Originally Posted by
pinniped
BA Avios:
- short-hop flights on AA metal
- TATL on Aer Lingus, usually in Y because that's what's available
- Occasionally other short- to mid-haul flights in other parts of the world where YQ is low or nonexistent
+1
Like many who were initially disappointed by the BA devaluation ~2 years ago (long flights are now insanely priced compared to other programs), I have come to realize that short haul awards are really nice.
Basically, you can book the most expensive hub captive sectors standalone for 4500/7500/10000 + $5 as close in as 1 hour before flight (you can actually get inside an hour if you're willing to play games, but I've never needed to do this myself).
This strategy works most OW hubs (TYO is the one exception that comes to mind off hand).