Using Avios at Easter for flights

[jampxx]

Hi,

Just returned from 2 and a half brilliant weeks, and like many people thinking about a return, and doing it cheaper! We are thinking 2022 for lots of reasons.

Given that is 3 years away, that would mean booking about this time in 2 years. We think we could build up a hefty amount of avios in that time (credit cards/Tesco etc) - building on the 40,000 we have now.

My concern is around reward flight availability over school holidays, and not being able to use them. Has anyone had good experience of doing this?

Thanks in advance

James

[neilhd]

Reward flights to MCO over school hols - especially Easter - are VERY hard to get. Not saying you won't get them, but you need to be prepared that you might not. I think each flight has 4 seats in Economy guaranteed and 2 in Club World (not to say more won't appear - they might).

You MUST go on at midnight/1am (depending on whether the clocks have changed or not) and immediately book the outbound as soon as it becomes available, then book the return as soon as that is out. If using a BA 2-4-1 voucher that means calling a non-UK call center 15 mins before and getting them to do it.

Also you will need a good chunk of Avios to get multiple seats. Probably 50,000 per seat return. Avios are not as easy to earn now from credit card signups.

And - the rub - the taxes and charges on Economy redemptions are really high. Enough that it's hardly worth it as the saving is minimal and very poor use of Avios. Using on WTP or Club World is better value, but of course needs more Avios and the availability is probably even harder to get.

Not trying to put you off - just make you aware of the facts!

[stanleycamel]

Originally Posted by neilhd

Reward flights to MCO over school hols - especially Easter - are VERY hard to get. Not saying you won't get them, but you need to be prepared that you might not. I think each flight has 4 seats in Economy guaranteed and 2 in Club World (not to say more won't appear - they might).

You MUST go on at midnight/1am (depending on whether the clocks have changed or not) and immediately book the outbound as soon as it becomes available, then book the return as soon as that is out. If using a BA 2-4-1 voucher that means calling a non-UK call center 15 mins before and getting them to do it.

Also you will need a good chunk of Avios to get multiple seats. Probably 50,000 per seat return. Avios are not as easy to earn now from credit card signups.


And - the rub - the taxes and charges on Economy redemptions are really high. Enough that it's hardly worth it as the saving is minimal and very poor use of Avios. Using on WTP or Club World is better value, but of course needs more Avios and the availability is probably even harder to get.

Not trying to put you off - just make you aware of the facts!

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Good advice neilhd - it is also possible to use Avios to reduce the cost of a fare. Perhaps try doing a dummy booking on ba.com to get an idea of what you can use.

[jampxx]

Thanks so much for that, I’ve done the sums and think it is a really small saving with a big chance we cannot get he rewards flights. I suspect we will collect avios but use them for some European trips - and save up for the Florida trip with those savings!

Cheers

[stanleycamel]

Originally Posted by jampxx

Thanks so much for that, I’ve done the sums and think it is a really small saving with a big chance we cannot get he rewards flights. I suspect we will collect avios but use them for some European trips - and save up for the Florida trip with those savings!

Cheers

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European trips can be good value for Avios especially using the Reward Flight Saver

[landandword17]

Originally Posted by jampxx

Thanks so much for that, I’ve done the sums and think it is a really small saving with a big chance we cannot get he rewards flights. I suspect we will collect avios but use them for some European trips - and save up for the Florida trip with those savings!

Cheers

See more...

Another option is Aer Lingus out of Dublin. The fees are very cheap. We did DUB-MCO and home JFK-DUB in Feb, 2 people 47,000 miles and around £200. Cheap Ryanair flights got us to Dublin. You can find availability online at Avios.com (usually good economy availability) but you must call BA to book.

This summer we are coming home Los Angeles to Dublin for 33,000 Avios and a total of $70. It’s my favourite use of Avios.