Nov 17, 2012, 4:33 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
i Preface
If you are new to the British Airways Executive Club (BAEC) or a long term member but have not booked a redemption flight since the programme's relaunch in 2011, you may have realised by now that planning an Avios redemption calls for a shift in mindset, especially to those more used to redeeming miles for flights with North American frequent flyer programmes.
The purpose of this thread is to introduce you to how the BAEC works in terms of spending Avios and to share some tips will will assist you during the planning and booking stages. We'll also cover the options available to you, so you can make an informed decision on how best to maximise your Avios Points.
If you are seeking guidance on the changes to the Executive Club in relation to the programme's 2011 relaunch, the Q&A discussion serves as a very useful reference point.
The purpose of this thread is to introduce you to how the BAEC works in terms of spending Avios and to share some tips will will assist you during the planning and booking stages. We'll also cover the options available to you, so you can make an informed decision on how best to maximise your Avios Points.
If you are seeking guidance on the changes to the Executive Club in relation to the programme's 2011 relaunch, the Q&A discussion serves as a very useful reference point.
ii Contents
Introduction
Standard reward flights
Multi-Partner reward flights
Reward Flight Saver
Avios & Money
Upgrading using Avios
Using your companion vouchers
Additional Gold benefits
Hotel and car rental redemptions
Avios Part Payment
Standard reward flights
Multi-Partner reward flights
Reward Flight Saver
Avios & Money
Upgrading using Avios
Using your companion vouchers
Additional Gold benefits
Hotel and car rental redemptions
Avios Part Payment
iii Acknowledgments
This guide is a collaborative effort, and could not have been produced without the kind contributions from corporate-wage-slave, DWFI, LTN Phobia, Petrus, Prospero, and Stez.
Your guide to spending Avios [Beta]
Sep 9, 2013, 2:48 pm
#736
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BHX
Programs: BA GGL CCR GfL, SQ Gold, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Cafe Nero Loyalty Card (7 Stamps)
Posts: 7,343
I'm trying to get 4 return business tickets to the US, preferably west coast but NY would do. This is for July/ Aug next ear (2014).
I'm seeing nothing available, despite trying multiple airports. Am I just too early, or do I have no chance or are they probably already gone?
Any tips very gratefully appreciated!
I'm seeing nothing available, despite trying multiple airports. Am I just too early, or do I have no chance or are they probably already gone?
Any tips very gratefully appreciated!
Very early July looks to be available, but nothing any later so give it a couple of weeks and have a look.
Sep 9, 2013, 3:32 pm
#737
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Berlin
Programs: BA Gold; Accor Plat; IHG Diamond-Amb; Meliá & HH & Marriott Gold
Posts: 5,450
Availability for LAX-LHR is at least as good. I can see stacks of CW availability on 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 July, on some days there's even a choice of flights.
You are likely to find even more options if your group can be split.
Sep 10, 2013, 6:00 am
#738
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Priority Club Plat, Accor Gold, Flying Blue, Exec Club.
Posts: 963
Thanks to you both for replies, will have a look at LAX.
If i book one way now, will I end up paying double taxes, or is it ok to book out now and returns later?
If i book one way now, will I end up paying double taxes, or is it ok to book out now and returns later?
Sep 10, 2013, 6:44 am
#739
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Berlin
Programs: BA Gold; Accor Plat; IHG Diamond-Amb; Meliá & HH & Marriott Gold
Posts: 5,450
Unless you're using a 2-4-1 voucher then it's not only okay but recommended -- especially when you're looking for multiple redemptions. Book what works for you as soon as you see it.
(Bear in mind that your US-UK "return" flights are also outbound flights for people in the US heading to Europe -- and at least some of them will be waiting for UK-US return flights to appear before booking with their Chase 2-4-1 vouchers.)
(Bear in mind that your US-UK "return" flights are also outbound flights for people in the US heading to Europe -- and at least some of them will be waiting for UK-US return flights to appear before booking with their Chase 2-4-1 vouchers.)
Sep 11, 2013, 1:58 am
#741
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: BA Gold, QF WP
Posts: 12,551
But if you book two one ways then there could be a difference, as YQ ex-UK is different to ex-US.
Sep 11, 2013, 3:40 am
#742
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Priority Club Plat, Accor Gold, Flying Blue, Exec Club.
Posts: 963
Lots of helpful advice, thanks.
Doing dummies booing two one ways is about £90 pp more, the price I guess to guarantee the flights, so I like the idea of booking out flight then paying a service centre fee to add the return on as it will be a lower cost per person.
I must say using BA seems much trickier than using Lufthansa- when good old BMI was around!
Doing dummies booing two one ways is about £90 pp more, the price I guess to guarantee the flights, so I like the idea of booking out flight then paying a service centre fee to add the return on as it will be a lower cost per person.
I must say using BA seems much trickier than using Lufthansa- when good old BMI was around!
Sep 11, 2013, 8:14 am
#743
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Berlin
Programs: BA Gold; Accor Plat; IHG Diamond-Amb; Meliá & HH & Marriott Gold
Posts: 5,450
That said, sometimes the flexibility gained by booking outbound and return as completely separate itineraries is more important. On many trips I'd willingly pay a premium of £90 for the peace of mind of knowing I can cancel flights in just one direction for a relatively small penalty -- and change or cancel the return after I've flown the outbound.
With four people travelling [I]'d also consider splitting the group onto two PNRs, especially if redemption availability typically appears in quantities lower than four, but this far out that probably isn't a concern for Skimanant.
Sep 13, 2013, 8:49 pm
#744
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Louisville KY
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Gold
Posts: 38
Need to get 3 tickets BOS - DUB in late Feb. Three generations - 73 year old, 45 year old and 9 year old. Have 50000 points on Chase right not. Have someone who is willing to give 7000 AmEx points. What is the best way to get the tickets? Split the points?
Sep 14, 2013, 4:42 am
#745
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, EI Silver, HH Gold, BW Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,217
BOS-DUB is 25,000 Avios return (round-trip) in economy. You'll need an extra 18,000 Avios.
Sep 15, 2013, 1:48 am
#746
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: FRA
Posts: 614
Similar Question to mine at LH-Newbie Lounge:
So I was checking my Avios and they're enough for a r/t-Trip in F for FRA-LAX..And yes, I wanted to try the new F on the A380..But there's like no Space available - at least, I dont see any..Neither from FRA, nor from London...Same Question: What am I doing wrong?
Would HKG be easier to get?
Trip planned for June/July/August 2014
So I was checking my Avios and they're enough for a r/t-Trip in F for FRA-LAX..And yes, I wanted to try the new F on the A380..But there's like no Space available - at least, I dont see any..Neither from FRA, nor from London...Same Question: What am I doing wrong?
Would HKG be easier to get?
Trip planned for June/July/August 2014
Sep 15, 2013, 2:50 am
#747
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BHX
Programs: BA GGL CCR GfL, SQ Gold, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Cafe Nero Loyalty Card (7 Stamps)
Posts: 7,343
Similar Question to mine at LH-Newbie Lounge:
So I was checking my Avios and they're enough for a r/t-Trip in F for FRA-LAX..And yes, I wanted to try the new F on the A380..But there's like no Space available - at least, I dont see any..Neither from FRA, nor from London...Same Question: What am I doing wrong?
Would HKG be easier to get?
Trip planned for June/July/August 2014
So I was checking my Avios and they're enough for a r/t-Trip in F for FRA-LAX..And yes, I wanted to try the new F on the A380..But there's like no Space available - at least, I dont see any..Neither from FRA, nor from London...Same Question: What am I doing wrong?
Would HKG be easier to get?
Trip planned for June/July/August 2014
It's also possible that availability hasn't been opened up for Jul/Aug yet, but LAX is a hugely popular route for redemptions (on par with SYD and MCO), so they will be snapped up on the day of release almost certainly.
Sep 15, 2013, 3:11 am
#748
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: FRA
Posts: 614
I'll check your posted dates - and the Open Jaw you suggested is a good one!
And hey, no risk, no fun..So I'll check daily for the opening of July/August
Sep 15, 2013, 3:44 am
#749
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BHX
Programs: BA GGL CCR GfL, SQ Gold, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Cafe Nero Loyalty Card (7 Stamps)
Posts: 7,343
No worries. Don't forget Avios bookings are refundable (subject to a small fee), so it may be worth grabbing the available seats now and changing if something opens up which better suits your requirements.
Sep 15, 2013, 2:03 pm
#750
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 160
How do I book an award ticket for someone not in the household account? Call?