Avios is the loyalty scheme of more than 30 major airlines, including British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus
British Airways customers are being urged to use their Avios to book reward flights before the scheme changes on May 27.
Avios is the loyalty scheme of more than 30 major airlines, including British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus.
It allows you to build up points which you can then exchange for flights, although you still need to pay taxes and fees.
But the cash amount you have to pay towards a reward flight with British Airways will rise from this date, warns MoneySavingExpert.com – which means it will cost you more. The amount of points you need is staying the same.
MSE has given some examples of how much extra you will end up paying from the end of this month. For a business return flight to London to New York, the cost will jump from 176,000 Avios plus £399, to £499 – an increase of £100.
Shorter routes will attract a smaller increase. For a one-way economy flight from London to Amsterdam, you currently pay 10,000 Avios plus £1, but this will rise to £2.50.
MSE also warned that any pre-existing bookings will be subject to the new prices if you make any changes to them after May 27. Your booking will not be affected if you don’t need to make any changes.
In an article published on its website the MSE team said: “If you’re planning to use Avios to book reward flights with British Airways (BA), consider doing so before Wednesday 27 May.
“From that date, the cash amount you have to pay towards a reward flight will rise – meaning you’ll need to spend more for the same journey (though the amount of points you’ll need is staying the same).”
There are different ways to collect Avios points – for example, when you book flights, car hire, hotels, or through everyday shopping when you click through to a retailer via the British Airways Executive Club website.
MSE urged travellers to always compare flights with other airlines in case they offer cheaper flights, and not to just spend Avios if you can get a better price elsewhere.
On the British Airways website, the airline explains: “From 27 May 2026, the price of Reward Flights will increase. This will only affect the cash element of your booking.
“Prices reflect off-peak dates and are subject to availability. Reward Flights booked prior to this change will remain at the current price.”
