UK & US Travel Headlines - December 1, 2023

Eurostar to Suspend Direct Amsterdam-London Trains for Six Months

Eurostar trains will not be able to travel directly from Amsterdam to London for six months in the second half of 2024 due to the renovation of the Dutch city’s Centraal rail station.

The move, which will apply from June 2024, means that passengers wanting to travel from Amsterdam to London will have to change trains at Brussels before heading to the UK capital. Trains running from London to Amsterdam via Rotterdam will continue to operate as normal during this six-month period.

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UK Rail Passengers Face Pre-Christmas Disruption

UK rail passengers have been warned to expect disruption to services during early December due to a series of one-day strikes being held at 17 train operators.

Train drivers union ASLEF is planning to hold the strikes from 2-8 December across the train companies as part of a long-running dispute over pay and conditions. The union is also implementing an overtime ban for its members at all operators from 1-9 December.

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British Airways' Executive Club Members Can Now Collect Avios at Heathrow’s World Duty Free Shops

British Airways has announced a new Avios partnership with World Duty Free (WDF).

Executive Club members can now collect Avios when shopping at WDF shops at London Heathrow airport, providing they also sign up to WDF’s Red by Dulfry loyalty programme and enter their Executive Club details in the scheme’s app.

Customers will then earn one Avios per £1 spent at the airport, as well as a bonus of 250 Avios on their first purchase, when scanning the QR code within the Red by Dulfry app.

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New York City Gridlock Alert Days Expected to Bring Delays

NYC DOT designates the busiest traffic days of the year as Gridlock Alert Days. Whether travelling for work, errands or recreation, consider walking, biking or taking public transportation whenever possible.

During Gridlock Alert Days, all travellers should allow for additional travel time. The DOT estimates that travel time in Manhattan may be more than double on these dates.

Read the List of Gridlock Alert Days

British Airway's Project Speedbird SAF Partnership Secures £9 Million Government Funding

British Airways has announced it has secured £9 million in funding for its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership dubbed Project Speedbird.

The carrier is working with Teesside-based cleantech company, Nova Pangaea Technologies (NPT), and leading ethanol to SAF technology firm, LanzaJet, with the project set to produce 102 million litres of SAF per year by 2028.

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Emirates Becomes First Airline to Use 100% SAF on an A380 Flight

Last Wednesday, Emirates became the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The flight was operated from Dubai International (DXB) with one of its four engines powered on 100% SAF.

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Virgin Atlantic Operates 100% SAF Transatlantic Flight

Virgin Atlantic has operated the first transatlantic flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner departed London Heathrow for New York JFK International on 28 November 2023, under the label 'Flight100.'

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Let Our Private Travel Team Plan Your Next Getaway:
One & Only Gorilla's Nest

Experience the story of Rwanda this winter at One&Only Gorilla's Nest.

Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and fresh mountain air, the spirit of this luxury jungle resort pulls you to adventure. Stay in one of the property's free-standing treehouses or suites and take in the sprawling gardens and volcanic surroundings.

Meander to the mountain gorilla sanctuary to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, front-row seat to majestic gorillas roaming in their natural habitat. Feel inspired by the call of the wild at One&Only Gorilla's Nest.

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Featured Hotel Partners

The Hoxton, Portland

Right in the heart of historic Old Town Chinatown, The Hoxton, Portland delivers surprises at every corner. The property is home to three restaurants and bars—including one on the rooftop and a secret speakeasy in the basement. Experience a hidden gem like never before at The Hoxton, Portland.

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Mondrian Hotel South Beach

Mondrian Hotel South Beach has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar, property-wide renovation, transforming the hotel into a modern tropical oasis. Mondrian’s hub of activity is the new bayfront destination, Baia Beach Club—featuring multiple areas for indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining. Lounge at the bayside pool, dock your boat at the marina, relax at the full-service wellness spa or break a sweat at the state-of-the-art fitness center.

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Hard Rock Hotel Dublin

Located on Exchange Street Uppercut, Hard Rock Hotel Dublin is one of the most sought-after hotels in Dublin City Centre. Rooms are elevated in more ways than one—with warm woods, rustic stones and breathtaking views of the beautiful city. Experience the Rock Star Suite to witness stunning sunsets on the outdoor terrace. A stay at Hard Rock Hotel Dublin ensures you will leave feeling like a rock star.

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Sofitel Warsaw Victoria
Boasting elegance and luxury, Sofitel Warsaw Victoria ensures your trip to Poland is unforgettable. Sneak away from your room and head to Victoria Lounge, the property’s trendy cocktail bar that offers a wide range of signature cocktails and spirits. With a central location, Sofitel Warsaw Victoria makes for a perfect home base to explore the charm of the city.