BA/Avois experts advice please.

PoohBears#1fan · 26 Jul 20, 10:24 AM

Ł370 + 23,000 Avios points for return business flights to Geneva for 2 in March.

Does that sounds like a good deal please? Never used Avios before but we have accumulated some.

munmun · 26 Jul 20, 11:09 AM

The general opinion is that the use of Avios on short haul is the least economical option. However, if it suits you then use them.

Those in the know, (Head for points/ Points Guy) suggest that one Avios should be worth 1penny. My belief is use them as you want.

You could compare the full fare against the avios value

PoohBears#1fan · 26 Jul 20, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by munmun

The general opinion is that the use of Avios on short haul is the least economical option. However, if it suits you then use them.

Those in the know, (Head for points/ Points Guy) suggest that one Avios should be worth 1penny. My belief is use them as you want.

You could compare the full fare against the avios value

Thank you, that does confirm my initial feelings, paying cash those flights would be around Ł650. I think we may be better to let them mount up a little more to use towards a long haul flight in the future.

Peko · 26 Jul 20, 03:31 PM

I would say that the least economical use of Avios is in long haul economy. Short haul in either cabin can be good value, but depends on the circumstances. The OP’s price sounds like a cash plus Avios deal to fit the number of Avios they have, because Ł370 sounds like a high cash element for a full Avios redemption to GVA.

Either way, on a route like GVA (at least in normal times, a phrase I have to use far too often right now...), it will also depend on the dates. Weekday cash returns to GVA in Club can cost eye-watering amounts, whereas if the trip involves a Saturday night stay, it may be a lot cheaper to buy a cash fare. If the cash fare is Ł650 then the value gained from the Avios is pretty decent, also bearing in mind that redemptions often have greater flexibility than a cash booking, something worth considering in these times.

PoohBears#1fan · 26 Jul 20, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by Peko

I would say that the least economical use of Avios is in long haul economy. Short haul in either cabin can be good value, but depends on the circumstances. The OP’s price sounds like a cash plus Avios deal to fit the number of Avios they have, because Ł370 sounds like a high cash element for a full Avios redemption to GVA.

Either way, on a route like GVA (at least in normal times, a phrase I have to use far too often right now...), it will also depend on the dates. Weekday cash returns to GVA in Club can cost eye-watering amounts, whereas if the trip involves a Saturday night stay, it may be a lot cheaper to buy a cash fare. If the cash fare is Ł650 then the value gained from the Avios is pretty decent, also bearing in mind that redemptions often have greater flexibility than a cash booking, something worth considering in these times.

Thank you 😊. I wouldn’t use miles for an economy flight, the tax is often the cash price anyway IME with VS!

Ladyshopper · 28 Jul 20, 11:26 AM

Just making sure you're aware that business class short haul with BA isn't great?

You don't get the nice business class beds like you do in long haul, it's basically a slightly more roomy economy seat with the middle seat blocked off. Food on BA is pretty rubbish right now with everything going on, might want to check Head for Points or Flyer Talk for more info on that. You do get lounge access, but you have to weigh up whether that is worth what you're paying.

Not trying to put you off, just making sure you know what you're getting.

We flew to Geneva with Easyjet late last year for a weekend away, had a lovely time.

PoohBears#1fan · 28 Jul 20, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Ladyshopper

Just making sure you're aware that business class short haul with BA isn't great?

You don't get the nice business class beds like you do in long haul, it's basically a slightly more roomy economy seat with the middle seat blocked off. Food on BA is pretty rubbish right now with everything going on, might want to check Head for Points or Flyer Talk for more info on that. You do get lounge access, but you have to weigh up whether that is worth what you're paying.

Not trying to put you off, just making sure you know what you're getting.

We flew to Geneva with Easyjet late last year for a weekend away, had a lovely time.

Thank you, yes we’ve flown BA business short haul many times.

Peko · 28 Jul 20, 01:43 PM

The BA short haul business class experience right now, on a short route like GVA, isn’t massively different to normal times. Apart from compulsory mask-wearing:

Check-in / bag drop: same as usual, though some queues reported at T5 at certain periods.

Security (LHR): Normal fast track Security has been closed, but will no doubt reopen as volumes increase. The First Wing Security (for First passengers and BA Gold card holders or equivalent) is open as normal.

Lounge (LHR): BA has done a decent job with the reopened and socially distanced lounge arrangement. In fact some will see an improved service, with slightly upgraded catering For Galleries Club, and access to Galleries First if the Club lounge is closed (currently Club lounge only open until lunchtime). Outstations vary, I think GVA lounge is still closed.

Boarding: no priority boarding currently, boarding is by groups of seat rows, starting from the back, so Club Europe boards last.

Onboard catering: pretty normal drinks service, except only plastic glasses and no ice/lemon. Food comes in a bag/box, and apart from being a sandwich-based main item (no plated salads), quality is good enough.

Hard product (seating) is as normal, onboard magazines have been removed.

Of course, it could change for better/worse by March...

26 Jul 20, 11:09 AM	#2
	26 Jul 20, 11:09 AM munmun Imagineer
munmun Imagineer Join Date: May 10	The general opinion is that the use of Avios on short haul is the least economical option. However, if it suits you then use them. Those in the know, (Head for points/ Points Guy) suggest that one Avios should be worth 1penny. My belief is use them as you want. You could compare the full fare against the avios value

26 Jul 20, 03:31 PM	#4
	26 Jul 20, 03:31 PM Peko Imagineer
Peko Imagineer Join Date: Sep 16	I would say that the least economical use of Avios is in long haul economy. Short haul in either cabin can be good value, but depends on the circumstances. The OP’s price sounds like a cash plus Avios deal to fit the number of Avios they have, because Ł370 sounds like a high cash element for a full Avios redemption to GVA. Either way, on a route like GVA (at least in normal times, a phrase I have to use far too often right now...), it will also depend on the dates. Weekday cash returns to GVA in Club can cost eye-watering amounts, whereas if the trip involves a Saturday night stay, it may be a lot cheaper to buy a cash fare. If the cash fare is Ł650 then the value gained from the Avios is pretty decent, also bearing in mind that redemptions often have greater flexibility than a cash booking, something worth considering in these times.

28 Jul 20, 11:26 AM	#6
	28 Jul 20, 11:26 AM Ladyshopper Imagineer
Ladyshopper Imagineer Join Date: Apr 11	Just making sure you're aware that business class short haul with BA isn't great? You don't get the nice business class beds like you do in long haul, it's basically a slightly more roomy economy seat with the middle seat blocked off. Food on BA is pretty rubbish right now with everything going on, might want to check Head for Points or Flyer Talk for more info on that. You do get lounge access, but you have to weigh up whether that is worth what you're paying. Not trying to put you off, just making sure you know what you're getting. We flew to Geneva with Easyjet late last year for a weekend away, had a lovely time.

28 Jul 20, 01:43 PM	#8
	28 Jul 20, 01:43 PM Peko Imagineer
Peko Imagineer Join Date: Sep 16	The BA short haul business class experience right now, on a short route like GVA, isn’t massively different to normal times. Apart from compulsory mask-wearing: Check-in / bag drop: same as usual, though some queues reported at T5 at certain periods. Security (LHR): Normal fast track Security has been closed, but will no doubt reopen as volumes increase. The First Wing Security (for First passengers and BA Gold card holders or equivalent) is open as normal. Lounge (LHR): BA has done a decent job with the reopened and socially distanced lounge arrangement. In fact some will see an improved service, with slightly upgraded catering For Galleries Club, and access to Galleries First if the Club lounge is closed (currently Club lounge only open until lunchtime). Outstations vary, I think GVA lounge is still closed. Boarding: no priority boarding currently, boarding is by groups of seat rows, starting from the back, so Club Europe boards last. Onboard catering: pretty normal drinks service, except only plastic glasses and no ice/lemon. Food comes in a bag/box, and apart from being a sandwich-based main item (no plated salads), quality is good enough. Hard product (seating) is as normal, onboard magazines have been removed. Of course, it could change for better/worse by March...