Originally Posted by
steelthefisherman
Hi, I don't really care what class I take and hence will never use Avios to upgrade. In this case, may I ask if Avios is generally worth more in which of the following instances:
1. use Avios in combination with cash to buy economy class flights
or
2. use Avios redeem experiences (such as local tours and activities)
Thanks a lot!
For me, the best use of Avios has been on J redemptions from Japan on JAL.
Never had an issue finding a seat, even at short notice. The cash component is only around £100.
Just to put things into perspective, even one way JAL cash tickets can go into several thousand £££. So that is a saving per leg of thousand of pounds. Which means I often get 4p+ per Avios. Last one i did was via FRA to LHR.
The worst value is any Y long-haul redemptions from LHR.
Both your examples are probably the worst way to use Avios. It is generally accepted here the best value is long haul business.
Another good use can be RFS redemptions to Europe, especially last minute or where cash fare is expensive. At times when I can't find direct Avios JAL flight to London, I redeem from Tokyo to FRA followed by cheap BA metal redemption FRA-LHR. This strategy could work if you planning on long haul destinations other than Japan, where you can redeem on partner airlines J fares
It would probably help if you elaborated where you want to travel.