Originally Posted by
flaminkokid
We want to go Barcelona to ORD business class in April using American frequent miles (milesaver). How can we avoid going through Heathrow? It seems like they all connect in Heathrow therefore adding the British exit tax. Thanks for any insights.
eileen
Welcome to FlyerTalk.
Connections under 24 hours do not add Air Passenger Duty taxes other than a passenger facility charge for using the airport.
See:
UK APD / Air Passenger Duty charged for UK departures (Master Thread)
What does add extra cost to awards is the use of BA, which add their nasty YQ charges. Avoid using BA on the longhaul, avoid their YQ "carrier imposed charges".
See:
Help avoid YQ Surcharge: AA award on BA / British (& IB) (master thread)
Consider using Iberia as well - nice transatlantic Business Plus service and smaller YQ for awards, decent Madrid connection from/to "Puente Aéreo" shuttles to/from BCN. For the best information on MileSAAver awards, see:
HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance
Be sure to read the Wikiposts at the top of the pages.