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What Are Avios and Why Are They Valuable?
Avios are the reward points used by British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, and other IAG partner airlines. You collect Avios and redeem them for flights, upgrades, hotels, car rentals, and more. Their main value is flexibility: you can combine Avios across programs, transfer them to family members, and use them on many routes.
Why Avios Matter
For example, if you want to fly from London to New York, you can book a return economy flight for as little as 55,000 Avios plus taxes and fees. This is often much less than the cash price, especially during busy times. You can also use Avios to upgrade to business or first class, which is a significant benefit for frequent travellers. Plus, if you have a companion voucher and there are two of you flying, it’ll still cost only 55,000 Avios total for both of you.
British Airways Avios Price Changes – December 2025
British Airways has increased the cost of Avios reward flights starting from 15 December 2025. This change means many routes now require more Avios and have higher cash components and affects some partner airline redemptions. If you booked your reward flight before this update, you’re still protected, but any changes afterward, such as altering your destination, cabin class, or switching from off-peak to peak, will reflect the latest prices. Avios are still a great way to fly for less and return a great saving compared to cash alone.
Economy: Price Update
Route |
Trip |
Type |
Avios Pre Dec 2025 |
Avios After Dec 2025 |
Cash Pre Dec 2025 |
Cash After Dec 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London to Geneva | Each-way | Off-peak | 9,250 | 10,000 | £0.50 | £1 |
| London to Geneva | Each-way | Peak | 9,750 | 10,750 | £0.50 | £1 |
| London to New York | Return | Off-peak | 50,000 | 55,000 | £100 | £120 |
| London to New York | Return | Peak | 60,000 | 66,000 | £100 | £120 |
Premium Economy: Price Update
Route |
Trip |
Type |
Avios Pre Dec 2025 |
Avios After Dec 2025 |
Cash Pre Dec 2025 |
Cash After Dec 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London to New York | Return | Off-peak | 85,000 | 93,500 | £305 | £350 |
| London to New York | Return | Peak | 120,000 | 132,000 | £305 | £350 |
Business Class: Price Update
Route |
Trip |
Type |
Avios Pre Dec 2025 |
Avios After Dec 2025 |
Cash Pre Dec 2025 |
Cash After Dec 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London to Geneva | Each-way | Off-peak | 15,000 | 16,500 | £12.50 | £15 |
| London to Geneva | Each-way | Peak | 16,250 | 18,000 | £12.50 | £15 |
| London to New York | Return | Off-peak | 160,000 | 176,000 | £350 | £350 |
| London to New York | Return | Peak | 180,000 | 198,000 | £399 | £399 |
First Class: Price Update
Route |
Trip |
Type |
Avios Pre Dec 2025 |
Avios After Dec 2025 |
Cash Pre Dec 2025 |
Cash After Dec 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London to New York | Return | Off-peak | 136,000 | 150,000 | +tax, fees & charges | +tax, fees & charges |
| London to New York | Return | Peak | 160,000 | 176,000 | +tax, fees & charges | +tax, fees & charges |
How to Collect Avios
Earning Avios is easier than you might think. Here are the top methods:
- British Airways American Express Card: Using this card for your daily spending is one of the quickest ways to earn Avios. You get welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards, making it a great choice for frequent flyers. If you spend enough each year, you’ll also earn a Companion Voucher, which I’ll explain later.
- Flying with British Airways and Partners: You earn Avios every time you book and fly with British Airways or any oneworld partner, like Iberia, American Airlines, or Qatar Airways. Just enter your Executive Club number to make sure you get your points.
- Shopping and Dining Partners: Many UK shops, hotels, and restaurants let you earn Avios when you spend. Register your card online and check the Avios eStore for special deals and bonus offers.
- Car Rentals and Hotel Stays: Bookings made through partners like Avis, Marriott, or Hilton can also earn you Avios.
- Avios Boosters: Sometimes you can buy Avios at a discount or as a top-up, which helps you reach your next reward flight faster. Look out for special Avios sales and promotions from British Airways.
Pro Tips for Earning More Avios
Set up email alerts for Avios promotions, and use browser extensions or apps that let you know when you can earn Avios while shopping online.
What’s the Best Way to Earn Avios?
The best strategy is to combine multiple earning methods:
- Use your BA Amex for daily expenses
- Credit all eligible flights
- Take advantage of Avios shopping portals and partner offers
- Watch for seasonal promotions
Some travellers even take big expenses, like holidays or home renovations, to match up with large Avios sign-up bonuses or special offers for Companion Vouchers
All About Companion Vouchers
A Companion Voucher is a valuable perk you can earn, usually with the BA Amex, after you spend a certain amount each year, such as £12,000 on the Premium Plus card. It lets you book a reward flight and bring a companion for just the Avios cost of one ticket. Taxes and fees still apply.
- How Long Are Companion Vouchers Valid For? Most companion vouchers are valid for two years from when they are issued. Plan ahead so you don’t miss your chance to use them.
- Tips for Using Companion Vouchers: Book as early as possible for the best seat availability, especially in business or first class. Travel during off-peak dates for greater flexibility and value.
How to Use Avios to Book Flights and Tickets
Booking Avios reward flights is simple, but there are ways to get even more value from your points.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Avios Flights
- Log in to your British Airways Executive Club account.
- Use the “Book a flight with Avios” tool to search for reward availability.
- Enter your route, travel dates, and cabin class (economy, premium economy, business, or first).
- Review available flights and select your preferred option.
- Pay with your Avios and cover any required taxes and fees.
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Avios Booking Tips
- Search early: Reward seats become available 355 days before the flight and are booked fast, especially in premium cabins.
- Be flexible: Try searching up to three days before or after your ideal date to find more options.
- Check partner airlines: Sometimes Iberia, Qatar, or American Airlines have better availability or lower surcharges.
Can You Book Business Class or First Class with Avios?
Yes, you can use Avios for economy, premium economy, business, and first class tickets. Seats can be limited, so it’s important to book early, especially if you want premium seats. Using your Companion Voucher for business or first class can help you get the most value.
Upgrading with Avios
If you have a cash ticket in premium economy, you can often use Avios to upgrade to business class for a set number of points, if seats are available. This is a great way to enjoy luxury travel for less.Using an Avios Flight Search Tool
Using Avios Flight Search Tools
Finding Avios reward flights can take time, especially if you want to travel to popular places or during busy periods. That’s why using a tool like Reward Flight Finder can be very helpful. These tools:
- Search multiple dates and routes automatically
- Notify you when new reward seats are released
- Help you snap up the best tickets before they’re gone. This gives you a real advantage, especially when booking business or first class seats with Avios. For frequent travellers or anyone planning a special trip, the small cost is often worth it.
Advanced Avios Strategies
- Combine Accounts: Use a household account to pool Avios with family members and increase your booking power.
- Look for Off-Peak Dates: Your Avios will stretch further on off-peak dates, so always check the calendar for the lowest rates.
- Consider Partner Airlines: Sometimes they offer better availability or lower fees, especially on transatlantic flights.
- Book Open-Jaw or Stopover Flights: You can use Avios for creative multi-city trips. For example, you could fly into New York and return from Boston for the same price as a round-trip ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions and Pitfalls
- Are There Restrictions? Some routes have limited reward seats or blackout dates. Always check availability in advance.
- What if I Need to Cancel? Reward flights can be cancelled for a small fee, and your Avios will be refunded.
- How to Avoid Losing Avios: Make sure your account stays active by earning or using Avios at least once every 36 months.
- Can I Transfer Avios? Yes, you can transfer Avios between BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways accounts, but check the transfer rules.
- What about Taxes and Fees? Taxes, fees, and carrier charges still apply when you book with Avios. These costs can be high, so always compare the total price to a regular cash ticket.
Real-Life Booking Example
We travel quite often and wanted to take our niece and nephew to Europe during the half-term. By using our British Airways Amex, shopping bonuses, and some planning, we earned enough Avios in a year for four return flights. We booked 11 months in advance and used Reward Flight Finder to get business-class seats for ourselves with a companion voucher and economy seats for the kids, all with Avios. We saved over £3,000 compared to paying cash.
Final Tips for Avios Success
To get the best value out of your Avios:
- Plan ahead and book early
- Use reward flight search tools like Reward Flight Finder
- Stay flexible with dates and destinations
- Combine earning strategies for a faster balance build
- Take advantage of companion vouchers and household accounts
With the right strategy, Avios can offer great value for both frequent and occasional travellers. Enjoy your travels!
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