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]
Nov 15, 2013, 1:51 pm
#856
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
Taxes, fees, and charges vary from time to time.
Nov 15, 2013, 1:57 pm
#857
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: CA
Posts: 1,311
i just called them back inquiring about taxes about this booking, a rep confirmed that it should have been 5.00
problem is i have been on hold w the dept that has the ability to make changes to tickets for 30 min+. For a 7 refund.
i had to hang up in the middle cuz i'm at work. what are my alternatives, i cant make a such online either. it says to call them
problem is i have been on hold w the dept that has the ability to make changes to tickets for 30 min+. For a 7 refund.
i had to hang up in the middle cuz i'm at work. what are my alternatives, i cant make a such online either. it says to call them
Nov 15, 2013, 2:15 pm
#858
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Berlin
Programs: BA Gold; Accor Plat; IHG Diamond-Amb; Meliá & HH & Marriott Gold
Posts: 5,450
Nov 15, 2013, 7:48 pm
#859
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,057
This was my thought as well when I read the post in question last night because $7 is nothing when compared with the scale of BA's own surcharges, but then it occurred to me that since the US is one of the few cases in which we actually know what the surcharge should be, it would be nice to task BA with getting things right. Not doing so simply gives them a greater feeling of comfort to make up rules on the fly.
Nov 19, 2013, 9:36 am
#860
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Wimbledon, UK
Programs: Budding BA Bronze, MPC Gold
Posts: 370
Anyone know roughly how many Avios it would be to UuA from WT to WT+ assuming it's available? LHR-JKF one way.
I reckon about 10,000, can't check myself as the BA doesn't work on my work computer!
I reckon about 10,000, can't check myself as the BA doesn't work on my work computer!
Last edited by yokozuma; Nov 19, 2013 at 9:43 am
Nov 19, 2013, 9:46 am
#862
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Wimbledon, UK
Programs: Budding BA Bronze, MPC Gold
Posts: 370
Did you read the first few posts in this thread? Specifically post #6?
Are you in an eligible fare class (Y, B or H) to upgrade?
Are you in an eligible fare class (Y, B or H) to upgrade?
Nov 19, 2013, 5:47 pm
#863
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 370
I have been trying to use Avios to book a flight on Qatar airways BKK-HAN. This itinerary can be booked on the Qatar website but BA.com does not recognize the airport code HAN. Any way for me to book this trip without having to call BA?
Nov 20, 2013, 4:25 am
#864
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
I just booked a LON-DOH-BKK myself about an hour ago and the agent seemed to agree that online didn't work...
Nov 20, 2013, 5:09 am
#865
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: 7,338
A little OT but I flew DOH-BKK on QR yesterday and I was very impressed with it.
Nov 20, 2013, 5:39 am
#866
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
Nov 20, 2013, 9:39 pm
#867
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,777
Can Avios be Used to Upgrade BA Flights Booked on AA Stock?
The BA flights involved have AA codeshare numbers.
Is it feasible? Thanks.
Is it feasible? Thanks.
Nov 21, 2013, 2:35 am
#868
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: BA Gold, QF WP
Posts: 12,551
Nov 21, 2013, 5:08 am
#869
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG (previously SOU and PLH)
Programs: NZ Elite, QFWP, IHG Plat, *wood Gold
Posts: 532
Minimum booking time for a 241 voucher?
I have a couple of 241 vouchers (UK AMEX PP card) and am looking to burn them travelling east and one way.
I understand that one can use these as one way redemptions with the Prem Plus card (although do not see this in the T&C's?).
I am in the process of applying for Visas in connection with a move to NZ. It is likely that the visas (and hence passports) will arrive within a few days of departing the UK. We would also like to have a stopover in PVG to see friends and of course need Visas for visiting mainland China. I am doubtful that these would be ready in time before our departure.
So the question is, what is the latest one can book 241 redemptions? I don't see anything in the T&C's for a limit and seem to recall it used to be something like 7 or 3days prior to travel.
I am likely to book 4 seats in CW as a back stop but might need to change them within a day or two if required. So is there also a time limit on changes?
thanks
dj
I understand that one can use these as one way redemptions with the Prem Plus card (although do not see this in the T&C's?).
I am in the process of applying for Visas in connection with a move to NZ. It is likely that the visas (and hence passports) will arrive within a few days of departing the UK. We would also like to have a stopover in PVG to see friends and of course need Visas for visiting mainland China. I am doubtful that these would be ready in time before our departure.
So the question is, what is the latest one can book 241 redemptions? I don't see anything in the T&C's for a limit and seem to recall it used to be something like 7 or 3days prior to travel.
I am likely to book 4 seats in CW as a back stop but might need to change them within a day or two if required. So is there also a time limit on changes?
thanks
dj
Nov 21, 2013, 7:04 am
#870
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,057
Citizens of the most commonly represented countries here on FT can avail of 72 hour TWOV in Shanghai (and a growing list of other Chinese cities).