From November 2013, when you purchase flights via BA’s direct sales channels it is possible to shave a few quid off the fare in exchange for a nominal sum of Avios. This feature has been coined Avios Part Payment (APP). APP may be useful if you wish to cash in some of the Avios you have stashed away, and since the you’re still purchasing a commercial fare, you’ll earn Avios and Tier Points once you fly. The conversion rates for APP spend are better £ for point than it is to purchase points. Note, APP is not available at BA airport ticket desks or via travel agents.
01 Scope and detail
- All UK domestic and European short haul flights operated and marketed by British Airways. CityFlyer services are included;
- Tactical long haul routes added from October 2015 including flights on AA between the UK and North America;
- Your itinerary must not include flights operated or marketed by carriers other than BA and AA;
- APP is available on commercial fare classes for travel on UK Domestic, Euro Traveller, Club Europe or any combination of these travel classes. World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First added from October 2015
- APP can be applied to one way, return, connecting, and open jaw itineraries;
- APP is combinable with Hand Baggage Only fares
- APP is combinable with Shareholder Discount and Hotline fares (online only)
- APP is not combinable with promotional codes or eVouchers
- APP is not combinable with BA Holidays bookings. However that does stop you from purchasing your flight with an Avios part payment then adding hotel/car hire products separately after the flight booking has been completed;
- APP is not combinable with Unaccompanied Minor fares;
- Members of a household account can use APP to book flights for people outside of their household account;
- Members travelling together as a family can use APP but the part payment element will not offered to infants included in the booking;
02 Q&A
Can I upgrade a APP booking?
Yes. UuA or GUF1/GUF2 vouchers can be applied to a APP booking on the proviso the booking has already been confirmed and ticketed.
Can I use APP on a redemption fare to offset taxes, fees, and surcharges?
No. APP is not offered with flight redemptions
Will I earn Avios and Tier Points on a APP ticket?
Yes. You will accrue points, including Tier and Cabin Bonuses just as you would had you not used the part payment option.
Will the APP affect the fare rules and conditions of my ticket?
No. If you purchase a full fare flexible ticket, the underlying rules are retained. Similarly, if you purchase a restricted discounted fare, the rules governing the underlying fare are retained.
How much can I save?
In most cases several part payment options are offered
- £700 discount in exchange for 30,000 Avios (special long-haul deal offered in 2015)
- £100 discount in exchange for 15,000 Avios
- £50 discount in exchange for 7,500 Avios
- £30 discount in exchange for 4,500 Avios
- £20 discount in exchange for 3,000 Avios
- £10 discount in exchange for 1,500 Avios
Note, you’ll not be offered options where the discount exceeds the sum of the net fare and carrier charges.
03 Short on Avios?
If you find yourself short on Avios, remember that you can purchase Avios from the BAEC and if you are also an IberiaPlus member you can purchase Avios from Iberia then convert these to your BAEC account. Both programmes offer bonus deals on Avios purchases from time to time but not necessarily at the same time, so having an account with both programmes can pay dividends.
Introduction | Standard reward flights | Multi-Partner reward flights | Reward Flight Saver | Avios & Money | Upgrading using Avios | Avios part payment | Using your companion vouchers | Additional Gold benefits | Hotel and car rental redemptions