British Airways has launched a new initiative where select flights are only bookable through Avios redemptions.
Dubbed ‘Avios-Only’ flights, they have initially been made available on the inaugural service from Gatwick to Sharm El Sheikh on November 3, 2023, and four flights between Heathrow and Geneva on February 10, 17, 24 and March 2, 2024 (as well as their corresponding return services one week later).
All seats on these flights have been reserved exclusively for Avios redemptions, across both Euro Traveller and Club Europe cabins. This compares to the usual guaranteed 12 reward seats available on short-haul services, and 14 on long-haul flights.
BA said that more Avios-Only services would be announced throughout 2023.
The initiative is similar to Qantas’ ‘Points Planes’ service, which launched in 2019 on an A380 service between Melbourne and Tokyo, and has since been offered on various domestic and international routes.
Qantas dedicates entire A380 flight to frequent flyer redemptions
Reward Flight Saver redemptions allow Executive Club members to redeem for a flat cash rate (starting from £1) plus a fixed number of Avios.
In the case of Heathrow-Geneva redemption options include £1 plus 18,500 Avios in Euro Traveller, and £1 plus 30,000 Avios in Club Europe, while for Gatwick-Sharm El Sheikh options include £1 plus 27,500 Avios in Euro Traveller, and £1 plus 48,500 Avios in Club Europe.
