's highest mountain in Sabah or spotting orangutans in Sarawak. After nearly five years, British Airways resumed direct flights to Kuala Lumpur earlier this year, and before the end of 2025, the country will see new openings from major international hotel brands such as Kimpton, Park Hyatt and Waldorf Astoria. Now is the time to go, before the crowds find the country's lesser explored beaches and sights. The country has already seen an increase in UK visitors, and in the first months of 2025, Malaysia saw a 20 per cent increase in overall tourist arrivals, compared with the same period in 2024. Bottom line? It's time to turn Malaysia into a trip beyond transit. Where to go Kuala Lumpur A former tin mining town in the early 19th century, Kuala Lumpur is now thriving with towering skyscrapers, mega shopping malls and high-speed trains. Standing tall in Malaysia's capital city is the Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest twin skyscrapers, complete with a luxury mall, state-of-the-art aquarium and sprawling park. The soul of Kuala Lumpur comes from its art and culture. Central Market, a century-old wet market turned arts and crafts hub, offers souvenirs and local snacks. The bright red arch of Petaling Street draws attention to the city's Chinatown, the shopping district of Bukit Bintang has mid-range goods and fancy buys, or Jalan Alor hosts street food feasts – catch hawkers firing up their woks as you secure a table amid the crowds. Just outside the city, Batu Caves, a Hindu temple with 272 rainbow-coloured steps, is a sight to behold. Stop to marvel at the majestic gold-painted statue of Lord Murugan, but look out for cheeky long-tailed macaques guarding the staircase. Penang It goes without saying that eating is one of the best things to do in Penang – George Town is the city of flavours. Dine at hawker centres or night markets to sample a plethora of local dishes in one sitting. Visit Chulia Street Hawker Food for wanton mee (wonton noodles), curry mee (curry noodle soup) and char kuay teow (stir-fried noodles), or Jetty Food Court for oyster omelette and popiah (a type of spring roll). George Town is also a Unesco World Heritage Site, brimming with century-old shophouses, colonial landmarks and Peranakan museums. Outside of town, take the funicular train to the top of Penang Hill for a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea. Nearby, Kek Lok Si, a massive Buddhist temple complex, has a grand statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Hardly a secret spot and popular with tourists, Batu Ferringhi beach has watersports, seafood restaurants and a bustling night market. For a quieter spot, hike through Penang National Park to Pantai Kerachut – Turtle Beach – to visit protected nesting sites. Stay: JEN Penang George Town ( deluxe rooms from £58 per night) has a prime city location; Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion ( double rooms from £120 per night) is a heritage stay with direct access to the 130-year-old historical mansion. Melaka Shadows of Melaka's colonial past live on through its museums and iconic landmarks. The Stadthuys and Christ Church are must-visit centrepieces of the crimson Dutch Square; A Famosa, the surviving structure of a Portuguese fortress built in 1511, is well worth a snapshot. The Maritime Museum anchors its vast seafaring history in a 34-metre replica of a Portuguese ship, and visitors can dive into stories from Melaka's past in the hallways of the History and Ethnography Museum. After the immersive history lesson, join a relaxing cruise along the Melaka River, a former trading route that meanders past shophouses – spanning decades of architectural styles – and vibrant murals. Stay: Case del Rio Melaka ( deluxe rooms from £110 per night) overlooks the Melaka River; Baba House ( double rooms from £60 per night) is designed with traditional Peranakan touches. Sabah Sitting on northern Borneo, Sabah is a natural splendour, home to Mount Kinabalu, the country's highest peak. The lush Kinabalu National Park provides habitat for the Rafflesia (also known as the corpse flower), the world's largest flower, amid thousands of exotic flora. River safaris traverse the Kinabatangan river, the Malaysia's second longest, the natural habitat of the Borneo Big Five: the Proboscis monkey, Pygmy elephant, Bornean orangutan, Rhinoceros hornbill and Estuarine crocodile. Sabah's city of Kota Kinabalu, often known as KK, is not only the gateway to the national park but also has a thriving food scene – don't miss dining on fresh seafood; grilled fish is the locals favourite. Stay: Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa ( rooms from £310) has a luxurious spa and one of the best sunset-view bars in the city. The LUMA Hotel ( double rooms from £49 per night) is a stylish budget stay, slightly outside the city centre. Sarawak Sarawak, situated in north-west Borneo, is home to several of the country's most striking natural sites. Bako National Park, the state's oldest, has lush jungle trails where you can catch sightings of long-tailed macaques, silvered leaf monkeys and Bornean bearded pigs. In Mulu National Park, serious adventurers can join treks to the Mulu Pinnacles, a one-of-a-kind formation of limestone spires, while the more relaxed can enjoy canopy trails and after dark guided walks – a chance to see nocturnal jungle creatures. If you didn't manage to spot an orangutan in the wild, drop by the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, a rehabilitation and research centre, during daily feeding times. Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, and its cultural heart. Follow the heritage trail to explore kampongs (villages), find relics of tribal history at the Borneo Cultures Museum and the Sarawak Cultural Village, and dine on Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes along the waterfront. Spare a moment after dark to wander across the pedestrian Darul Hana Bridge, illuminated by LED bulbs, to enjoy the view of the Sarawak River. Stay: The Ranee Boutique Suites ( double rooms from £61 per night) is a charming boutique hotel in Kuching steps from the Sarawak River; Riverside Majestic Hotel ( double rooms from £47 per night) with riverside views. How to do it How to get there There are several flight options from major UK cities to Kuala Lumpur. British Airways ( flies directly from London, while Qatar Airways ( and Singapore Airlines ( offer connecting flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham. From Kuala Lumpur, you can travel to Penang via trains, buses or domesticg flights, whereas Melaka is accessible via buses. Domestic flights to Sabah and Sarawak are available through AirAsia ( and Malaysia Airlines ( To access remote areas like Mulu, take MASwings ( a regional airline in East Malaysia, from major cities like Kota Kinabalu in Sabah or Kuching in Sarawak. How to get around The most convenient way to travel around is through Grab, a ride-sharing service similar to Uber. However, ride availability may be limited in remote areas in East Malaysia, so it's best to arrange a private transfer in advance. In Kuala Lumpur, the LRT and MRT trains connect to major attractions starting from £1 per trip. The intercity bus to Penang and Melaka from Kuala Lumpur costs around £5 to £15 per trip. When to go Malaysia is hot and humid with sudden rain showers all year around. The best months to visit are between May and August when warm weather is ideal for outdoor activities. When visiting Penang and Melaka, prepare for the rainy season between May to September when the south-west monsoon hits. Planning nature getaways and island hopping in East Malaysia? Expect heavy rainfall between November and February due to the north-east monsoon. What to book Sightseeing around Kuala Lumpur Ivy Holidays ( can arrange specialised day tours around Kuala Lumpur with visits to the twin towers and other historical landmarks. It also offers day trips to nearby cities like Melaka. Penang in a day Klook ( offers fuss-free day tours that cover various experiences like visiting Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill or exploring the heritage side of Georgetown on a traditional trishaw. Nature adventures in Sabah and Sarawak Amazing Borneo ( has half-day or multi-day tours in Sabah and Sarawak. For Sabah, they offer packages to Kinabalu Park or for a Kinabatangan River Cruise. Mount Kinabalu climbs must be booked in advance, but the tour company can handle the permits and arrangements. For Sarawak, you can find tours to Bako National Park, Sarawak Cultural Village and Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary. Insider tips Dress modestly when visiting a place of worship. Your clothing should cover your shoulders and knees as a form of respect. Bring a scarf or shawl in case you need to cover up. Taxis are notorious for overcharging tourists, especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur. Use Grab, a ride-sharing service to get around or look up the rates before hopping on a metered taxi. Hawker centres and kopitiams (local coffee shops) are great to enjoy a variety of – extremely affordable – food in one sitting. No tipping is necessary because service charges are included in the bill.


Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
Two thirds of disabled people fear they can't travel abroad this summer
Most people take it for granted to get on a flight and go on a hot holiday abroad, but for some, it isn't that simple. New research has today shown that almost 64% of people and families with a disability wouldn't want to go abroad this summer. And this even comes after the government earlier this month published a report highlighting just how far the UK has to come to make flying more accessible for people living with a disability. The data also shows nearly half of Brits have avoided travel abroad altogether because of ongoing accessibility issues, leaving those who are disabled feeling 'helpless, humiliated and angry'. This is a feeling all too familiar for disability advocate and television presenter Sophie Morgan. She recently called for greater protections for the disabled community after the government proposed changes to the welfare system aimed at saving £5bn by the end of 2030. Sophie was shortlisted at Metro's Scope Awards for the Celebrity Role Model category and the TV presenter is no stranger to facing accessibility issues. She spoke out after her £8,000 wheelchair was broken on a British Airways flight which left her in an unsafe aisle. The Loose Women star was also held up at Heathrow airport after a ground handler refused to let her on board with a £4,000 wheelchair attachment. She told Metro: 'This honestly makes us feel helpless, humiliated, and angry.' Sophie has used a wheelchair since being paralysed from the chest down after a car crash when she was 18 years old. While Sophie checked in her wheelchair and batec (battery-powered attachment) separately on her BA flight, in transit they were attached incorrectly, which has left it unusable. Posting about it on Instagram at the time, many other people told Sophie they had faced similar incidents when travelling, and that their chairs had been damaged or completely broken too. She continued: 'There's nothing quite like sitting on a plane after everyone else has disembarked, waiting and wondering if anyone is even coming to help, or watching your wheelchair—your independence—being mishandled through a plane window. 'These are not isolated incidents; they are happening every single day. Each time it chips away at your dignity and your trust. 'The number one barrier is uncertainty. When you're disabled—or travelling with someone who has accessibility needs—there are just too many unknowns. 'Will the airline damage your mobility aid? Will you be able to use the toilet during the flight? Will the hotel have the access it claims? Most families simply don't have the luxury of taking that risk. 'Accessibility information is often vague, unreliable, or missing entirely, leaving us vulnerable.' Around 20% of the UK population has an accessibility need, according to The Purple Round. For many disabled passengers, it is the emotional and psychological impact of international travel that puts them off. For example, accessibility issues in hotels, the booking process being challenging and problems with transport links. Liz Williams, 51, from Brackley uses a wheelchair and regularly encounters issues when trying to travel abroad. She said: 'I was recently unable to attend a wedding in Cyprus with my partner as the accessibility access was not good enough. 'There are airports and airlines that I actively avoid due to the poor treatment I have received in the past. 'This includes early for check in and still boarding last, no aisle transfer wheelchair available, being told I could not board when all other passengers could due to adverse weather (not true as it turned out). 'Other problems include being horrifically manhandled by special assistance, not following correct procedure, in front of a plane full of passengers which left me crying while being transferred into an airline seat.' 42% of Brits have not travelled abroad in the last year due to accessibility concerns. 67% agree that booking travel for people with access needs is a major barrier. Disabled passengers and their families do not feel adequately supported, with 40% of those surveyed having avoided flying over the past year. Over half (56%) agreed that airlines are not well-equipped to support disabled passengers. While a further 58% agreed that international airports are not equipped to do so. Long delays at the airport remain a significant problem for people and/or families with accessibility requirements. 51% of survey respondents cited this as their main concern when travelling abroad. Source: Transreport The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group report was published this month which recommends key changes and recommendations to help improve accessibility for disabled passengers. Talking about what needs to change, Sophie told Metro: 'We need mandatory standards, stronger penalties, and public transparency about performance. Otherwise, it's just more promises. 'Disabled travellers have been waiting far too long for real change—and we deserve more than good intentions. We deserve action.' 1. Mandate baseline disability and accessibility awareness training 2. Co-develop training materials with people with lived experience 3. Increase the availability of skilled trainers 4. Improve and standardise training content 5. Ensure continuous improvement of training Kamran Mallick, CEO of Disability Rights UK told Metro: 'The freedom to travel, to explore, and to connect with the world is a basic human right. More Trending 'These stark figures from Transreport represent millions of missed opportunities, memories never to be created, cancelled plans, and the deep-seated frustration of being excluded. 'It is frustrating that today, in 2025, we, disabled people, continue to face this exclusion and marginalisation by the travel industry. 'The travel industry has to move beyond token gestures and embed accessibility into the very fabric of its services. 'True inclusion means designing for everyone from the outset, so that the right to travel is a reality for all citizens, not just a privilege for non-disabled people.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Motorcyclist killed after crash on M60 with road closed MORE: Italian farmers have stepped in on overtourism with this 'pointless' £4.37 charge MORE: The disability employment gap affects 16 million people in the UK – but can the goverment fix it?


Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Huge car brand returning to the UK selling all EV line-up only available in four countries
The legendary manufacturer's return to Great Britain signals the accelerating evolution of the automotive industry, with petrol-guzzling muscle cars making way for emission-free automobiles An iconic name in the automotive world is making a clean break from its past and gearing up for a major return to the UK market following an eight-year absence. American luxury brand Cadillac, which has long been associated with big V8s and bold design, will be offering a lineup of fully electric vehicles when it relaunches on British soil. Cadillac's return is a bold move by General Motors (GM), which established its European headquarters in Zurich back in 2021 as part of a renewed continental push. The first UK-bound model will be the Cadillac Lyriq, a premium all-electric SUV retailing at around £68,000, that has so far only been available in Switzerland, France, Sweden and Germany. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule. According to CEO of GM Europe, Pere Brugal, the brand will focus solely on electric vehicles, with the UK being one of its key markets going forward. He told Autocar: "It is one of the [markets] that we're focusing on right now." While the UK release date hasn't yet been revealed, the CEO did confirm the Lyric will be available soon after final testing is completed in Ireland, and that Cadillac is aiming to launch in the UK with at least two models. But Mr Brugal declined to confirm which ones will be joining the Lyriq, saying: "We want to make sure we launch not only with one model portfolio. We want to make sure we launch with at least a two-model portfolio." The specifications of the Lyriq are impressive — the entry-level version offers a range of around 330 miles and generates 520bhp. Those wanting an extra boost can choose the performance-focused top-tier model, which increases power to 606bhp. However, as Mr Brugal pointed out, launching in the UK is not just about shipping cars across the Atlantic. The ability to import Cadillac's growing portfolio will depend heavily on the alignment of emission regulations and safety standards between the US and Europe. "If the regulations between the US and Europe harmonise, it will make our life easier," he explained. "We will bring a lot of benefit to the final customer, because that will increase the range of options.' He also noted the possibility of designing a bespoke GM model specifically for European tastes. Unlike previous Cadillac ventures in the UK, the relaunch will eschew traditional dealership networks. Instead, the all-electric models will be sold using an online-based model, supported by pop-up 'experience' centres inviting customers to see, drive and configure their cars. This strategic attempt to modernise the buying experience mirrors the approach used by other EV manufacturers such as Polestar. As the Lyriq prepares to hit UK roads, Cadillac's all-electric resurgence signals not just the return of an iconic brand, but also the accelerating evolution of the automotive industry, with tradition giving way to innovation and petrol-guzzling muscle cars making way for emission-free automobiles.