What are Avios-only flights and who is eligible?

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.

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 London Heathrow and London 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.

You can find out where you can travel to on the British Airways Club website or via the Avios app.

In October 2026, British Airways unveiled its latest Avios-only flights – to Majorca in the Balearic Islands and Crete, Greece.

The Avios-only services will operate from London Heathrow to Palma, Majorca on Saturday 14 August 2027, returning on 21 August 2027. Seats are available for 28,000 Avios and £5 return in Euro Traveller and 49,000 Avios + £40 return in Club Europe. Checked baggage is included as standard.

The London Heathrow to Heraklion, Crete Avios-only service will also depart on Saturday 14 August 2027 and return on Saturday 21 August 2027. Seats are available for 33,500 Avios and £5 return in Euro Traveller and 60,000 Avios and £40 return in Club Europe.

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, 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.