Thunderbird Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 Have quite a few Avios (about 160,000) picked up over the years but never used any. Looking at some of the BA 'offers' it seems pretty rubbish. Any tips for getting some use or value out of them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deker Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 I've used them for hotels in the past as I found the offers better than the ones on flights, it was a while ago and the offers might have changed now though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonm Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 The best thing we have is get a companion voucher to get an additional free ticket, but for this you need to be a BA executive member and have a BA credit card which I'm assuming you aren't? You do have to look to find BA reward flights you can use Avios on that you want, but it can be worth it - for example, we got first class flights to Dubai for less than the price of an economy ticket (as you still have to pay tax). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedge Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 1 hour ago, Thunderbird said: Have quite a few Avios (about 160,000) picked up over the years but never used any. Looking at some of the BA 'offers' it seems pretty rubbish. Any tips for getting some use or value out of them? I'm in a similar situation to you. The `value` of your Avios depends on how you use them. I've spent far too much time trawling web-sites to try and get a definitive answer. This can vary from about 1p per Avios to 0.4 pence. It appears that the general rule of thumb is that buying Flight Saver tickets to European destinations get's you more or less the best redemption value. You pay a fixed price tax of £35 for standard seats and pay the rest in Avios. You can also use them to upgrade your seats. There are some complicated permutations about being BA members, having Amex membership and being able to stick your toe in your ear. Some sort of 2 for 1 or something. I got lost at about that point. Long haul flights don't offer good value for money as the taxes are so high. You can get a cash deal ticket much easier. You can of course buy hotel breaks, spa days, `experience days` and even crates of wine or a bottle of scotch. The redemption value on that can be about 0.5p or less. The bottom line is - what are your Avios worth to you? Technically, it's free money, so if you buy a crate of wine, does the redemption value really matter? 160,000 Avios @ 1p = £1600 160,000 Avios @ 0.5p = £800 You could still do a lot of Xmas shopping with that. https://www.wine.ba.com/apps/merchandise/#/categories/-1 There are lots of web-sites dedicated to getting the best VFM and it really decides what you feel would be the best use of them. https://www.headforpoints.com/2019/03/12/what-is-avios-reward-flight-saver/ https://www.godsavethepoints.com/10-best-ways-spend-british-airways-avios-points-2018/ https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/boost-avios-points/ Hope that doesn't make your head spin too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted September 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 (edited) Cheers guys, that's very useful, thanks hedge for taking the time to write all that. Will check it out. Edited September 19, 2019 by Thunderbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.