Jan 4, 2019, 9:09 am
Last edit by: jfkeze
Welcome to the thread. This is a continuation of the highly popular 2018 Tier Point thread (found here). 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 Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.
A new guideline thread for TP meetups has been created on 31 March 2020. If you would like other members to join your TP, or if you want to organize a TP run with other members. Please visit there. From the first few posts over there you could see the active ( confirmed ) TP meetings and the links to their relevant discussion threads, connect with other members and learn the details about the run. Click here to access that thread.
Current Promotions of Interest
Sale Fares
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 Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.
A new guideline thread for TP meetups has been created on 31 March 2020. If you would like other members to join your TP, or if you want to organize a TP run with other members. Please visit there. From the first few posts over there you could see the active ( confirmed ) TP meetings and the links to their relevant discussion threads, connect with other members and learn the details about the run. Click here to access that thread.
Current Promotions of Interest
Sale Fares
See here in post 9 for a 2019 archive of exEU sale fare, and see this post in the 2018 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:
- 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
15 Oct Ł0.96/TP Ł154 160 TPs LHR-SOF (2021 dates)
24 Feb Ł1.90/TP Ł152 80TP MAD-FRA Z/Z LA (available Feb-Mar 2019, immediate turnarounds possible)
10 Aug Ł2.06/TP Ł329 160TP LHR-MAD-RAK RAK-MAD-LHR I/I/I/I IB (available August, Sat night stay) BA.com, note hotels on offer until 26 March
3 Jul Ł2.99/TP Ł2,758.45 920TP DUB-LHR-JFK-LAX-HNL-LAX-JFK-LHR-DUB J/I/I/I/I/I/I/J Fare basis INX4C3S4 and INN4C1S4. Booked on AA via ITA Matrix Powertools script
18 Dec Ł1.90/TP Ł1370 720TP DUB-LHR-JFK-LAX-LAS-LAX-JFK-LHR-DUB All I class Flights 25 December to 31 March 2020, transatlantic Mon to Thur. Offer to 18 Dec. ITA details booked by TA Propeller
27 Apr Ł2.29/TP Ł640TP BEG-DOH-KUL-PEN-KUL-DOH-BEG I / I / I / I / I / I Fare IJR2R1RE Bookable on QR.com
From North, Central and South America
10Jan Ł1.52/TP Ł668 440tp JFK-BOS/CLT-LAX-LAS-LAX-BOS/CLT-JFK I / I / I / I / I / I HPN-HRL AA (find with ITA; probably have to book via a TA)
12Apr Ł0.90/TP Ł215 240tp DCA-ORD-CLT-RDU-CLT-ORD-DCA I/I/I/I/I/I/I AA Found with ITA, booked on the AA site with BookWithMatrix
23Apr Ł 0.76/TP Ł 182 240TP DCA-PHL-CLT-RDU-CLT-ORD-DCA I / I / I / I / I / I AA Found with ITA Matrix, Book on AA.com via BookWithMatrix or PowerTools
24Apr Ł 1.04/TP Ł 459 440TP YVR-LAX-CLT-ATL-CLT-LAX-YVR I / I / I / I / I / I AA Found with ITA Matrix, Book on AA.com via BookWithMatrix or PowerTools
23May Ł 0.70/TP Ł 169 240TP EWR-ORD-CLT-RDU-CLT-DFW-EWR I / I / I / I / I / I AA Found with ITA Matrix, Book on AA.com via BookWithMatrix or PowerTools
24Jun Ł 0.52/TP Ł 128 240TP LAX-DFW-PHX-SJC-PHX-DFW-LAX I / I / I / I / I / I AA Found with ITA Matrix, Book on AA.com via BookWithMatrix or PowerTools
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
04/01 Ł0.95/TP Ł479 560tp AUH-CMB-CGK-CMB-AUH I / I / I / I cgtechuk UL
1FEB Ł1.49/TP Ł1,673 1,120tp PER-SYD-SIN-TYO-BKK Return (All book in I Class) timcjp BA (Ticket sold by BA, flights are on QF, BA & JL and lie flat seats available for all sectors)
23/04 Ł2.07/TP Ł2,112 1020TP CAI-LHR-JFK-LAX-HNL-DFW-ORD-LHR-CAI I/R here (All flights must be BA numbered)
From Africa
04/01 Ł1.80/TP Ł721 400tp CPT-JNB-GRU-JNB-DUR-CPT I / Z / Z / I / I ubiest LA
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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 (here), 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 BA flight out on a Saturday, airport hotel and return on 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
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Historic information
2018 Archive
2017 Archive
2016 Archive
2015 Archive (6 months Jul to Dec)
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
BA Tier Point Runs | 2019-20 edition
Jan 10, 2019, 4:35 am
#271
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: London
Programs: Newbie BA Gold
Posts: 570
I was just looking at this a couple of days ago and I thought I was doing something wrong as I couldn't get the fare to come up. Its rather annoying because we were going to go to BKK last year but had to postpone and now its gone 
Jan 10, 2019, 4:54 am
#272
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 371
You probably won't find "good value" ex-NYC and you might not need to go cross-country unless you need a lot of TPs (yes you get 140 TPs instead of 40 TPs, but you pay far more and spend more time in the air). Open Google Flights, set your departure airport (no destination), dates, airline, class, etc. and see what pops up on the map. I suspect that the cheapest options will have one, maybe two connections. Short little hops around hubs like DCA, CLT, PHL, etc. to end up in RDU, ATL, PIT, CHS, YYZ, etc.
yea the GF sounds like a great idea will do that then
Jan 10, 2019, 5:10 am
#273
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,197
Hmm. Quick question that's tangentially related to the thread...
I've only ever done tier point runs with hand luggage, but my wife would like to take a checked bag when she joins me. I was just reading something that concerns me which said that your bag has to be claimed at the first US airport you arrive at before being re-checked through to your final destination. Is that right? I think we've got plenty of time to do it (3.5 hours between flights), but I just wanted to be sure.
I assume no such worry on the way back?
I've only ever done tier point runs with hand luggage, but my wife would like to take a checked bag when she joins me. I was just reading something that concerns me which said that your bag has to be claimed at the first US airport you arrive at before being re-checked through to your final destination. Is that right? I think we've got plenty of time to do it (3.5 hours between flights), but I just wanted to be sure.
I assume no such worry on the way back?
Jan 10, 2019, 5:15 am
#274
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: DFW or GOT or...
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott GFL
Posts: 817
Yes, you would have to claim your luggage at the first US airport, then, as you leave the secured area there is a dedicated re-check area to take the bags to your onwards destination.
On your departure from the US you check your bag at your start, and do not see it until you arrive at your final airport.
On your departure from the US you check your bag at your start, and do not see it until you arrive at your final airport.
Jan 10, 2019, 5:21 am
#275
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,197
Excellent. Thanks.
Will be a new experience for me. Lucky that there's plenty of time on that change!
Will be a new experience for me. Lucky that there's plenty of time on that change!
Jan 10, 2019, 7:39 am
#276
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,033
In general you'll spend more time queueing at immigration than you would waiting for your bag. Plus the additional security to get back airside. Checked luggage is really the least of your concerns, which is why you need to leave lots of time to connect.
Jan 10, 2019, 8:42 am
#277
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,197
Yeah, I figured it would be. I've always enjoyed US security so much! 
Whilst I'm asking questions, is the BA tier point calculator generally considered reliable for AA flights, or should I be looking for something on the AA site? I originally did the calculations for the connecting flights using the BA site based on Business, but that should have been First (I think?).
Still wouldn't be enough to fix my screw-up, but that's sorted now anyway via the CE fare to INV.
Whilst I'm asking questions, is the BA tier point calculator generally considered reliable for AA flights, or should I be looking for something on the AA site? I originally did the calculations for the connecting flights using the BA site based on Business, but that should have been First (I think?).
Still wouldn't be enough to fix my screw-up, but that's sorted now anyway via the CE fare to INV.
Last edited by RG1X; Jan 10, 2019 at 8:50 am
Jan 10, 2019, 8:51 am
#278
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: PHL
Posts: 71
Yeah, I figured it would be. I've always enjoyed US security so much!
Whilst I'm asking questions, is the BA tier point calculator generally considered reliable for AA flights, or should I be looking for something on the AA site? I originally did the calculations for the connecting flights using the BA site based on Business, but that should have been First (I think?).
Still wouldn't be enough to fix my screw-up, but that's sorted now anyway via the CE fare to INV.
Whilst I'm asking questions, is the BA tier point calculator generally considered reliable for AA flights, or should I be looking for something on the AA site? I originally did the calculations for the connecting flights using the BA site based on Business, but that should have been First (I think?).
Still wouldn't be enough to fix my screw-up, but that's sorted now anyway via the CE fare to INV.
Pay attention to the fare class.
Last edited by srcga; Jan 10, 2019 at 10:56 am
Jan 10, 2019, 8:57 am
#279
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,707
Yeah, I figured it would be. I've always enjoyed US security so much!
Whilst I'm asking questions, is the BA tier point calculator generally considered reliable for AA flights, or should I be looking for something on the AA site? I originally did the calculations for the connecting flights using the BA site based on Business, but that should have been First (I think?).
Still wouldn't be enough to fix my screw-up, but that's sorted now anyway via the CE fare to INV.
Whilst I'm asking questions, is the BA tier point calculator generally considered reliable for AA flights, or should I be looking for something on the AA site? I originally did the calculations for the connecting flights using the BA site based on Business, but that should have been First (I think?).
Still wouldn't be enough to fix my screw-up, but that's sorted now anyway via the CE fare to INV.
Jan 10, 2019, 2:58 pm
#281
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MUC
Programs: Compulsory Traveller
Posts: 305
CGN-LGW-JER return in CE is available for 226 GBP until the end of March - 160 TP, Ł1,42/TP.
Jan 10, 2019, 4:23 pm
#282
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 833
… in which case you will probably spend longer at the luggage carousel than all the above combined...
If I'm travelling HBO through JFK, I'd be disappointed if it took me longer than 30 mins to get to the AA lounge from leaving the inbound aircraft.
But yes, without Global Entry, immigration can be the killer
Jan 10, 2019, 4:31 pm
#283
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 833
Hmm. Quick question that's tangentially related to the thread...
I've only ever done tier point runs with hand luggage, but my wife would like to take a checked bag when she joins me. I was just reading something that concerns me which said that your bag has to be claimed at the first US airport you arrive at before being re-checked through to your final destination. Is that right? I think we've got plenty of time to do it (3.5 hours between flights), but I just wanted to be sure.
I assume no such worry on the way back?
I've only ever done tier point runs with hand luggage, but my wife would like to take a checked bag when she joins me. I was just reading something that concerns me which said that your bag has to be claimed at the first US airport you arrive at before being re-checked through to your final destination. Is that right? I think we've got plenty of time to do it (3.5 hours between flights), but I just wanted to be sure.
I assume no such worry on the way back?
When you first check in your luggage at your starting point, it will be "tagged" through to your final destination. But you have to present it to US customs first before handing it back to the airline - you can normally use a bag drop location. The original tags should still be valid, although they might opt to replace them.
What I do - is I tend to ask the BA agent to check it to the US port of entry - and then re-check it. It means I have to use a check-in desk, but I use Flagship First check-in, so that's not a problem. This gives me some flexibility in changing my AA flight - as I did once when my scheduled flight was running late - they put me on an earlier flight. But the agent said she could only do this because my baggage wasn't already checked through for that original flight.
PS. Normally they don't like short checking baggage, but I've never had a problem with the BA agent when it's the US point of entry - because they know the luggage gets handed back to you anyway.
Jan 10, 2019, 7:54 pm
#284
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
You probably won't find "good value" ex-NYC and you might not need to go cross-country unless you need a lot of TPs (yes you get 140 TPs instead of 40 TPs, but you pay far more and spend more time in the air). Open Google Flights, set your departure airport (no destination), dates, airline, class, etc. and see what pops up on the map. I suspect that the cheapest options will have one, maybe two connections. Short little hops around hubs like DCA, CLT, PHL, etc. to end up in RDU, ATL, PIT, CHS, YYZ, etc.
Last edited by HPN-HRL; Jan 10, 2019 at 8:11 pm
Jan 10, 2019, 11:40 pm
#285
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 59
Looking to go away on 18th > 22nd April departing from BRU, a TP run would be useful!
BRU doesn't seem to get great ex-EU rates unfortunately!
BRU doesn't seem to get great ex-EU rates unfortunately!