How to save on BA flights

budgetflyer

for zones 1, 2 or 3
It can often be cheaper to buy Avios and partially pay with a 50/50 split Avios + cash. + you are getting a flexible, refundable ticket (£25 fee)

Typical EG

Edinburgh to Larnaca (Zone 3) (via LHR)
June 29 to July 13 booking normal way via BA.com 2 passengers £760

OR

Via Avios or BA Exec site

same dates 2 passengers cost
40K avios + £60

or

20K Avios + £220

so
Purchase 20K Avios for £331 and pay £220

Total £551 saving £209 !!!

Look out for Avios purchase sales.
One finished yesterday btw, where you would only have needed to buy 18K with 2K free at a cost of £303

jpsartre

A good tip though worth pointing out that if you purchase a reward ticket, you don't receive any Avios for your flight. For the flights above, they'd be worth one return reward flight in zone 1.

budgetflyer

jpsartre wrote: »

A good tip though worth pointing out that if you purchase a reward ticket, you don't receive any Avios for your flight. For the flights above, they'd be worth one return reward flight in zone 1.

True, + tier points. but you would be buying a "no refund" ticket.

Savings are also greater via regional airports as Avios give you free connection through London.

BTW
9K avios cost £159 or sale price was 8K + 1K free @£143

blindman

budgetflyer wrote: »

True, + tier points. but you would be buying a "no refund" ticket.

Savings are also greater via regional airports as Avios give you free connection through London.

BTW
9K avios cost £159 or sale price was 8K + 1K free @£143

Another point is:
Are there always reward ticket availablity for your flight?

budgetflyer

blindman wrote: »

Another point is:
Are there always reward ticket availablity for your flight?

No not always.As you know, some routes are better than others.
But if there is, then you can maybe save a bit.
Depending on dates and prices it may well be cheaper to just book normally.
Its just another strategy to maybe reduce the cost of flights.