British Airways Executive Club Members now have more choice than ever when it comes to using their Avios, with the new option to redeem them towards the cost of a British Airways Holidays booking from today.
Customers choosing a flight and hotel and/or car package with British Airways Holidays, can now use Avios towards the total price of a holiday when making their booking. After selecting their preferred package, customers will be able to pick one of up to nine different Avios payment options at check out, allowing them to choose the amount of cash and Avios they wish to spend, with the cash amount starting from as little as £1, subject to holding a qualifying Avios balance. Examples include:
- Return flights and two nights’ accommodation in Barcelona from £1 + 67,650 Avios for two people sharing (50p + 33,825 per person)**
- Return flights and three nights’ accommodation in New York from £1 + 246,275 Avios for two people sharing (50p + 123,188 Avios per person)
Alternatively, customers can secure their holiday with a deposit just using Avios, paying any remaining balance with cash in as many or few instalments as they like, provided the balance is paid off in full four or five* weeks before travel for short-haul trips or seven weeks for long-haul.
I had a look at a random Club Europe Holiday to Malaga which was £672 per person based on two sharing. As you can see, the top saving is £504 for a whopping 112,223 Avios. That’s the same price as for a long haul flight return in Club World which would be around £1700 value, but you have to take into account the taxes and charges to get the true value of around £1000. So you get far more value using your Avios for a straight redemption. However, sometimes it can be hard to find availability so it is always useful to have another option.
British Airways Executive Club Members will also continue to earn Double Tier points with British Airways Holidays. To qualify they need to book flights and hotel, or flights and car hire, for five nights or more and travel before 31 December 2023. This includes solo travellers and any holidays already booked.
Claire Bentley, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, said: “Now more than ever we want to give as many options as possible when it comes to booking that much needed holiday, so we are really excited to offer our Executive Club Members the ability to spend Avios on a package with British Airways Holidays.
“When people book with us, they can do so knowing that we take their holiday seriously. As well as a wide range of holidays to suit all travellers and budgets, we have a dedicated helpline available to customers at any point during their holiday, so they can switch off and relax knowing that they are in safe hands.”
In addition to packages with British Airways Holidays, British Airways Executive Club Members can use Avios to pay or part pay for flights, as well as seat selection, upgrades and onboard food and drink.
*Selected Short Haul holidays require a balance payment five weeks before departure.
BA Holidays can be found here.
For more information about BA’s Executive Club visit http://www.britishairways.com/executiveclub
7 comments
I was initially excited about this and looking at upgrading to J for a trip to Riviera Maya but as youve shown above the rates are pretty horrific & I’d like to, wishful thinking I know, see some more sensible rationalisation over the next few weeks but I’m doubtful of that happening. In its present form it’s a great way for BA to get it’s hands on a bucket load of Avios ( thus lowering their own exposure & improving their balance sheet).
Yes as you say it’s a good deal for BA, not so much for customers although the lower levels are slightly better value but at that point it’s hardly worth it.
It’s a shame you can’t use Avios against an existing booking where you’re paying off in instalments. However, looking at the rates, it’s not the best deal anyway
Next step – using a companion voucher to book BA Holidays, please!
NB: Is there supposed to be a ** footnote to this article, Michele?
No it was something very obvious so didn’t add it but forgot to move the stars!
Just a thought. BA Holidays are a challenge when trying to change a booking. Normally as BA have changed the flights.
No option to online reject the new flights like flight only. And no gold or silver for that matter priority phone number.
That really does act as a disincentive to me to book
Totally agree. It’s definitely an issue and frustrating with status. Why they can’t allow more online functionality as with normal BA flights i jabs no idea.
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