MSE News: Airmiles becomes Avios: hurry to beat the cost hike

richardw

Omega_1 wrote: »

Am I right in assuming that if I were to book Long-Haul BA flights, with cash/card through an agency other than BA direct, I could then use my Avios points to upgrade cabins ?

Depends if the booking class is suitable for miles for upgrade, MFU, (might be now Avios for upgrade AFU) or not.

More info http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1279881-using-miles-travel-agent-booking.html

boudiyax

I used to regularly travel between two regional UK (old zone 1) airports using my airmiles.

Just before the change over I cashed in enough Tesco points to book a trip for four of us to go and visit family. Now that the Avios site appears to be working, I find that neither of the two airports are shown on the destination map.

Now l just have to wait till morning and speak to Avios; I do hope I haven't just wasted my Tesco vouchers or like bangormaine I too will be

Anyone had any experience with this?

richardw

boudiyax wrote: »

I used to regularly travel between two regional UK (old zone 1) airports using my airmiles.

Which airline was this?

malkie76

Omega_1 wrote: »

Am I right in assuming that if I were to book Long-Haul BA flights, with cash/card through an agency other than BA direct, I could then use my Avios points to upgrade cabins ?

Where do we stand now with BA's 'partner' airlines - can we still use their own 'airmiles' to book BA flights with upgraded cabin ?

For the most part you can only book and upgrade tickets bought directly from BA. 99% of travel agent bookings (including BA holidays) cannot be upgraded with miles. There are a few special ones which you can get by calling BA, but I believe these are largely US based.

You can still book BA flights with miles from partner programmes. That hasn't changed.

richardw

malkie76 wrote: »

You can still book BA flights with miles from partner programmes. That hasn't changed.

Unless, the airline is Iberia, which is also using avios.

gelato_cat

Hi all

Booked six return flights on 14th November using Airmiles for me and hubby. (I didn't do it at the last minute on purpose, I'd somehow missed all the blurb about the change to Avios and luckily got in just before they closed web bookings!)

We have enough points left under the old regime for another return flight to one of our destinations and I had the bright idea of taking MIL with us on one of the aforementioned trips we've booked for ourselves.

I want to book these under the Airmiles T&Cs so I know I will need to ring them to do this. However, what I don't know is if I'm allowed to book flights for my MIL if those are the only ones I am booking (ie if I am not travelling with her under the same booking).

Does anyone know? I would ring, but last time I tried I was on hold for 25 minutes and gave up waiting.

TIA

Suze

SaveTheEuro

I tried again today to combine BA and Air Miles points. After going through the process the final message was "service not available."

I also tried to book a non-BA flight. All and every dates were "unavailable."

I can see no apology or explanation on the Avois website, or on these noticeboards. Has anyone seen an Avois spokesperson anywhere explaining what has gone wrong and when the website will be functioning properly?

RJP33

Long haul economy redemptions are a complete waste. The value is in business or first bookings, especially if you've go the 241 voucher.

malkie76

You are forgetting last minute redemptions when only full fare cash tickets are available. You can usually find mileage redemption in economy at short notice - instantly save yourself hundreds if not thousands.

RJP33

malkie76 wrote: »

You are forgetting last minute redemptions when only full fare cash tickets are available. You can usually find mileage redemption in economy at short notice - instantly save yourself hundreds if not thousands.

That can be the case, but with fuel surcharges is unusual from what I've seen. The best value is still in premium seats, or upgrading from economy or WT plus to business.