British Airways has announced the launch of Avios-only flights, which can be booked exclusively using the airline’s reward currency, Avios. These flights, which cannot be purchased with cash, are a first for British Airways and will be available on select routes between November 2023 and March 2024. The move follows in the footsteps of other airlines, such as Qantas, which have offered points-only flights in the past. By offering these flights, it appears British Airways aims to showcase the value of its rewards program and increase its perceived value among members.
For more Points With Q articles delivered to your inbox, sign up for my travel newsletter.
Avios-Only Flights Details
These British Airways will be offered to peak destinations at peak times, with every seat booked using Avios. These flights will run from November 2023 through March 2024, with London being the launch city for the flights. The flights offered will be to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and to Geneva during peak ski season. The Avios-only seats are available for purchase now, and you can book these flights by logging into your British Airways account, selecting “book with Avios,” and searching for the British Airways Geneva flights on February 10th, 17th, and 24th, as well as March 2nd, and the Sharm El Sheikh flight from London Gatwick on November 3rd.
Avios-Only Costs
The London to Geneva flights start at 18,500 Avios plus £1 round-trip in economy or 30,000 Avios plus £1 round-trip in business class. The London to Sharm El Sheikh flight starts at 27,500 plus £1 round-trip in economy or 48,500 plus £1 round-trip in business class. If you need Avios, British Airways has partnerships with Amex, Chase, and Capital One, and the credit card points earned in these programs can be transferred directly to British Airways.
Avios-Only Conclusion
British Airways is taking a page from other airlines’ playbooks by launching Avios-only flights, which can only be booked using the airline’s reward currency, Avios. This move allows British Airways to increase the perceived value of its reward program among its members and likely allows it to sell excess miles/points to partners at a significant profit. The first Avios-only flights will be available between London Gatwick and Sharm El Sheikh and between London Heathrow and Geneva. Overall, this move by British Airways aims to increase the value of its rewards program and provide an alternative means of booking flights for its members.
