British Airways tweaks Reward Flights upward: another chapter in the devaluation of the "then" executive club

In the past two years British Airways has completely overturned its loyalty program: first standardized the qualification period, then permanently abandoned the mileage-based model and moved to the spend-based, finally sparked general discontent by changing the name and status rules - from the old Executive Club to the new British Club, with revised thresholds and a less flexible path to status.

Now comes another piece: award ticket prices increase. Surprisingly, the fixed chart remains and there is no change to a dynamic award chart, which has been the trend in recent years in the various FFs.

Starting Dec. 15, Reward Flights cost more

As of December 15, 2025, British Airways will increase award ticket prices on all the routes and in all the booths.

The increase affects both the Avios both the cash, that fixed amount that covers taxes, fees and surcharges of the company.

It is a generalized adjustment, touching from the classic London-Geneva to the transatlantic London-New York. We are talking about moderate increases on European routes and more pronounced on long-haul, especially in business and premium.

Why this new increase

Here's how explains the decision on the appropriate BA page After years of stable prices, BA now finds itself in a different context: higher taxes, rising airport costs, and inflation that won't let up.

But there is also another element: BA is redesigning the value of its program and doing so by In small steps, but in one direction.

We have already seen this with the move to spend, the new logic for obtaining statuses, and the rebranding of the program. The increase in Avios necessary for rewards is, in fact, consistent with the new philosophy.

Those who have already made reservations can sleep soundly

Existing premium reservations do not increase, not even if the flight is scheduled after December 15. The only condition is not to touch anything.

1. If the change concerns cabin, destination or seasonality, then the new values apply.
2. Instead, edit only time and date on the same day involves no difference in Avios, and is one of the few leeway left for BA frequent flyers.

Upgrades with Avios also become more expensive

Upgrades will automatically follow the new table: those who have a ticket already issued but request an upgrade after December 15 will pay the difference based on the new values. Nothing surprising, it is exactly the BA logic of recent months: fewer exceptions, more internal consistency within the system.

Another sign: the value of Avios is shifting

It is hard not to read this as a broader message. Within 24 months BA has:

• erased everyone's freedom to choose your own qualifying period
• changed the way in which it accumulates
• changed the way in which statuses are obtained
• changed the name of the program

And now tweaks upward the "price" of premiums

It is as if the British Club is telling its members: "This is MY new game, these are MY new rules."

How much Avios increase on popular routes

But coming to the increase, BA has published some examples that give an idea of the direction of change. Here are the most significant deviations:

• London to Geneva (one-way, off-peak)
  • Economy: from 9,250 Avios + £0.50 → 10,000 Avios + £1
  • Business: from 15,000 Avios + £12.50 → 16,500 Avios + £15
• London - New York (A/R, off-peak)
  • Economy: from 50.000 + 100£ → 55.000 + 120£
  • Premium Economy: from 85.000 + 305£ → 93.500 + 350£
  • Business: from 160.000 + 375£ → 176.000 + 399£
  • First: from 136,000 + tax → 150,000 + tax

On the most popular routes, the average price increase is between the 10% and the 15% in Avios, while the cash portion grows less dramatically but still noticeable.

The right move? Make reservations before Dec. 15

If you have a redemption BA in mind for 2026, you should lock it in now. It is not a race against time, but a simple matter of value: what costs X today will cost X+ from December 15.

My opinion on this devaluation

The value of Avios is not in question, especially for the multitude of companies that adopt them And allow them to accumulate. That BA had "crazy" taxes is well known and it's a constant with UK programs, the devaluation is there, but it's not as bad as happened with other programs, and BA also gave 10 gg notice, which is not a given.

Given the mediocre product and crazy supplements, it doesn't make much sense to fly BA when you can choose other carriers such as Finnair or Qatar to fly to the same destinations, or Iberia which is worth less but also costs much less.

In conclusion

British Airways announced that from December 15 they will increase award tickets booked with Avios, it is not a drastic devaluation, but still it reduces the value of the points. If you have reservations in the can, best to finalize them ASAP.

• Avios
• executive club
• depreciation