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 Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.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.
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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
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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 17, 2018, 9:35 am
#4636
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: LHR GVA HKG TLV PVG JFK
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,940
I need a long WTP flight
I credit to AA which gives great EQM and EQD value on WTP (and J/CE). Never done a proper MR though have done circuitous routes to get to business trip destinations
I need a long BA flight next few weeks, prefer over a weekend (can eat into Friday/Monday) to turn around (or min stay) and come back. WTP and as low a cost as possible (ideally over 4000m distance but cost/m is what matters)
(No prob ex-eu and positioning flight will handle separately if needed)
Thanks!
I need a long BA flight next few weeks, prefer over a weekend (can eat into Friday/Monday) to turn around (or min stay) and come back. WTP and as low a cost as possible (ideally over 4000m distance but cost/m is what matters)
(No prob ex-eu and positioning flight will handle separately if needed)
Thanks!
Nov 17, 2018, 9:36 am
#4637
Join Date: May 2014
Location: BRU
Programs: BA GGL, TK E (*G), ITA exec
Posts: 4,070
Nov 17, 2018, 9:37 am
#4638
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: LON
Programs: BA GFL, OW Gold, CX/MP Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 258
Good work Binman! I have also booked mine now. BA phone sales were also great but initially quoted Ł1500. Once I gave them the fare class it priced exactly as below and happy days all round. Have booked the babybus - seems beautifully empty so far though the Friday after US Independence Day I guess is a good day to try this.
Nov 17, 2018, 9:47 am
#4639
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
Flight to IND in May 2019
Hi there,
Looking for some advice on booking a run, I’m planning on flying to Indy for the 500 in May 2019.
Looked at flights from LHR - ORD - IND and they are working out around Ł1,800 for the return flights from the 23rd - 29th I think, so thought I’d see if I could offset some of the hotel costs in the city due to the 500 by doing a run with the bonus of boosting my points
I’ve seen some runs from ARN - HEL - ORD - IND and back for around Ł1,900 plus the cost of getting to ARN which would work out pretty good I think.
Latest I’d like to arrive in IND would be the 25th leaving the 29th (in case of any rain delays).
Am I on to the right sort of thing here, or are there better options for “living” in the air and in lounges that will work out cheaper?
This is my first go at this so any advice is greatly appreciated
Looking for some advice on booking a run, I’m planning on flying to Indy for the 500 in May 2019.
Looked at flights from LHR - ORD - IND and they are working out around Ł1,800 for the return flights from the 23rd - 29th I think, so thought I’d see if I could offset some of the hotel costs in the city due to the 500 by doing a run with the bonus of boosting my points
I’ve seen some runs from ARN - HEL - ORD - IND and back for around Ł1,900 plus the cost of getting to ARN which would work out pretty good I think.
Latest I’d like to arrive in IND would be the 25th leaving the 29th (in case of any rain delays).
Am I on to the right sort of thing here, or are there better options for “living” in the air and in lounges that will work out cheaper?
This is my first go at this so any advice is greatly appreciated
Nov 17, 2018, 10:01 am
#4640
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,124
Welcome to flyertalk and the BA Board mini_me. ^
Assuming your UK based? I'n not TP expert or ITA Matrix expert but a quick raw search on ba.com shows for business class INV-LHR-ORD-IND giving 220 TP's each way. (40 + 140 + 40)
Price comes in at Ł1608 for your dates and of course you could always use some Avios to reduce the actual cash amount. i.e. Ł80 off for 10,500 Avios. Not always the best value but takes it down to Ł1500 cash or you can reduce the amount further if cash is king so to speak. I'm sure others will be along to advise but once again in the meantime a warm welcome to FT.
Assuming your UK based? I'n not TP expert or ITA Matrix expert but a quick raw search on ba.com shows for business class INV-LHR-ORD-IND giving 220 TP's each way. (40 + 140 + 40)
Price comes in at Ł1608 for your dates and of course you could always use some Avios to reduce the actual cash amount. i.e. Ł80 off for 10,500 Avios. Not always the best value but takes it down to Ł1500 cash or you can reduce the amount further if cash is king so to speak. I'm sure others will be along to advise but once again in the meantime a warm welcome to FT.
Nov 17, 2018, 11:18 am
#4642
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: M&M Senator, BAEC GGL, Delta Platinum
Posts: 257
Good work Binman! I have also booked mine now. BA phone sales were also great but initially quoted Ł1500. Once I gave them the fare class it priced exactly as below and happy days all round. Have booked the babybus - seems beautifully empty so far though the Friday after US Independence Day I guess is a good day to try this.
Nov 17, 2018, 11:20 am
#4643
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: M&M Senator, BAEC GGL, Delta Platinum
Posts: 257
Nov 17, 2018, 1:45 pm
#4645
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Oxford
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 79
I do hope they don't cancel it! I see they already take it out of circulation for August - and as I couldn't see any weekend flights I assume they also don't fly it at weekends. I understand they just have the one plane of that type so it needs some r'n'r...
Nov 17, 2018, 2:02 pm
#4646
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Oxford
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 79
IAANN, here are the other details you might need if you are looking for something similar. Personally would be great to get a few more people on the babybus to reduce the risk of it being cancelled! 
Nov 17, 2018, 2:35 pm
#4647
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,190
rb211.
Nov 17, 2018, 2:46 pm
#4648
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Oxford
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 79
Thanks rb211. Sounds like I should use the 24hr change rule then to move it back a week if the babybus is important. I'll take a look. Appreciate the heads-up.
Nov 17, 2018, 9:43 pm
#4649
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol
Programs: BA GGL, UA Plat, DL Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,380
Chrini1 is right - BA1 is the flight number and as it cannot start off from LCY with enough fuel to reach JFK in one hop it has to refuel at Shannon. Also means that you get to clear U.S. immigration there as well and save time at New York. I just gave BA the flights and the fare code. When I'm back on my pc I will add further screenshots.
I do hope they don't cancel it! I see they already take it out of circulation for August - and as I couldn't see any weekend flights I assume they also don't fly it at weekends. I understand they just have the one plane of that type so it needs some r'n'r...
I do hope they don't cancel it! I see they already take it out of circulation for August - and as I couldn't see any weekend flights I assume they also don't fly it at weekends. I understand they just have the one plane of that type so it needs some r'n'r...
Nov 17, 2018, 11:35 pm
#4650
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,190
Strictly speaking what you say is true, though I think it's the case that the aircraft does have the range to fly London to New York non-stop but would be overweight for LCY's relatively short runway, hence they made a virtue out of necessity and inserted the technical stop at SNN to take advantage of Pre-Clearance
rb211.
