[amf]

Originally Posted by bLaZeR666_uk

Its not the best value but then I have never managed to get upgrades on my flights with Avios when I wanted them.

I used 50k for 1 night in the portofino hotel (again its about £320 per night but I was happy with that as I can always get some more Avios! )

I have 300k of Avios, potentially worth £3000! and I cant seem to spend them on flights when I want them. Really frustrating as I read all the time that people get their upgrades with their Avios

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I've been using miles/avios for business class TATL flights for years - initially with Star Alliance and laterly with BA, using 1 or more Amex companion vouchers. I've never had a real problem in obtaining biz class seats over the years.

With BA releasing at least 2 biz class award seats on each flight the key is to jump on acceptable flights as soon as the outbound seats are released - the inbound can be added once released. Some flexibility is required. Last year there were 5 of us travelling. I managed to get 3 biz class seats GLA-LHR-LAS (2 had to travel in PE award seats). I managed to get 5 biz class seats San Jose-LHR-GLA, no problem. Similarly I have 3 biz class award seats GLA-LGW-TPA-LGW-GLA later this year. I was prepared to fly to/from MCO, FLL or MIA if TPA had not been available.

You can certainly do well out of 300K avios, especially if you can use an Amex companion voucher.