Holidaymakers looking to book reward flights with British Airways using a popular loyalty scheme have been told to buy them before a price increase on Wednesday. Avios is a global reward currency which travellers can spend on flights, hotels, car hire and more, akin to the points-based loyalty schemes based on spending you find at major supermarkets.
A number of major carriers support the scheme, including Qatar Airways, Aer Lingus, and BA, the UK flag-carrier, with Avios used to reduce costs on special fares known as “reward flights” as part of their loyalty schemes. Carriers set the amount of Avios you can use on reward flights alongside cash. The weighting differs depending on the flight, and taxes and charges still apply. These flights are accessed via a separate page to standard flights and are generally significantly cheaper overall, not least because they include checked baggage.
But from Wednesday, May 27, you’ll have to pay more cash alongside points on reward flights with BA, MoneySavingExpert.com says.
The increases are likely due in part to additional costs shouldered by carriers because of the war in Iran and the resulting spike in fuel costs.
The site, which was founded by personal finance guru Martin Lewis, identified a few examples of how they say reward flight costs will be increasing, with a return economy flight from London to Cape Town currently available for 66,000 Avios points plus £170, rising to the same amount of points plus £190, a £20 increase.
Meanwhile, a business return reward flight from London to New York is currently 176,000 Avios plus £399, but will increase to the same points plus £499 (an increase of £100).
In all the cases, the points needed remain the same. Express.co.uk has approached BA for more information on how the new costs break down, and what routes and booking types it will apply to.
MSE says those with existing reward flight bookings made before May 27 don’t need to do anything as it will be under the current price structure.
If you make changes to your flight, you’ll still face the flat £35 fee, but you’ll be able to avoid additional costs for flights after May 27 if you book them before the deadline.
Any changes made after that will be subject to the new pricing structure, with customers needing to pay the difference.
MSE advises comparing flights with other carriers to find the best deal. You can find further advice on saving money on reward flights on their website.
Avios can also be used to make savings on standard flights, and this isn’t affected by the Wednesday change. However, the savings are considerably lower than dedicated reward flights.