Originally Posted by
BAHumbug
Just because an airline says something it doesn't mean it's true (re: AF/KL's claim). How many times have we heard BA tell us they're 'enhancing something due to customer feedback' ? The point about giving the Avios-for-taxes as an option is it's precisely that - for those people who are rolling in Avios it is one option. Sort of like PCPM in reverse I suppose...
I never spent my AF miles on surcharges, because the mileage requirement to cover the surcharges was higher on a cost-per-mile basis than a straight redemption. It simply was not worth it. But, you're right, we will never know why they got rid of it because not everybody makes the effort to maximize the value of their miles.
Originally Posted by
BAHumbug
The point is, though, that for people with a large Avios balance and/or who are tied to BAEC for some reason you have little option.
My points were directed more towards those who continue to believe that they are getting extremely good value out of their BA miles, continue to rationalize this belief, and argue it to death. With the exception of certain types of redemptions (MFUs, 241s - only available to cardholders, the joker - only available to GGLs, and certain partner awards), BA redemptions are simply not the best value, and it makes no sense to constantly argue otherwise.
Originally Posted by
BAHumbug
I think everyone is agreed that the surcharges/extras/Willie Walsh's tie fund or whatever you want to call them are just too high and some parts of them should be removed because they are part of the normal cost of doing business. But what to do ?
You're right that many are tied to BAEC for some reason, but depending on circumstances, many here would actually benefit from crediting to another program. For example, over 50% of my actual flying occurs on BA metal but I credit to AAdvantage. I benefit from much lower redemption values*, earn miles at the same rate, earn almost all of the status benefits (I spend much more time in T5F or T3F than I do in any single Admirals Club), and don't have to pay YQ on any OW carrier with the exception of BA.
I lose out by not being able to MFU with AA miles, but that is easily solved by maintaining a BA credit card and picking up Avios solely for MFUing. Which is exactly what I do. It may be blasphemy to suggest AA, but it actually may work for some!
*Here are some redemption value comparisons, all are round-trip:
Route: AA cost | BA cost
DFW-DXB in J: 130,000 + $150 | 180,000 + $1250
LHR-IAH in F: 125,000 + $280 | 150,000 + $800 (may be more now)
LAX-BOM in F: 180,000 + $150 | 300,000 + $1250
DFW-BOM in F for 2 pax using a 241 on BA: 360,000 + $300 | 300,000 + $2500