With international borders still heavily restricted and coronavirus cases ticking up in Europe, it isn’t clear whether my family will be heading to Germany for Christmas this year. But the prospect of traveling, at least one way, on British Airways at a deep discount has deepened the appeal of booking now and hoping for the best. At the very least, this British Airways redemption sale is worthy of consideration.
A Compelling British Airways 50% Off Avios Redemption Sale
For the next there days (through October 13, 2020), you can book award travel on British Airways using Avios for up to 50% off normal redemption rates.
- Shorthaul flights – 25% off redemptions in all cabins
- Longhaul flights – 50% off redemptions in all cabins
You can book online, the discount is automatically applied, the sale has no blackout dates and extends to both peak and off-peak days, and you can even apply the British Airways companion voucher.
Indeed, a great deal in theory.
But there’s that nasty issue of carrier surcharges; fees that can add several hundred dollars to your “free” ticket.
For travelers in North America, the fees are particularly exorbitant on eastbound transatlantic travel.
For example, let’s say I wanted to travel from London to Los Angeles:
$729 in out-of-pocket fees? Sure, it still beats paying out-of-pocket for first class, but that’s horrible comparatively speaking to other redemption options for traveling to Europe.
But fees are reduced on westbound travel. For example, I’m looking at this itinerary for a return trip from Basel via London:
If I travel on an off-peak day, first class is under 50K each and business class is under 42K each, including both segments. Taxes are more manageable as well.
Even if I travel on peak day, first class is less than 62K points.
Most importantly, there are enough seats for the entire family. That sure beats paying for SWISS first class!
CONCLUSION
I hesitate only because of the virus and the specter of being forced to quarantine before seeing my family. But I do expect I’ll pull the trigger on one-way travel…
Have you taken advantage of this British Airways promotion? What did you book?
There are even better deals from countries where fuel surcharges are not allowed, e.g. First Class HKG-LHR for just 51.000 Avios + 50 USD
Great thinking. There are some dates available for two people. Interestingly, when I try to price out HKG-LHR-JFK, the availability still shows for business class but vanishes for first. That seems pretty unlikely to be coincidence, which would make for another “Gotcha” from BA.
Thanks Peer. Any other routes that work well using this deal? Your suggestions are most appreciated!
Ex-HKG and used to be ex-Brazil, though that may have changed.
Tokyo would also work for about 40€ in taxes, but it appears that only Business Class is offered on BA’s TYO-routes.
Ex-HKG is definitely a great deal, if we’re allowed in there in the first place. I’m hoping they don’t cancel the Hong Kong Sevens…again. I live in NYC but am looking for the best ways to use this 50% mileage offer without paying a fortune in taxes. I’m up for traveling almost anywhere in First or Club World.
What are the cancellation and refund policies on these? BA web site isn’t quite clear..
Same as other tickets.