Air travel round-up: KLM launches Amsterdam-San Diego flights
KLM has inaugurated its new non-stop flight from Amsterdam to San Diego, California.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, flight KL639 departs Amsterdam at 09h50 and arrives in San Diego at 12h00. On the same days, the return flight KL640 will depart San Diego at 13h55 and arrive in Amsterdam at 09h15 the following day.
Emirates prioritises Skywards member
Emirates has made its first-class award seats more exclusive by limiting access to frequent flyers in its Skywards loyalty program.
The airline has blocked non-elite members from securing first-class awards and other prestigious cabin products as the airline launches its plan to limit benefits for members of partner loyalty programs in favor of its own Skywards loyalty members.
First-class Emirates Classic Rewards are no longer available to Blue Tier members in first class. Only Silver, Gold, or Platinum-Tier members at the time of booking are permitted to redeem first-class Emirates Classic Rewards.
An Emirates spokesperson told Simple Flying that Blue Tier members could still redeem Miles for upgrades from business to first class prior to flight departure and use Cash+Miles to save on first-class tickets.
Cathay reopens HGK lounge
Cathay Pacific’s The Bridge lounge reopened at Hong Kong International Airport following recent renovations.
Located near departure gate 35 at Terminal 1, the left side of The Bridge offers Chinese cuisine, and the right side offers international cuisine.
The right side also has a dedicated space for first-class customers and Cathay Diamond members and a bar with panoramic views of the runway.
Dublin Airport launches app
Travelers can also use the app to book car parking, fast-track security access, lounges, and Platinum Services, as well as in-store duty-free discounts with DUB Rewards.
As Dublin Airport conducts an overhaul of its website, it has also launched a new app. The app is available on Apple and the Google Play app store and will offer agents and travelers real-time flight updates and status alerts for all arrivals and departures, accurate live security wait times, and interactive maps that offer details about the location of check-in areas, gate numbers, and baggage carousels.
