Introduction
As someone who travels a lot and also owns a Travel Agency, I am often asked what you shouldn’t spend money on, as much as you should!
Since the end of Covid travel restrictions in (about) 2021, the travel industry has been at above pre-Pandemic levels and this has meant what used to be good value is becoming poor, and many services are tightening their offerings.
I’ve come up with 3 that I think are 3 big travel mistakes to avoid in 2026.
British Airways Club (Gold Status)
In December 2024, British Airways announced it was changing its approach to loyalty earnings – as well as renaming the Executive Club to The British Airways Club.
The three BA ‘status’ to be chasing were typically Silver, Gold and Gold Guest List. I’ve written in detail about these changes here, and the differences between new and old.
The changes now mean to get Silver, Gold and GGL you need to spend annually £7,500, £20,000 and £50,000 respectively….. However this is on a fare basis only, and not including taxes!
Silver is likely to be achievable for many people – but Gold probably out of sight – and GGL the price of a decent new car.
It then comes down to the actual benefits between the three categories: Silver gets you into Business Class lounges ‘only’. Where as Gold gets you into First Class lounges. GGL gets access to the Concorde Room in Heathrow, and a some status gifting and vouchers along the way.
All of the status’ get you (supposedly) priority luggage, priority boarding of some flavour, free seat selection, and access to Business Class or First Class check ins.
Weighing up Gold vs GGL first; the difference is of spend £30,000 – I just can’t see the value. The status gifting is nice – but Cathay Pacific, Qatar and Qantas all operate First Class lounges as good or better than the Concorde Room at Heathrow (including sit-down dining) – and the Cathay/Qatar/Qantas lounges can be accessed by Gold membership. The vouchers are nice – but very hard to actually use.
In comparing Silver vs Gold there is a more noticeable jump, but only (in my view) a small one. You can’t use First Class check in desks – which is only really relevant at Heathrow’s First Wing and a few other airports….. At Silver you’re losing the First Class lounge access, in exchange for Business Class….. Given some of the amazing First Class lounges it’s a kick in the teeth – but equally, for a £12,500 difference, does it really matter for the 3 or so hours in an airport, grabbing a burger you’d get in FiveGuys? The food in the Silver lounges, certainly at Heathrow, is at times the same as the First Lounge anyway.
In summary, my view is that The British Airways Club at Gold level is a complete waste of money chasing, at £20,000. For lounge access, free seat selection, priority boarding (etc) – you’re better off sticking to Silver at £7,500 – and if you spend more, credit with another Alliance, to achieve a similar status (ie Star Alliance Gold). If you’re spending £50,000 – you can probably get BA Silver, Star Alliance Gold and SkyTeam Gold – or you probably don’t care!
The American Express Platinum Card
When I signed up for this service over 10 years ago, it was £450 per year. Included with this was executive/premium hotel status across major brands, travel insurance, decent Amex lounges, concierge service – and what I found to be pretty good customer service that helped if there was a problem.
In 2025 I found this not to be the case at all, with the cost leaping to £650 a year:
Firstly, the hotel status’ were quietly dropped. Initially, having an Amex Platinum got you Gold or Platinum status with major brands such as Marriott, Hilton, etc…. Now Amex has dropped those status’ down one or two pegs, so the free room upgrades, free breakfast, early/late check out, free gift, etc; you no longer get!
Secondly, the Amex lounges whilst good are virtually impossible to get into. I’ve been refused access in Las Vegas and Philadelphia because I’ve arrived more than 3hrs before my flight (they fail to take into account 45mins of that 3hrs is boarding). In Charlotte, Miami and Los Angeles I couldn’t even get into the lounges as they were so busy and had long waits.
Thirdly the concierge service…. I don’t use it. The once or twice I have enquired, the costs have been astronomical because Amex charge bookings fees and always find the highest price they can, as its percentage driven. Using this kind of service is a gimmick, and designed for fools.
Fourthly, the customer service…. As a regular user of my Platinum Amex when away, I often use it to swipe for incidentals at hotels or car rentals, etc…. A few times now I have had things charged to the card which were basically fraudulent…. One time this included $800+ from Avis in Florida for ‘upgrades’ to a car I never rented…. When disputed, Avis didn’t respond (knowing the game was up), but instead Amex said as a result of Avis not responding to its queries about the charge, it was siding with Avis!! In other example of unknown charges, Amex have asked me for documentation to provide it was unauthorised – basically asking me to prove a negative.
Admittedly, there are various cashback offers/vouchers you can get going to certain shops, etc – but I don’t shop in Harvey Nichols, or go restaurants and spend £800 for a meal for 2 – so they’re not much use!
In summary, for all these reasons, any/all features of the Platinum Amex card, make continuing membership at £650 a year, a total waste of money!
Priority Pass
The Priority Pass comes free with the Amex Platinum, and with certain other banks – or you can pay yearly for it.
When I first got my Priority Pass, it was quite good…. I turned up to a lounge and got in. The food and drink was passable, and it was an escape from the airport riffraf – often the showers were included.
Now, it’s not the case. Priority Pass are charging people to prebook their lounges….. Yes, that’s right – if you have spent £650 a year on an Amex which ‘includes’ lounge access – you’ll need to pay extra to get in. The same if you subscribe to Priority Pass – you have to pay extra fees to get in. This is not helped by the ‘free’ lounge access being offered by the likes of Jet2 and Purple Parking with a booking.
Once in, whilst the food and drink has stayed consistently average, getting a seat has become hard, and some lounges want £25 for a shower!
In my view, paying for a Priority Pass via its various subscriptions in 2026 is a complete waste of money – especially when there is no guarantee you’ll actually be able access the lounge! I’d be tempted to look at other providers, such as Dragon Pass – or depending how much you travel, it may be cheaper to pay on the door, if there is capacity.
Conclusion
The examples above are 3 ways in my view you can avoid wasting money in 2026 whilst traveling – and keep those funds to buy upgrades or spend elsewhere.
If I can help you with any corporate travel arrangements or holidays – please head to www.flying-business.com!
Leave a Reply