BMI News Update
From 27 January 2010, bmi will be relaunching its shorthaul product across all UK and Ireland flights to and from London Heathrow. This will increase consistency across the bmi network by introducing a single Economy cabin, with an enhanced service for customers travelling on their new Flexible Economy fares.
The benefits of their new Flexible Economy fares are:
- Full flexibility and no change fees
- Use of bmi business lounges
- Guaranteed seating at the front of the aircraft
- Complimentary food and drink onboard, including a hot breakfast and a full bar
- Lower rate Air Passenger Duty (APD) charge
The new product will be rolled out on 27 January 2010 and will be available to book from 18 January 2010.
New route - London Heathrow to Vienna
bmi will be launching a new route between London Heathrow and Vienna from 28 March 2010, with fares already available to book.The route will be operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft in conjunction with Austrian Airlines, also part of Star Alliance, to offer five flights a day, seven days a week. The service will be consistent with that already offered by Austrian Airlines which will include a two cabin service offering Business Class and Economy.
bmi says “ our new service between London and Vienna will offer great schedule flexibility and competitive prices. Customers travelling with bmi will have the opportunity to discover the business opportunities and cultural attractions the city of Vienna has to offer plus benefit from good onward connections to Central and Eastern Europe through Austrian Airlines' Vienna hub.”
Return fares with bmi from London Heathrow to Vienna start from just £99 return including taxes.
Diamond Club changes
The following Diamond Club changes are being implemented.
- Gold, Silver and Blue Plus Diamond Club cardholders travelling in a booking class lower than 'Y' will no longer benefit from complimentary food and drink, though a paid for menu will be available.
- Gold and Silver members can take advantage of the complimentary food and drink available in the BMI Lounge pre-flight.
- Blue Plus level will cease to exist. Those close to Silver will be upgraded
Diamond Club members will receive direct communications from BMI to explain these changes.
BMI Company Rewards
To reward their loyal customers BMI is offering double points for all Company Rewards members and double destinations miles for all Diamond Club members, on all UK flights to and from London Heathrow and flights between London Heathrow - Dublin and Amsterdam from 27 January until 31 March 2010. Conditions apply
Family membership
Family membership launched on 1 December 2009, allows Diamond Club members to combine their destinations miles and take advantage of awards sooner.
There is one 'Head of Account' and up to eight members of the family, which can even include staff such as nannies and security.
All family members continue to be Diamond Club members in their own right and are invited by the 'Head of Account' to join the family membership - at which point they can accept or decline.
A Diamond Club 'Head of Account', can access all they need to manage their account, including, inviting members, enrolling under 18's and transferring their family's destinations miles in to their own Diamond Club account in order to take advantage of the additional benefits from combining miles.
Diamond Club upgrade benefits
- Diamond Club members can now use destinations miles to upgrade into the next cabin (where available) on bmi flights booked in U, L, Y, S, O or B class.
- You can now use your destinations miles to upgrade their flights, which can now be confirmed seven days prior to departure by contacting bmi, rather than at the airport.
- Complimentary upgrade vouchers for Diamond Club Gold card members can also be booked and confirmed in advance.
To request an upgrade, call Diamond Club on 0844 8480 808.