British Airways is advising its customers to utilize their Avios points for booking reward flights before the upcoming changes to the program on May 27.
Avios serves as the loyalty program for over 30 major airlines, such as British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, enabling travelers to accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights, albeit with taxes and fees still applicable.
Starting from the specified date, the cash component required for a reward flight with British Airways will escalate, according to a warning from MoneySavingExpert.com. This means travelers will incur higher costs, while the points needed for redemption will remain unchanged.
MoneySavingExpert.com has provided examples of the increased costs that passengers will face post the end of this month. For instance, the price for a business return flight from London to New York will rise from 176,000 Avios plus £399 to £499, representing a £100 hike.
Similarly, shorter routes will also experience incremental charges. For a one-way economy flight from London to Amsterdam, the current payment of 10,000 Avios plus £1 will elevate to £2.50.
Moreover, existing bookings will be subject to the revised pricing if modifications are made after May 27, as cautioned by MoneySavingExpert. However, bookings that remain unchanged will not be affected by the adjustments.
Avios points can be accumulated through various means like booking flights, car rentals, hotels, or shopping via the British Airways Executive Club website. Travelers are advised to compare flight options with different airlines to ensure they are getting the best deal before using their Avios points.
British Airways has clarified on their website that from May 27, 2026, the cost of Reward Flights will increase, affecting only the cash portion of the booking. Prices are based on off-peak dates and subject to availability, with Reward Flights booked before the change retaining the current price.
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