Using Avios/Arimile

Moonwolf

OK I've been a bit slack and let my Avios move around without thinking about them or paying attention. I am aware of this so I'd appreciate not too many replies telling me not to start from here, yes I'm an idiot.

I now have 68,000 points and feel I should use them up as they aren't going to grow and I have let them lose value.

I'd like a European break, long weekend or five days. I live in the north of England so it looks like now I have to go through BA it is either an expensive train/drive+parking to Heathrow or flight plus long wait.

Does anyone know what the best deals might be and how to grab them?

Voyager2002

Most BA flights leave from Heathrow. It is perfectly possible to arrange a connecting flight from (say) Manchester: the disadvantage is not a long transfer time but the fact that this doubles the number of Avios used.

You should look out for "Reward Flight Savers" which offer exceptional value to most European destination.

You should also explore whether it is worthwhile to use your Avios on BA partner airlines with suitable flights from Manchester, or even Scotland: Iberia and Finnair are some obvious ones to explore. Do read the Avios articles on sites such as Head for Points and Flyertalk.

budgetflyer

There are several destinations from Manchester this summer

https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/flights-and-holidays/flights/flights-from-manchester-airport

pollypenny

budgetflyer wrote: »

There are several destinations from Manchester this summer

https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/flights-and-holidays/flights/flights-from-manchester-airport

Thanks for that. We have a lot of BA airmiles accrued on trips to the States. I generally use them for hotels, but perhaps a trip to Florence is in order.

Roger1

Voyager2002 wrote: »

You should look out for "Reward Flight Savers" which offer exceptional value to most European destination.

Quite right!

Just a reminder that the Avios account neds to be current, i.e. must have earned or redeemed at least one Avio in the past year. If not, RFS are less attractive.

If the OP hasn't done this, s/he should earn or redeem a small amount before making the bookings s/he wants.

Moonwolf

Thanks all, this is the information I wanted.

blindman

pollypenny wrote: »

Thanks for that. We have a lot of BA airmiles accrued on trips to the States. I generally use them for hotels,
:eek::eek::eek::eek:


but perhaps a trip to Florence is in order.

Look at Headforpoints Avios University

for far better value.:cool:

steve1500

We use RFS during the school holidays, by far the best use,

Even when you factor in the pain of getting to LGW & we live north of Watford Gap

pollypenny

blindman wrote: »

Look at Headforpoints Avios University

for far better value.:cool:

Thanks, again. Hotels have worked for us, though.

Our regular flight is to Princeton, USA, direct from Manchester. Our holiday tends to be a tour with the likes of Cosmos. However, the chance of fitting in a little trip to Florence without having to get down to Heathrow appeals.