What are Avios-only flights and who is eligible?
Avios-only flights have proved incredibly popular since launching in 2023. We explain what they are, how they work and who qualifies
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Twice daily
MoneyWeek
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Four times a week
Look After My Bills
Sign up to our free money-saving newsletter, filled with the latest news and expert advice to help you find the best tips and deals for managing your bills. Start saving today!
British Airways has launched new Avios-only flights, offering more opportunities to redeem your Avios points.
Avios is a major loyalty programme with airlines British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus all signed up.
Under the scheme, you receive points when buying flights, spending with certain retailers or if you’ve got an affiliated credit card. These points can then be redeemed on flights, holiday extras and more.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
What are Avios-only Flights and who is eligible?
British Airways typically allocates a certain amount of seats on its flights to customers with Avios points to redeem as “reward flights”.
On flights to and from Heathrow and Gatwick, the airline guarantees a minimum of 12 and 14 reward seats on standard short and long-haul flights, respectively.
For flights to and from London City Airport, four reward seats are guaranteed, with two in business and two in economy.
However, since 2023, British Airways has released Avios-only flights where 100% of seats are available to British Airways Club members collecting Avios points. You can use some cash to cover the cost of these flights, but a fixed amount of Avios points has to be redeemed.
The flights are often to popular holiday destinations and run at peak times of the year, offering those with Avios points greater priority.
British Airways says Avios-only flights always sell out to customers with Avios due to their popularity.
Where do Avios-only Flights travel to?
Avios-only flights travel to places across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, including Cape Town, Barbados, Sharm El Sheikh, Málaga and Marrakesh.
You can find out where you can travel to on The British Airways Club website or via the Avios app.
On 12 February 2026, British Airways added two more Avios-only flights to its roster, from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon Saint-Tropez.
When and how can you book Avios-only flights?
British Airways announces new Avios-only flights on its website and via the Avios app. You can book one-way and return journeys on the website and via the app.
Reward flights can be booked through a British Airways Club account or by calling the contact centre on 0344 493 0747 (if calling from the UK).
Seats are sold on a first come, first served basis and often sell out fast.
Can you use American Express companion vouchers for Avios-only flights?
American Express British Airways companion vouchers can be used when booking Avios-only flights as well as regular flights. They effectively double the value of your Avios.
How does the companion voucher work?
When you book a reward flight for two people, the voucher lets you take someone with you on the same flight and in the same cabin for no extra Avios. While you won't need to use additional Avios, you will need to pay any applicable taxes, fees and charges for both travellers.
Alternatively, solo travellers can use half of the Avios required for one person, plus the taxes, fees and charges, with the companion voucher.
For example, on 12 February 2026, MoneyWeek found a one-way reward flight from London to Vancouver on 31 August 2026.
A solo traveller could pay 38,500 Avios and £85 in taxes, fees and carrier charges for this reward flight.
For two people, it would rise to 77,000 Avios and £170.
If the solo traveller used a companion voucher, it would cost 19,250 Avios and £85.
If the couple used a companion voucher, it would cost 38,500 Avios and £170.
Can you cancel Avios-only flights?
Yes, Avios-only flights can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, although you will be charged a £35 fee.
If you cancel within 24 hours of your outbound journey, and you’ve paid the taxes, fees and charges, these are refunded to the account used to book. For bookings made using Avios and money, the cash portion of the price isn’t refunded.
A £35 service fee is also charged if you change your flight date. If the new date costs more, you will have to use additional Avios points and if it costs less, you receive the difference in Avios points back.
-
8 ways the ‘sandwich generation’ can protect wealthPeople squeezed between caring for ageing parents and adult children or younger grandchildren – known as the ‘sandwich generation’ – are at risk of neglecting their own financial planning. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones’ wealth.
-
How should a good Catholic invest? Like the Vatican’s new stock index, it seemsThe Vatican Bank has launched its first-ever stock index, championing companies that align with “Catholic principles”. But how well would it perform?
