British Airways is advising its customers to utilize their Avios points for booking reward flights before the program undergoes changes on May 27. Avios serves as the loyalty program for over 30 major airlines, such as British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. Accumulating points through Avios allows travelers to exchange them for flights, although additional payment for taxes and fees is required.
Starting from the specified date, the cash portion towards a British Airways reward flight will increase, as cautioned by MoneySavingExpert.com, resulting in higher costs. The required points for redemption, however, will remain unchanged. MoneySavingExpert.com has provided examples of the increased costs post the deadline. For instance, a business return flight from London to New York will see an additional £100 charge, while shorter routes like a one-way economy flight from London to Amsterdam will incur a smaller increase.
Existing bookings may be subject to the revised pricing if alterations are made after May 27, according to MSE. The MSE team emphasized the importance of considering alternative airlines for potentially cheaper flights and advised against hasty Avios spending without exploring better pricing options elsewhere.
British Airways has detailed that from May 27, 2026, the cost of Reward Flights will rise, affecting only the cash component of bookings. The airline assures that Reward Flights booked before the adjustment will remain at the current rates.
To collect Avios points, travelers have various methods like booking flights, car rentals, hotels, or shopping through the British Airways Executive Club website. It is recommended to compare flight options with other airlines for competitive pricing and not solely rely on Avios if better deals are available elsewhere.