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.
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.
A popular way to spend Avios points is via reward flights. On these flights, you pay with your Avios points, as well as a cash amount to cover taxes, fees and carrier charges.
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British Airways introduced Avios-only flights in 2023, which members of The British Airways Club can book as reward flights. So far, there have been around 50 Avios-only flights, with destinations including the Middle East, Caribbean and Africa.
How exactly do these flights work and who is eligible? We reveal everything you need to know below.
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 eight seats in economy, two in premium economy and four in business class.
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?
Previous Avios-only flights have gone to places across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, including Cape Town, Barbados, Sharm El Sheikh, Málaga and Marrakesh. In February, British Airways announced two more Avios-only flights, from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon Saint-Tropez.
You can find out where you can travel to on the British Airways Club website or via the Avios app.
In June, two additional flights from London Heathrow to Tenerife and Reykjavik were added for those planning to travel over the October half-term break. All Euro Traveller seats are available from just £5 and 33,500 Avios return, or £40 and 60,000 Avios return with Club Europe, including checked luggage.
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.
In May, reward flight prices went up, which means flyers will have to fork out more cash for booking Avios-only flights.
For instance, a one-way trip in Club Europe from Heathrow to Rome will now cost £20 and 22,000 Avios. Before 27 May, this was £15 and 22,000 Avios, British Airways said.
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, with the companion voucher. They will still need to pay the taxes, fees and charges.
Cardmembers can now also redeem their companion voucher when booking with British Airways Holidays using Avios to pay or part-pay, and get 25% Avios back. This offer is available on holiday package bookings made before 31 March 2027.
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 will receive the difference in Avios points back.
