Originally Posted by
kentchristopher
From what I've read, trying to redeem BA Avios on BA flights is ridiculous because of insane fuel surcharges, but BA Avios are useful for booking short and medium haul flights on American in the US. Transferring them to Iberia seems to be where it's at for getting to Europe, although I haven't explored looking into Aer Lingus' award program which could be another option.
With the recent reduction of BA surcharges in Economy from the U.S. to Europe, last-minute redemptions in Economy Class can be a good deal -- especially if you travel on a BA off-peak date: Just 13,000 BA Avios (that's 9,300 transferred Amex MR points with the current 40% transfer bonus) plus about $95 in surcharges and taxes from the U.S. Northeast to LHR.