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 Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.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
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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
Mar 7, 2018, 10:23 am
#1381
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
Have a look at post 4 of the thread. There are some links to general guide on how to use itamatrix. Also there are links to some other posts in this thread with itamatrix screenshots by rossmacd when searching for a LAX-PTY run and a OTP-PHX run.
Mar 7, 2018, 10:27 am
#1382
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,680
I just chose 7th on the way out to make sure it was 30 days in advance, often benefits the price.
Mar 7, 2018, 10:29 am
#1383
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, HH Diamond, IHG Spire, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 160
Funnily enough I have tried a few 'dry runs' with roosmacd's screenshots and they are very user friendly (thank you!) and I have read post 4. I'm getting there with the simple stuff but struggling with adding in extra stops and different classes... promise not just being lazy!
Mar 7, 2018, 10:33 am
#1385
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, HH Diamond, IHG Spire, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 160
Thank you so much.... it's slowly all making sense... thank you all. And the 30 day thing explains some of the jumps in prices I saw today... so thank you for that explanation. I'd better get my skates on!
Mar 7, 2018, 11:49 am
#1386
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BAEC Bronze
Posts: 388
I wanted to do the OTP-PHX run but my other half said no 
I think the gold dream for this year is over haha. Very sad that there aren't any cheap QR flights anymore.
I think the gold dream for this year is over haha. Very sad that there aren't any cheap QR flights anymore.
Mar 7, 2018, 12:01 pm
#1387
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
Mar 7, 2018, 12:15 pm
#1389
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: BA Silver, SPG Platinum
Posts: 24
When I'm back in the US, I'll do another LAX-PTY run to reach 1500+
Mar 7, 2018, 12:17 pm
#1390
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,128
Related to this thread but the screen shots are extremely useful for IT/ITA dummies like me and not brought up with computers and now mostly self taught at a basic level.
So, a massive thank you to KARFA, rossmacd and to everyone else who post screen shots, tips etc and advise many others including no doubt people like myself as above.
A picture paints a thousand words as the old saying goes.........
So, a massive thank you to KARFA, rossmacd and to everyone else who post screen shots, tips etc and advise many others including no doubt people like myself as above.
A picture paints a thousand words as the old saying goes.........
Mar 7, 2018, 1:07 pm
#1391
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
Just saw this on the AA forum and thought it looked a good price.
Best way for booking complicated ITA matrix flights?
Was just working out the TPs when I realised...
It always pays to check carefully.
Best way for booking complicated ITA matrix flights?
Was just working out the TPs when I realised...
It always pays to check carefully.
Mar 7, 2018, 2:46 pm
#1392
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 2
Hi everyone
Newbie bronze member here and I am 40 TPs away from silver with an April 8th end date! Never done a TP run so asking for some advice from the TP gurus.
Any suggestions for a quick TP run from Cincinnati CVG, DAY or CMH? It seems miami is the only option for a relatively cheap flight over the next few weeks or I would have position myself on the east coast to do PHL PHX or somewhere ex ORD. I have just installed itapowertools and I am still learning how to use it. If anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated. I will also happen to be in london for the next week visiting family, so while I would like to leave for the day to do a LGW JER or AMS run, might be poor form
Alas.. they aren't even executive club members so they have no idea what's on the line!
When I come back from the UK I could upgrade phl to cvg to first class for $340 which is a lot.. but I suppose would give me the 40tp with the least trouble.
ThanksThanks everyone
Newbie bronze member here and I am 40 TPs away from silver with an April 8th end date! Never done a TP run so asking for some advice from the TP gurus.
Any suggestions for a quick TP run from Cincinnati CVG, DAY or CMH? It seems miami is the only option for a relatively cheap flight over the next few weeks or I would have position myself on the east coast to do PHL PHX or somewhere ex ORD. I have just installed itapowertools and I am still learning how to use it. If anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated. I will also happen to be in london for the next week visiting family, so while I would like to leave for the day to do a LGW JER or AMS run, might be poor form
Alas.. they aren't even executive club members so they have no idea what's on the line! When I come back from the UK I could upgrade phl to cvg to first class for $340 which is a lot.. but I suppose would give me the 40tp with the least trouble.
ThanksThanks everyone
Last edited by bgav00; Mar 7, 2018 at 3:27 pm Reason: Correction
Mar 7, 2018, 6:14 pm
#1393
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Westchester Co, NY or Rio Grande Valley, TX or ???
Programs: BAEC G, WN A-, Hyatt G, HH G, MAR T, Hz PC, was [UA2P, FL A+Elite, BD G]
Posts: 2,271
Hi everyone
Newbie bronze member here and I am 40 TPs away from silver with an April 8th end date! Never done a TP run so asking for some advice from the TP gurus.
Any suggestions for a quick TP run from Cincinnati CVG, DAY or CMH? It seems miami is the only option for a relatively cheap flight over the next few weeks or I would have position myself on the east coast to do PHL PHX or somewhere ex ORD. I have just installed itapowertools and I am still learning how to use it. If anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated. I will also happen to be in london for the next week visiting family, so while I would like to leave for the day to do a LGW JER or AMS run, might be poor form Alas.. they aren't even executive club members so they have no idea what's on the line!
When I come back from the UK I could upgrade phl to cvg to first class for $340 which is a lot.. but I suppose would give me the 40tp with the least trouble.
ThanksThanks everyone
Newbie bronze member here and I am 40 TPs away from silver with an April 8th end date! Never done a TP run so asking for some advice from the TP gurus.
Any suggestions for a quick TP run from Cincinnati CVG, DAY or CMH? It seems miami is the only option for a relatively cheap flight over the next few weeks or I would have position myself on the east coast to do PHL PHX or somewhere ex ORD. I have just installed itapowertools and I am still learning how to use it. If anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated. I will also happen to be in london for the next week visiting family, so while I would like to leave for the day to do a LGW JER or AMS run, might be poor form
Alas.. they aren't even executive club members so they have no idea what's on the line!When I come back from the UK I could upgrade phl to cvg to first class for $340 which is a lot.. but I suppose would give me the 40tp with the least trouble.
ThanksThanks everyone
Here are a couple points fo you to consider:
1) When earning a tier level (bronze/silver/gold), BA has traditionally allowed one to credit tier points from as late as two weeks after the official end of your tier point year. Thus, you actually should have until April 22nd to get your remaining 40 TP.
2) I'm pretty sure that paying to upgrade an AA flight will NOT earn more tier points beyond those of your original fare. (On BA flights it will, although there may be some caveats?)
3) I found a couple options which might work for you by first searching for business class fares on ITA and then using AA to price only one direction at the (expensive) 40 TP earning rate:
a) CVG-ORD-CVG out in "first" and returning in coach, both ways on Wed 4 April for $245. (45 TP)
b) CVG-ORD in "first" on Sat 7 April and ORD-CVG in coach on Sun 8 April for $295. (45 TP; you also have to spend Sat night in Chicago.)
I hope this helps!
Mar 7, 2018, 7:33 pm
#1394
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SIN
Posts: 196
Iberia flights also count towards the 4 BA flight quota. I did something like LHR-MAD-IBZ-PMI-MAD last year to get my 4 flights done.
Mar 8, 2018, 12:33 am
#1395
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Cirencester
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 234
Routing to DXB from Europe
Going out to Dubai on 22nd April, and although the sensible option would be to start in LHR and go straight to Dubai (or AUH for that matter) I am wondering if anyone has any suitable routing to gain some TP's. My initial thought was around using Qatar, but with the continuing ban on flights to UAE from there, that rules that out.
Budget around Ł1k, which is what WTP in BA costs direct from LHR, happy to start anywhere in Europe.
I did look at something simple like starting in INV, to add a few points, for actually less money, but do need to stick to One World.
Many thanks,
AAF
Budget around Ł1k, which is what WTP in BA costs direct from LHR, happy to start anywhere in Europe.
I did look at something simple like starting in INV, to add a few points, for actually less money, but do need to stick to One World.
Many thanks,
AAF
Last edited by all ahead full; Mar 8, 2018 at 12:56 am
