October 7, 2020 - BA's 50% Off Avios Redemption Sale
With COVID wrecking havoc on aviation and airlines around the world, a great way to entice people back into the sky is with a sale. But this isn't a typical fare sale. It is a redemption sale. Air Canada had a similar one a few months back over the summer, but BA seemed a lot more attractive as it applies to all their flights.Many years ago before the rest of Hong Kong realized BA's redemption rates were cheaper than Cathay's Asia Miles for many regional routes on Cathay metal, I had obtained a local credit card that accumulates Avios. At the time, the bank offered a hefty 8000 avios sign-up bonus. Since then, much of my spending went to that card and a steady stream of avios went into my account each month. A night ago, I received an email that redemptions would be discounted up to 50% in any cabin. This limited time offer is valid for travel until end of June 2021, and you have to book before October 13, 2020. Avios redemption rates are generally grouped into peak and off-peak, and obviously off-peak is cheaper. Below are some examples of just what a great deal this is for both long-haul and short-haul one-ways and gauge your appetite for non-essential tourism. |
Transcontinental Long-Haul | |||
Europe | |||
Intra-Europe didn't seem as attractive. A trip to Paris is only marginally cheaper than going further to Asia. Notice that the engine also prices the kangaroo to Sydney with a Singapore stopover at only 16,250 avios, but Business is much pricier. If you can tough it out in cattle class all the way, you will only be 32.5k avios poorer roundtrip. But there are many risks to consider. With COVID being so unpredictable and a vaccine still some time away, do consider whether you really need to travel for tourism, the quarantine requirement, and even entry restrictions for foreign passport holders.
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