Is Avios the Biggest Loyalty Card Rip-Off?

ERN123

Hi - I'm new to the MoneySavingExpert Forum. I was moved to join when, after spending years saving our Tesco Clubcard points for Avios AirMiles, I've discovered that they are practically worthless.

A few examples: you can rent a car using a comparison website for less than the price Avios charges, plus around 20,000 Avios points.

Likewise I was surprised to see Avios offer a hotel for around 100 GBP more than I saw it online for - PLUS 25,000 Avios.

They are literally charging you more for your purchase than you can find it online without the miles. And don't even look at flight destinations outside Europe - you pay the taxes and fees, even on a so-called "free flight" - most taxes and fees for long distance flights are several hundred pounds, again, rendering Avios redundant.

Does anyone out there recommend another loyalty scheme that offers good travel rewards?

Thanks.

joerugby

You get good value for Avios if you book long haul business class.

I've just booked flights for Mrs Joe and me from LHR to Hong Kong with Cathay in Business Class and from Mumbai back to LHR in Club Class for 184,000 Avios plus £1,626 inc all fees and taxes.

That is a massive saving on the regular fare

hcb42

yup use them for flights, and business class, there will always be other deals for other travel stuff

ERN123

OK - Glad to hear there's hope yet.

Thanks for the replies.

socookin

I only ever use my avios on flights -- you do get a really good return. Especially for upgrages!