Do you have Gold-tier status with a Star Alliance member airline like Air New Zealand or Singapore Airlines?

Great, because here’s how you can leverage that card on a train the next time you travel to London.

The train

The Heathrow Express is a 15-minute non-stop rail service between Heathrow and Central London. It is the quickest and easiest way to get to the city from the airport.

The upgrade

Star Alliance and Heathrow Express have teamed up to provide a Business First upgrade to Gold-tier members travelling on Heathrow Express trains.

All you have to do is purchase a full fare standard class single or return ticket. Once on the train, choose any available seat in Business First Class and show both your train ticket and Star Alliance Gold Card to the attendant.

In addition to free 4G-enabled Wi-Fi and at-seat power sockets, you’ll also get a quieter cabin, extra legroom, a spacious worktable, and free magazines and newspapers.

Who is eligible?

All frequent flyers aged 18 or over holding Gold status in any of the member programs offered by Star Alliance airlines are eligible for a complimentary upgrade.

In New Zealand, this includes Gold and Elite members of the Air New Zealand frequent flyer program.

Don’t have Gold-tier status? Here are two shortcuts to the front of the train:

• Earn up to 18 months of Premier Gold with United by matching your current elite status and flying one trip to the US.
• Earn KrisFlyer Gold with Singapore Airlines by signing up for the American Express Platinum Card and taking three flights.

How long is this offer available for?

This offer has no known expiry.

Summing up

This is a very easy offer to take advantage if you are travelling to London and have Gold-tier status with any Star Alliance airline.

If purchasing single tickets, your Gold card will save you ~$20 NZD off-peak, or ~$14 NZD peak off the full cost of a Business First fare.

Alternatively, you’ll save ~$35 NZD on the cost of a return ticket.

Images courtesy of Heathrow Express.