Avios now worth more, British Airways reduces award seats for partner airlines
British Airways has decided to change the rules of the game, giving greater weight to avios points for booking [...]
Qatar Airways
Iberia
British Airways
Aer Lingus
Oneworld
British Airways has decided to change the rules of the game, giving greater weight to avios points for booking award tickets aboard their planes. Basically only airlines that use avios as currency will have access to the guaranteed award seats aboard BA aircraft.
What changes for those who want to book an award ticket aboard BA
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There are many frequent flyer programs that allow you to book award seats on British Airways. BA is a member of the oneworld airline alliance and all members of the different loyalty programs have access through the different programs to the inventory of award seats on board BA.
The best bonuses
What will change is that now only the 6 airlines that use Avios as currency, BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar Airways and-from February 2024-Finnair, will have access to the total inventory, while all other companies including American Airlines, JAL and Cathay will only be able to offer "leftovers."
Who does this change benefit
It is undeniable that Today the subscribers of programs that have avios as currency will be happy, not only do they have the ability to move points from one program to another, but they will also have less competition and thus a greater chance of finding available award places.
BA's decision is not new in this world. Lufthansa and Singapore have been doing this for years, is a way to keep its members attached to the program, even when there are devaluations and changes.
In conclusion
Avios are becoming a super currency, the most powerful in the entire frequent flyer landscape, and I am curious to see if there will be, in the other alliances, similar strategies or if other oneWorld carriers will join the group.