Jamesphilly17

Hi all,

First time posting, I'm new to airmiles in general. I've been collecting Avios and am working towards gaining a BA companion voucher. We've started to look at potential destinations but the fees being quoted on top of the Avios are eye-watering. I looked at LHR to Toronto in Business Class for example, the fees quoted on top of the Avios are >�800! Is this right?!

Then if I look at shorter flights, LHR to Marrakesh for example, the fees are c.�70. I know Morocco is less distance, but it's not 10 times less!

Have I just chosen a terrible time to start collecting Avios, will these fees come down again in the near future? I'm now wondering whether to look at other airlines that accept Avios, but then I lose the companion voucher. Help please!

mikeyfly

Welcome to FlyerTalk Jamesphilly17

Unfortunately the carrier charges are only going one way - and that�s upwards. The increases on longhaul in Club have been quite steep the last year or so.

There are ways to bring this down (a hop to Dublin for a few quid) can get the carrier charges and fees down to �300ish. You�ve just got to fly to Dublin first and start the journey there.

You�ve found the best forum for money saving / maximising ideas

guv1976

+1.

BA's carrier charges for trans-Atlantic travel can vary, depending on whether the traveler starts in the U.K. or elsewhere. And by beginning the journey elsewhere and merely connecting in the U.K., the travelers also are exempt from the U.K. APD -- which can be significant on long-haul travel in a premium cabin.

dougzz

Be aware that if you start in say Dublin, getting to Dublin initially is separate to your main journey, and the risk of being there on time to start your main trip is on you. Many do it, but you need to be aware of the risks. If you’re willing to start in Dublin you can (or historically you have been able to) buy cash tickets that will make the Avios you’ll burn seem a really bad deal.

There are many factors in all of this, stick around here and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without FT.

Incidentally on short haul the fees are set at �35 economy/�50 business, this can at times make them good value. You get offered a range of fees/Avios but the best deal typically is the one at the prices mentioned.

Jamesphilly17

Thanks all for the replies. I've been trying to search for flights from Dublin in the rewards flight finder, but literally every route (even without specifying any dates at all) returns 'Sorry, we can’t offer you flights for a connecting journey. You can only search for direct flights in Flight Finder at the moment.'

I'm not searching for connected flights though, I'm searching Dublin to JFK, Dublin to LAX etc, am I doing something wrong??

golfmad

May I add my welcome too Jamesphilly17

I am going to present you with an alternative view. I think you�ve chosen a great time to start collecting Avios and if you wait a little longer I believe you�re going to see a substantial reduction in the taxes and fees on Avios bookings including those in premium cabins. I can�t say much more than that at the moment but let�s revisit this conversation in a few months time.

Mwenenzi

Jamesphilly17 Welcome to FT
Are you aware avios is used as the ff currency for Qatar QR, BA, IB, IE & Vueling? You can move avios (but not status) between all these ffp's at no cost, subject to the t&c's. May open up more award opportunities. But no BA companion voucher.

Departures ex most UK airports have the UK govt ADP. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Passenger_Duty
For business/first class this can be a lot. So better to depart from a non UK airport (or INV). No ADP on UK transits.

corporate-wage-slave

I will add my welcome to you too. It's sometimes better to search leg by leg, normally you can then ring up for an integrated itinerary. BAEC sometimes doesn't add up viable connections. Have a look also at the sticky at the top of the forum about how to use Avios, it's very good at getting over the basic aspects of using Avios productively.

guv1976

There have been some issues recently when searching for award flights at ba.com, but not on the BA app:

Trying to book AA with Avios...

And if you have some dates in mind, I'd suggest using the "Standard Avios Search," rather than the "Rewards Flight Finder."

I'm not sure if redemptions on Aer Lingus can now be searched online, or if you still have to call BAEC to book them with BA Avios. But as noted, it is possible to transfer Avios from BA to EI. If interested in EI flights, some people have reported success in searching for EI award space at united.com. (EI is one of UA's non-alliance partners.)

Good luck, and welcome!

Jamesphilly17

Thanks again all. Presumably if I use my points with a non-BA airline, I lose the companion voucher, regardless of whether I book through BA or not?

guv1976

That's correct.

omk298

This sounds interesting. Given that the economy is currently circling a drain it's not too surprising, but would be good if something positive comes out of the impending catastrophe.

Radiation Station

I can�t see BA cutting their surcharges without a concomitant massive increase in the required Avios�

golfmad

It's completely unrelated to the economic situation.

I'm not expecting any changes to the number of Avios required.

wijibintheair

I have no idea what information it is that you have, but certainly do hope that it is accurate, would certainly be a very welcome relief.