Originally Posted by
Mick Davidson
I'd hoped that a British rewards programme would award actual tickets to Britain instead of the right to pay fees almost equal to the fare.
As has been said, your mistake is to try to redeem for long-haul economy. It's got nothing to do with destination.
Every frequent flyer scheme has its sweet spots and its duff ones. You've been looking at the worst. Don't do it; just don't do it. There are much better uses for your Avios.