Ask a Club member: the must-have travel apps frequent flyers can’t live without

The new British Airways app is designed with real travellers in mind, bringing everything customers need into one place. From booking and check-in to boarding passes stored in a phone wallet, it makes every stage of the journey simpler and more intuitive. Customers travelling from Heathrow and Gatwick will receive live travel updates, while those departing from Heathrow Terminal 5 can use interactive airport maps to navigate the terminal with ease. The app also provides timely reminders throughout the journey, helping customers stay one step ahead. And there are more British Airways Club features. Alongside tracking their Avios balance, tier points and status progress, members can view statements, manage personal details and access available vouchers. Customers can also check lounge occupancy before they travel. Built around customer feedback, the new app delivers what travellers have told us they want: a simpler, smarter and more seamless way to travel.
The High Life team

The Michelin Guide app has transformed the way I approach hospitality overseas. It takes the time, hassle and worry out of finding restaurants for entertaining clients or simply finding good food in a new city. Once in Zürich, I wanted some comfort food and a nice casual environment. Using the app, I selected the Widder Bar (at the famous five-star hotel of the same name). I discovered this unsuspecting little bar is renowned for having one of the largest selections of whiskies in Zürich, and I also ate the best burger of my life.
David Collyer, global senior vice president of Aspire Executive, the airport lounge branch of Swissport

TripIt has transformed how I organise my trips. I simply forward my flight and hotel confirmations to the app, and everything is consolidated into a single, easy-to-access itinerary. It saves me from having to search through emails and keeps all my travel details in one place.
Olympia Chiang, senior director of sales, Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford

Visit A City is a free self-guided tour app that’s saved many of my unplanned days when I just want to be a tourist. It organises walks by the number of days you’re in a destination, includes the best times to visit attractions and factors in walking times between stops. You can follow its curated routes or build your own. It regularly saves me when a schedule suddenly frees up and I find myself in a new city with no plan.
Erick Prince, founder of Minority Nomad travel blog 

If you’ve ever tried to book UK train travel and have specific accessibility needs, you’ll know it involves long phone calls and hoping for the best. Passenger Assistance changes the game. It stores your ‘Access Profile’ (whether you need a ramp, dedicated wheelchair space or sighted guidance) and lets you book it in a few taps. I was recently at London Euston during rush hour and, because I’d booked through the app, the system had alerted the platform team. When I reached my carriage a staff member was standing there with the ramp.
Disha Mehta, trustee for Humanity & Inclusion UK

I rely on the Google Translate app, particularly the camera function. It lets you translate menus, signs and instructions instantly, which makes a huge difference when you need clear information quickly. I used it constantly in Barcelona when trying to check access details in cafés and restaurants. It removes uncertainty and helps you stay independent, even when you don’t speak the language.

Carrie-Ann Lightley, accessible travel expert and advocate 

WhatsApp is essential when I’m travelling for work. When you’re moving between cities and time zones, quick messages, live locations and group chats keep everyone aligned without friction. I’ve had meetings reorganised in minutes through WhatsApp while already en route and doing so would have taken longer any other way.
Nick Beck, CEO and founder of marketing agency Tug

Navigating a massive unfamiliar airport with a tight connection can be stressful. AirportGuide gives accurate flight data for 50 airports – including live flight data, gate and terminal info and delay tracking. It removes the anxiety of ‘Where am I?’ and ‘Where am I meant to be?’
James Bolton

I’ve found that one of the best solutions for itinerary planning while travelling is using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT – particularly when time is tight. What makes it so useful is its ability to instantly generate a tailored plan based on constraints such as location, time available, interests and even the weather. The clever part is its adaptability. If plans change, you can refine your itinerary in real time. It effectively acts as a personal travel assistant.
Professor Graeme McLean, digital innovation expert at the University of St Andrews