Ryanair, British Airways and other airlines announce travel changes for 2025 – full list

It’s only been a few days since ringing in the new year, and many Brits are already planning their 2025 .

However, need to be aware of some airline changes to avoid any unexpected surprises at the airport.

Whether it’s a new luggage rule or missing out on flight points because you chose a specific airline, these changes can catch you off guard.

Airlines do their best to communicate changes to booking, boarding, seating, luggage and other processes, but it can be hard to keep up.

Here are the changes to airlines that holidaymakers need to know about in 2025…

British Airways

In 2025, your British Airways Tier status will reset at the same time as everyone else’s, reports .

This means that travellers will have the same Tier Point Collection Year as friends and family who are also members of the Executive Club.

From now on, the Tier Point collection period will start on April 1 and end on March 31 every year. This change will apply to all British Airways Executive Club Members, starting from April 1, 2025.

Wizz Air

A ground-breaking Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) trial is on the horizon as Wizz Air and Airbus gear up ahead of the EU’s impending mandates in 2025. Awarded the title of global environmentally sustainable airline group of the year by CAPA Centre for Aviation, Wizz Air is set to join forces with Airbus to undertake a SAF trial before the EU’s RefuelEU aviation regulations come into effect.

The forthcoming EU regulations, part of the Fit for 55 initiative, will dictate that aviation fuel offered at selected airports across the bloc contains an increasing share of SAF over the years, with airlines within the EU required to use a minimum of 90 percent of this blend for refuelling.

The eagerly anticipated trial will see key flight routes from Barcelona to Budapest and Brussels Charleroi to Budapest become testbeds for this innovative venture.

Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air’s corporate and ESG officer, weighed in on the significance of the collaboration: “This cross-industry collaboration with Airbus is a demonstration of the commitment of the aviation community to reduce emissions intensity.

“It’s crucial for all actors in the aviation ecosystem to play their part and join forces to reach the industry goal of net zero by 2050. SAF is a key enabler and that is why Wizz Air supports this pioneering EU policy and has made significant strategic investments into SAF as a result.”

Ryanair

The airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has announced a pioneering move to scrap printed boarding passes by May 2025, setting the airline on course to become the world’s first to go completely paperless.

At a press conference, O’Leary declared: “We are working towards May 1 that everything will be done on the app, nothing will be done on paper anymore.”

He also noted that around 60 per cent of Ryanair customers currently use the app, a figure he expects to increase to 80 per cent by year-end and reach full adoption by next spring.

The shift could see the end of physical check-in desks as well, with O’Leary admitting he’s one of the few still clinging to paper: “But it works so well. [The app] tells you your gate and if there is a delay.”

Currently, passengers face a £55 fee for failing to check in online, but O’Leary assures that with the removal of check-in desks and paper boarding passes, this charge will be eliminated: “The airport check-in fee will be gone. So I think it will be a smoother, easier journey for everybody,” he concluded.

Virgin Atlantic

The travel giant has announced a carbon surcharge on all flights from the UK starting January 1, 2025. Travellers booking tickets from the UK will be charged an additional £8 in economy, £12 in Premium and £24 in Upper class, which is less than one per cent of the average fare.

This new surcharge is a response to increasing regulatory and compliance costs. In addition, Virgin Atlantic has revealed plans for its new Clubhouse at LAX Airport in Los Angeles, America, set to open in early 2025.

The lounge will boast a bar, personal table service, local flavours, cocktails, relaxation spaces, and The Royal Box – an exclusive area for VIPs (Virgin Important people) – as well as The Wiggle Room – a private space for pre-flight workouts or guided meditation.

Delta Air

In other airline news, Delta Air Lines has announced new Sky Club access restrictions effective from February 1, 2025, which limit the number of annual visits for many cardholders. Delta Sky Club membership offers travellers a place to unwind before their flight with complimentary cocktails, fresh and healthy food options, free high-speed Wi-Fi and more, across 50 locations.

The change will affect Reserve Card Members, who will be limited to 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn unlimited visits each year starting on February 1, cardholders must make eligible purchases totalling $75,000 (£59,540.63) or more between January 1 and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.

Once all 15 visits have been used, Eligible Card Members will be able to purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits (including Grab and Go) at a per-visit rate of $50 (£39.69) per person using their card. In addition, a new modern design will be coming to the widebody Airbus A350 early in the new year.

The design will feature new seating materials, enhanced lighting, a different colour palette and new decorative motifs and signature branding, according to Delta.

American Airlines

American Airlines has responded to passenger frustration over being unable to use their miles for upgrades. The airline will treat miles like cash in 2025, allowing customers to purchase upgrades with miles as they would money.

The airline intends to introduce the new system in early 2025.

JetBlue

JetBlue has a big year ahead, as it will open its first-ever airport lounges in 2025, located at its main hubs in New York and Boston, USA. The first ‘exclusive’ lounge will be at JFK International Airport in New York, in late 2025, and will be 8,000-square-feet.

A second 11,000-square-foot lounge, at Boston Logan International Airport, will follow.

The lounges will be open to JetBlue credit card holders, Mint class customers on transatlantic flights as well as some other top-class, frequent fliers. Eligible customers will be able to purchase day passes, depending on space availability.

All customers, will also have the opportunity to buy an annual pass – however, pricing for this is not yet clear.

The lounges will feature cocktail and espresso bars, complimentary food and beverages, workspaces with charging stations, and top-tier loyalty customers will have the privilege of bringing one guest into the lounge at no extra cost.