I'm not sure that an avios & money booking does count as a qualifying flight. Regular redemption bookings do not count as qualifying flights. Avios & money bookings are treated as a redemption booking. I would agree with CWS and advise caution if you are counting on this flight being one of your 4 qualifying flights. You should contact BAEC and try to get something in writing in this regard. If you are referring to booking a flight with cash then upgrading with avios then that flight will count as a qualifying flight.