British Airways has added the option to use Avios to pay for seat selection on flights.

Customers can choose to pay in Avios for either part or the full cost of seat selection, on all BA-operated services.

In the terms and condition for the new service BA says that “The Avios payable will depend on the cabin class, route selected and the number of people on the booking, this will be clearly displayed on the booking page”.

Note that Gold and Silver members of the BA Executive Club will still be able to select seats for free at the time of booking, while Bronze members can do so seven days before departure.

All other customers (with the exception of those travelling on the newly launched Basic fares) can choose their seats for free 24 hours before departure.

Commenting on the move James Hillier from the British Airways Executive Club said:

“We already offer the ability to collect and spend Avios on a wide range of flights, holidays, trips and experiences but today’s exciting development gives members of the British Airways Executive Club another way they can choose to spend their Avios.

“It will be of particular benefit to those in the Blue tier, and we hope this further demonstrates to these members the benefit of being part of, and collecting Avios through, the Executive Club.”

Last month it was announced that the Avios Travel Rewards Programme is to close in the UK, with members’ points being transferred across to Executive Club accounts.

ba.com