Avios for Flights

[1971tinkerbell]

Has anyone ever used their Avios points for flights to MCO, I currently have 200,000.

TIA Shari

[thatdavieguy]

Price it with and without using avios and get an idea of your saving.

Avios used to be great a few years ago, now it's probably more beneficial to use them for things like hotels/car hire.

[leahamy]

I agree - we have had 2 free Orlando flights in the past, when they were Air Miles before Avios took over. Doesn't seem to be as good a deal now that you use Avios Miles and still have to pay the taxes & surcharges. Last time I costed it out (2015) it worked out best for us to use the Avios Miles to purchase some of the park tickets - we saved £1400 on tickets. They don't advertise this on their website but you can phone and ask for a quote. Can't remember the name of the supplier but, whilst it's not the cheapest available, it was our best option. May have changed since then but, we saved £50 per 10,000 of Avios Miles. It's best to cost out all of the options to get the best value.

[Procrastinator]

The best value for avios is on the business and upper seats as i understand it. If you can find them that is...

[1971tinkerbell]

Not sure if it will make a difference but they changing over to British Airways points?

I have been saving for years got 200,000 and now have no idea what to do with them

[Procrastinator]

Log in to your avios or exec club and play with the reward flight availability tool.

That many points would i think get you return flights to new york in business - just taxes you need to pay. Or probably pay for return flights in first from orlando. But depends what is available.

Have a read on something like headforpoints on how to get best value...

[mossyflossy]

We have before into Miami and we're considering using them this year too. Whilst it's not as good as it used to be in terms of prices, an economy direct return flight to Florida still works out at about £300, which is OK IMO.

Is the best use still to buy WT+ and upgrade to business?

[ABZLocal]

Generally its better to use Avios for Return Flight Saver (RFS) for short haul tickets or for Upgrade using Avios (UuA). That means booking Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) and using Avios to upgrade to Business.

Alternatively, book on Aer Lingus as its much cheaper due to less APD and other taxes. For example, around £100 plus Avios for a business ticket. Booking BA can be around £500 plis Avios.

Booking for long haul economy via BA is not good value unless booking last minute or really expensive times.

Aim to gt 1+p per Avios. Let me know if you need any other help.

[amf]

We have used BA Avios for transatlantic business seats for years, almost always with one or more Amex 2 for 1 vouchers with the premium BA Amex. Last year we used 2 241s to California. This year we are using one 241 to Tampa. As others said you get poor value using Avios for a long haul economy redemption because the bulk of the fare will be "taxes etc" which you still pay with a redemption. Even RFS is only worthwhile if you stay near LGW or LHR as BA now charge for any UK domestic connection on RFS awards.

[mossyflossy]

Originally Posted by ABZLocal

Alternatively, book on Aer Lingus as its much cheaper due to less APD and other taxes. For example, around £100 plus Avios for a business ticket. Booking BA can be around £500 plis Avios.

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Could you please expand on this Do you have to fly from Dublin?