Jan 1, 2018, 5:20 am
Last edit by: OWBA
Welcome to the thread. This is a continuation of the highly popular 2017 Tier Point thread. We keep track of other prices, as well as useful reference information for those planning tier point runs.
Please read the first few posts in this thread first as it contains lots of information which may answer your question.
This is a community-maintained wiki post. Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.
Current Promotions of Interest
Sale Fares
Advanced Promotion Fares
See here in post #9 for a 2018 archive of exEU sale fare, and see this post in the 2017 thread for last years’ archive of exEU sale fares.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under Ł3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note that current availability is not guaranteed and all prices include taxes. Please use the following convention when adding tier point runs to this wiki post:
Date fare checked Price per Tier Point Total Price Total Tier Points Route Booking Classes Booking Channel Credit Notes (if applicable) Airlines
Please remember to:
Please see the links at the bottom of the wiki for archives of runs from previous years.
From Europe
From North, Central and South America
23Sep Ł1.48/TP Ł650 (US$853) 440 TPs JFK-CLT/BOS-LAX-LAS and return all I class aa.com
6Sep Ł1.50/TP US$457 240TPs RIC-CLT-DCA-BOS, BOS-LGA/PHL-CLT-RIC all I class aa.com
Jan/Feb wide open Ł1.94/TP Ł700(US$883) 360 TPs SEA-CLT-MCO-PHX-SEA all I class aa.com
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
18Jan Ł1.58/TP Ł883 560 CMB-xHKG-CGK return I cathaypacific.com ermen CX
28Feb Ł1.44/TP Ł575 400 MCT-DOH-BKK-DOH-MCT A/R/R/A travel.americanexpress.co.uk QR
21Feb Ł1.53/TP Ł860 560 HKG-CMB-MEL return I Expedia.com.hk Firemin UL
16Mar Ł1.22/TP Ł687 560 CGK-CMB-DXB return I srilankan.com Firemin UL
01Apr Ł0.87/TP Ł314 360 PEN-KUL-KTM return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
01Apr Ł1.19/TP Ł335 280 KUL-PER return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
01Apr Ł1.28/TP Ł335 360 PEN-KUL-PER return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
05Apr Ł2.00/TP Ł320 160 CAN-HKG-TPE return CathayPacific.com littlevoices CX/KA (flexible fare, bookable up to 24 hours in advance, allows stopovers, book with CX directly)
From Africa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need a year-end TP run (ex-LON) to make / retain status?
Some tips for searching for the year-end TP run for newcomers, the below is indicative only, but hopefully provides a bit of guidance for relatively straightforward runs ex-LON. Some information on how to use ITA matrix is in post #4 of this thread (or just click here) along with these ideas, might come in handy. Feel free to share results, problems or general questions in the thread as these may not always work and there might be better deals out there...
For overnight trips remember to check BA and Iberia for their flights and hotel option as well, can get hotel for almost no extra cost at times
Need 80 TPs or fewer
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest along with UK domestic returns. Additionally you may find that trips in to mainland Europe require a one night stay whereas the cheapest domestic CE returns do not have any minimum stay so can be booked as a same day return. If doing a back to back AMS and JER can be easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround - more information can be found in the back to back thread listed in the forum dashboard. The BA.com low fare finder can be very useful.
If you need as few as 45 TPs you might consider booking economy flights and hoping for a proactive online upgrade offer - but they're not guaranteed to materialise (so not one if you have no more time left in your TP collection year). Alternatively, booking a return to one of the 40 tier point destinations with one way in CE and the return in ET (or vice versa if cheaper). UK domestic route, Bilbao, Jersey and Amsterdam seem the most cost effective for this.
Need 85-120 TPs
Iberia flights via MAD to regional Spanish airports will get you 120 TPs as the domestic Spanish flights are 20 TPs in business. Under Ł300 including hotel can be available. Check BIO, GRX, VLC, BCN, SVQ etc. Example here
Need 125-160 TPs
Take a look at the shorthaul plus routes earning 80 TPs each way in business listed in the first post of this thread, MLA, IST, HEL and RAK are usually available. If time sensitive take a look at BA flight and hotel option to HEL, where you can usually get the last BA flight out on a Saturday, airport hotel and first return Sunday for well under Ł500.
Alternative options include positioning to JER and flying JER-LGW-XXX (AMS usually works well and avoids switching airports).
Need more than 160 TPs
You'll most likely be heading north then - OSL or VNO via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for Ł520.
DUB-LHR-HEL return (or return to LHR) is currently a very efficient way of hitting 200-240 TPs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historic information
2017 Archive
2016 Archive
2015 Archive (6 months Jul to Dec)
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
Please read the first few posts in this thread first as it contains lots of information which may answer your question.
This is a community-maintained wiki post. Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.
Current Promotions of Interest
Sale Fares
- from JER to PDX IKN8T1S6 reported in this post, e.g. PDX Ł1,082, needs to be booked by 8 May, see linked post for details
Advanced Promotion Fares
- from OTP to PHX ILN8C8S4 reported here, e.g. PHX - Ł1,296, see linked post for details
- from AMS to BKK INCEU60 reported here, e.g. BKK - Ł1,340, see linked post for details
See here in post #9 for a 2018 archive of exEU sale fare, and see this post in the 2017 thread for last years’ archive of exEU sale fares.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under Ł3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note that current availability is not guaranteed and all prices include taxes. Please use the following convention when adding tier point runs to this wiki post:
Date fare checked Price per Tier Point Total Price Total Tier Points Route Booking Classes Booking Channel Credit Notes (if applicable) Airlines
Please remember to:
- Convert currencies to GBP, rounding to the nearest pound.
- Post full routes and full booking classes.
- Note any restrictions on booking in the Notes section.
- List in order of price per tier point within the relevant departure area.
Please see the links at the bottom of the wiki for archives of runs from previous years.
From Europe
Code:
3Feb 200TPs DUB-LHR-HEL/HEL-LHR all I class ba.com
23Sep Ł1.48/TP Ł650 (US$853) 440 TPs JFK-CLT/BOS-LAX-LAS and return all I class aa.com
6Sep Ł1.50/TP US$457 240TPs RIC-CLT-DCA-BOS, BOS-LGA/PHL-CLT-RIC all I class aa.com
Jan/Feb wide open Ł1.94/TP Ł700(US$883) 360 TPs SEA-CLT-MCO-PHX-SEA all I class aa.com
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
18Jan Ł1.58/TP Ł883 560 CMB-xHKG-CGK return I cathaypacific.com ermen CX
28Feb Ł1.44/TP Ł575 400 MCT-DOH-BKK-DOH-MCT A/R/R/A travel.americanexpress.co.uk QR
21Feb Ł1.53/TP Ł860 560 HKG-CMB-MEL return I Expedia.com.hk Firemin UL
16Mar Ł1.22/TP Ł687 560 CGK-CMB-DXB return I srilankan.com Firemin UL
01Apr Ł0.87/TP Ł314 360 PEN-KUL-KTM return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
01Apr Ł1.19/TP Ł335 280 KUL-PER return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
01Apr Ł1.28/TP Ł335 360 PEN-KUL-PER return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
05Apr Ł2.00/TP Ł320 160 CAN-HKG-TPE return CathayPacific.com littlevoices CX/KA (flexible fare, bookable up to 24 hours in advance, allows stopovers, book with CX directly)
From Africa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need a year-end TP run (ex-LON) to make / retain status?
Some tips for searching for the year-end TP run for newcomers, the below is indicative only, but hopefully provides a bit of guidance for relatively straightforward runs ex-LON. Some information on how to use ITA matrix is in post #4 of this thread (or just click here) along with these ideas, might come in handy. Feel free to share results, problems or general questions in the thread as these may not always work and there might be better deals out there...
For overnight trips remember to check BA and Iberia for their flights and hotel option as well, can get hotel for almost no extra cost at times
Need 80 TPs or fewer
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest along with UK domestic returns. Additionally you may find that trips in to mainland Europe require a one night stay whereas the cheapest domestic CE returns do not have any minimum stay so can be booked as a same day return. If doing a back to back AMS and JER can be easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround - more information can be found in the back to back thread listed in the forum dashboard. The BA.com low fare finder can be very useful.
If you need as few as 45 TPs you might consider booking economy flights and hoping for a proactive online upgrade offer - but they're not guaranteed to materialise (so not one if you have no more time left in your TP collection year). Alternatively, booking a return to one of the 40 tier point destinations with one way in CE and the return in ET (or vice versa if cheaper). UK domestic route, Bilbao, Jersey and Amsterdam seem the most cost effective for this.
Need 85-120 TPs
Iberia flights via MAD to regional Spanish airports will get you 120 TPs as the domestic Spanish flights are 20 TPs in business. Under Ł300 including hotel can be available. Check BIO, GRX, VLC, BCN, SVQ etc. Example here
Need 125-160 TPs
Take a look at the shorthaul plus routes earning 80 TPs each way in business listed in the first post of this thread, MLA, IST, HEL and RAK are usually available. If time sensitive take a look at BA flight and hotel option to HEL, where you can usually get the last BA flight out on a Saturday, airport hotel and first return Sunday for well under Ł500.
Alternative options include positioning to JER and flying JER-LGW-XXX (AMS usually works well and avoids switching airports).
Need more than 160 TPs
You'll most likely be heading north then - OSL or VNO via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for Ł520.
DUB-LHR-HEL return (or return to LHR) is currently a very efficient way of hitting 200-240 TPs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historic information
2017 Archive
2016 Archive
2015 Archive (6 months Jul to Dec)
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
BA Tier Point Runs | 2018 master thread
Nov 4, 2018, 2:08 pm
#4411
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: BA Silver VS EI
Posts: 162
With the possibility of Qatar leaving the One World Alliance TP runs via Doha will become more difficult. Does anybody have a list of what routes BA co share with QR ex LHR? Ie book on BA site but fly Qatar metal. I know they do SGN & Colombo.
Nov 4, 2018, 2:27 pm
#4412
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 833
Many thanks zen100 and THEOBCMAN for your feedback.
I was able to find the Ł1350 also for some dates in April.
However I was not able to create the routing as stated by rossmacd here https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29240873-post36.html
Wanted to build the OTP-LHR- JFK-LAX-PHX-LAX-JFK- LHR-OTP to earn 80+140+140+40+40+140+140+80=800 TP.
But everytime when I add HEL and JFK to the game I am not able to price it via bookwithmatrix for the originally advertised price.
Any suggestions?
I was able to find the Ł1350 also for some dates in April.
However I was not able to create the routing as stated by rossmacd here https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29240873-post36.html
Wanted to build the OTP-LHR- JFK-LAX-PHX-LAX-JFK- LHR-OTP to earn 80+140+140+40+40+140+140+80=800 TP.
But everytime when I add HEL and JFK to the game I am not able to price it via bookwithmatrix for the originally advertised price.
Any suggestions?
If I go through the EU site, it prices correct (albeit in Euros), but haven't got as far as payment yet - you have to pay straight away, no hold option on the EU site.
Still toying with dates the moment. Keep looking for the F-class deal, but sadly that's still Ł3K+
Nov 5, 2018, 3:43 am
#4413
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold; Virgin FF; United Airlines; American Airlines; and was frequent c/c churner - RIP!
Posts: 938
I am doing a minor TP run next Wednesday: LGW to GLA b2b, then four hours later LGW to AMS b2b. The question I have is, upon my return from GLA will I have to exit via immigration then go back through again for the AMS flight out of LGW or can I just go to the lounge(as Silver) on arrival from GLA and then go straight to the gate for the AMS flight in the afternoon?
Nov 5, 2018, 4:48 am
#4414
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Glasgow, UK
Programs: Seigneur des Tarifs Utils First Class Mucci with Honours :) - BA GGL / CCR
Posts: 1,551
I am doing a minor TP run next Wednesday: LGW to GLA b2b, then four hours later LGW to AMS b2b. The question I have is, upon my return from GLA will I have to exit via immigration then go back through again for the AMS flight out of LGW or can I just go to the lounge(as Silver) on arrival from GLA and then go straight to the gate for the AMS flight in the afternoon?
I haven't managed to transit in LGW yet, In my experience you have to go out and back in regardless
Happy to be corrected though
Nov 5, 2018, 4:55 am
#4415
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,881
I am doing a minor TP run next Wednesday: LGW to GLA b2b, then four hours later LGW to AMS b2b. The question I have is, upon my return from GLA will I have to exit via immigration then go back through again for the AMS flight out of LGW or can I just go to the lounge(as Silver) on arrival from GLA and then go straight to the gate for the AMS flight in the afternoon?
Nov 5, 2018, 5:32 am
#4416
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold; Virgin FF; United Airlines; American Airlines; and was frequent c/c churner - RIP!
Posts: 938
Thanks. Glad I have built in some connection/immigration checks time between arrival/departure giving me ample lounge time.
Nov 5, 2018, 11:56 am
#4417
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
Many thanks zen100 and THEOBCMAN for your feedback.
I was able to find the Ł1350 also for some dates in April.
However I was not able to create the routing as stated by rossmacd here https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29240873-post36.html
Wanted to build the OTP-LHR- JFK-LAX-PHX-LAX-JFK- LHR-OTP to earn 80+140+140+40+40+140+140+80=800 TP.
But everytime when I add HEL and JFK to the game I am not able to price it via bookwithmatrix for the originally advertised price.
Any suggestions?
I was able to find the Ł1350 also for some dates in April.
However I was not able to create the routing as stated by rossmacd here https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29240873-post36.html
Wanted to build the OTP-LHR- JFK-LAX-PHX-LAX-JFK- LHR-OTP to earn 80+140+140+40+40+140+140+80=800 TP.
But everytime when I add HEL and JFK to the game I am not able to price it via bookwithmatrix for the originally advertised price.
Any suggestions?
Nov 5, 2018, 12:22 pm
#4418
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,159
I have just had a rather bizarre conversation with a BA booking agent on the BA booking line...
I went to book a OTP - PHX TP run. The agent asked why I didn't just fly to PHX from LHR. I said it was a lot more expensive to do that and that going via this indirect route (LHR, JFK LAX) was cheaper. He said that as I wasn't taking a sensible route he wouldn't be able to sell me the ticket. I asked him to check with his supervisor as I felt that as this was a permitted route they should be able to sell the ticket. He returned and confirmed that he could not sell me the ticket.
Is this right? Was I doing something wrong in calling BA to book this trip?
I called back immediately and spoke to a different agent and she was perfectly happy to do the booking. As it happens, I couldn't get the price quoted by Matrix as she could not book a flight on BA metal that had a AA flight number.
So I still haven't yet booked my trip. What should I have done?
I went to book a OTP - PHX TP run. The agent asked why I didn't just fly to PHX from LHR. I said it was a lot more expensive to do that and that going via this indirect route (LHR, JFK LAX) was cheaper. He said that as I wasn't taking a sensible route he wouldn't be able to sell me the ticket. I asked him to check with his supervisor as I felt that as this was a permitted route they should be able to sell the ticket. He returned and confirmed that he could not sell me the ticket.
Is this right? Was I doing something wrong in calling BA to book this trip?
I called back immediately and spoke to a different agent and she was perfectly happy to do the booking. As it happens, I couldn't get the price quoted by Matrix as she could not book a flight on BA metal that had a AA flight number.
So I still haven't yet booked my trip. What should I have done?
Last edited by snaxmuppet; Nov 5, 2018 at 12:28 pm Reason: spelling of bizarre!!!
Nov 5, 2018, 12:27 pm
#4419
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,706
I have just had a rather bazaar conversation with a BA booking agent on the BA booking line...
I went to book a OTP - PHX TP run. The agent asked why I didn't just fly to PHX from LHR. I said it was a lot more expensive to do that and that going via this indirect route (LHR, JFK LAX) was cheaper. He said that as I wasn't taking a sensible route he wouldn't be able to sell me the ticket. I asked him to check with his supervisor as I felt that as this was a permitted route they should be able to sell the ticket. He returned and confirmed that he could not sell me the ticket.
Is this right? Was I doing something wrong in calling BA to book this trip?
I called back immediately and spoke to a different agent and she was perfectly happy to do the booking. As it happens, I couldn't get the price quoted by Matrix as she could not book a flight on BA metal that had a AA flight number.
So I still haven't yet booked my trip. What should I have done?
I went to book a OTP - PHX TP run. The agent asked why I didn't just fly to PHX from LHR. I said it was a lot more expensive to do that and that going via this indirect route (LHR, JFK LAX) was cheaper. He said that as I wasn't taking a sensible route he wouldn't be able to sell me the ticket. I asked him to check with his supervisor as I felt that as this was a permitted route they should be able to sell the ticket. He returned and confirmed that he could not sell me the ticket.
Is this right? Was I doing something wrong in calling BA to book this trip?
I called back immediately and spoke to a different agent and she was perfectly happy to do the booking. As it happens, I couldn't get the price quoted by Matrix as she could not book a flight on BA metal that had a AA flight number.
So I still haven't yet booked my trip. What should I have done?
Nov 5, 2018, 12:27 pm
#4420
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,881
I have just had a rather bazaar conversation with a BA booking agent on the BA booking line...
I went to book a OTP - PHX TP run. The agent asked why I didn't just fly to PHX from LHR. I said it was a lot more expensive to do that and that going via this indirect route (LHR, JFK LAX) was cheaper. He said that as I wasn't taking a sensible route he wouldn't be able to sell me the ticket. I asked him to check with his supervisor as I felt that as this was a permitted route they should be able to sell the ticket. He returned and confirmed that he could not sell me the ticket.
Is this right? Was I doing something wrong in calling BA to book this trip?
I called back immediately and spoke to a different agent and she was perfectly happy to do the booking. As it happens, I couldn't get the price quoted by Matrix as she could not book a flight on BA metal that had a AA flight number.
So I still haven't yet booked my trip. What should I have done?
I went to book a OTP - PHX TP run. The agent asked why I didn't just fly to PHX from LHR. I said it was a lot more expensive to do that and that going via this indirect route (LHR, JFK LAX) was cheaper. He said that as I wasn't taking a sensible route he wouldn't be able to sell me the ticket. I asked him to check with his supervisor as I felt that as this was a permitted route they should be able to sell the ticket. He returned and confirmed that he could not sell me the ticket.
Is this right? Was I doing something wrong in calling BA to book this trip?
I called back immediately and spoke to a different agent and she was perfectly happy to do the booking. As it happens, I couldn't get the price quoted by Matrix as she could not book a flight on BA metal that had a AA flight number.
So I still haven't yet booked my trip. What should I have done?
Nov 5, 2018, 12:29 pm
#4421
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
I agree with KARFA. I have had an agent claim something similar. At the same time other agents are more than happy to do the booking.
Nov 5, 2018, 12:33 pm
#4422
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,159
Thanks. I have to admit that he made me feel almost like some kind of petty criminal!
What about the 2nd agent... can BA agents book a flight on BA metal using an AA codeshare flight number?
Perhaps it is better I just use Flight Network but I have never used any travel agent to book flights and I wanted to try to avoid doing it. I have always felt it better to book direct with an airline in case of irops?
What about the 2nd agent... can BA agents book a flight on BA metal using an AA codeshare flight number?
Perhaps it is better I just use Flight Network but I have never used any travel agent to book flights and I wanted to try to avoid doing it. I have always felt it better to book direct with an airline in case of irops?
Nov 5, 2018, 12:36 pm
#4423
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,881
if it’s the TATL under the aa codeshare then they are actually booking the aa equivalent fare. No reason they can’t do it on the JBA routes. However they have apparently been told in the past not to do it so you may find some resistance. It can be done tho and I have done it myself in the past.
Nov 5, 2018, 12:36 pm
#4424
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
I am sure that BA agents can book AA codes but they should be looking to book with BA codes if they exist. There are often minor differences between matrix dates and those when it comes to book. I have had the opposite issue with AA agents.
Nov 5, 2018, 12:41 pm
#4425
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,576
It's a perfectly legitimate routing. I used something similar for the PHX do, because I wanted to see a bit of Manhattan during the layover, and I wanted to try out the full F experience to LA. I actually didn't need the TPs so I ended up coming back from PHX to LHR direct. As Karfa put it, you just got a nob.
Incidentally I booked direct with AA which was just a case of putting up the routing in sections on the multi flight tool and choosing the appropriate section.
Incidentally I booked direct with AA which was just a case of putting up the routing in sections on the multi flight tool and choosing the appropriate section.