Booking a flight with British Airways using Avios can be a great way to redeem your loyalty points for a free or discounted trip. Avios is the rewards currency used by British Airways, as well as its partner airlines, including Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. With a large network of routes and a user-friendly booking system, British Airways makes it easy to use your Avios to book a flight. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of booking a British Airways flight with Avios.
Understanding Avios and British Airways’ Loyalty Program
Before booking a flight with Avios, it’s essential to understand how the loyalty program works. Avios is the currency used to redeem rewards, and it can be earned by flying with British Airways or its partner airlines, as well as through credit card spending and other promotions. The number of Avios required for a flight will depend on the route, travel dates, and class of service. British Airways uses a distance-based redemption chart, which means that the number of Avios required will be based on the distance of the flight.
Earning Avios
There are several ways to earn Avios, including flying with British Airways or its partner airlines, using a British Airways credit card, and taking advantage of promotional offers. You can also earn Avios through everyday spending, such as grocery shopping or dining out, by using a credit card that offers Avios as a rewards currency. Additionally, British Airways often runs promotions that offer bonus Avios for certain activities, such as booking a flight or hotel stay.
| Earning Method | Avios Earned |
|---|---|
| Flying with British Airways | Up to 12 Avios per £1 spent |
| Using a British Airways credit card | Up to 1.5 Avios per £1 spent |
| Everyday spending | Up to 1 Avios per £1 spent |
Booking a Flight with Avios
Once you have earned enough Avios, you can use them to book a flight with British Airways. To do this, follow these steps:
- Log in to your British Airways Executive Club account on the airline's website or mobile app.
- Click on the "Book a flight" tab and select "Book with Avios" as your payment method.
- Enter your travel dates and route, and select your preferred class of service.
- The website will display a list of available flights, along with the number of Avios required for each flight.
- Choose your flight and proceed to the booking page, where you will be prompted to enter your personal details and pay any applicable taxes and fees.
Avios Redemption Rates
The number of Avios required for a flight will depend on the route and class of service. British Airways uses a distance-based redemption chart, which means that the number of Avios required will be based on the distance of the flight. Here is an example of the Avios redemption rates for a one-way flight:
| Distance | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 650 miles | 4,000 Avios | 9,000 Avios | 12,500 Avios | 18,000 Avios |
| 651-1,150 miles | 6,500 Avios | 13,000 Avios | 20,000 Avios | 30,000 Avios |
| 1,151-2,000 miles | 9,000 Avios | 17,000 Avios | 25,000 Avios | 40,000 Avios |
Tips and Tricks for Booking with Avios
To get the most value from your Avios, follow these tips and tricks:
- Be flexible with your travel dates, as availability and redemption rates can vary depending on the day of the week and time of year.
- Consider booking a one-way flight, as this can often be more cost-effective than booking a return flight.
- Look for off-peak travel dates, such as mid-week flights during the off-season, which can offer better redemption rates.
- Use the British Airways website or mobile app to book your flight, as this will give you access to the most up-to-date availability and redemption rates.
Avoiding Avios Devaluation
Avios devaluation can occur when British Airways increases the number of Avios required for a flight, reducing the value of your loyalty points. To avoid this, it’s essential to keep an eye on the British Airways website and social media channels for any announcements about changes to the loyalty program. Additionally, consider booking your flights as far in advance as possible, as this can help you avoid any potential devaluation.
How do I earn Avios?
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You can earn Avios by flying with British Airways or its partner airlines, using a British Airways credit card, and taking advantage of promotional offers. You can also earn Avios through everyday spending, such as grocery shopping or dining out, by using a credit card that offers Avios as a rewards currency.
How do I book a flight with Avios?
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To book a flight with Avios, log in to your British Airways Executive Club account on the airline’s website or mobile app, click on the “Book a flight” tab, and select “Book with Avios” as your payment method. Enter your travel dates and route, and select your preferred class of service. The website will display a list of available flights, along with the number of Avios required for each flight.
What are the Avios redemption rates?
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The Avios redemption rates vary depending on the route and class of service. British Airways uses a distance-based redemption chart, which means that the number of Avios required will be based on the distance of the flight. You can find the current redemption rates on the British Airways website or by contacting the airline’s customer service team.
