Avios help.

Fruity1

Hi, I am a total novice at using Avios. I originally had a trip to Dubai planned 2 years ago using some which was cancelled & don’t think I’d made the best use of them. I used some for UK hotel bookings over the last two years but I am now debating Dubai this winter again. 

I may have a companion voucher available and have also been looking at how many Avios etc would be needed. I think I have it totally wrong, so would appreciate any help. 

Having looked this evening I have read it that Heathrow to Dubai is 13,000 points plus £50 off peak or £195 if no recent points each. I’m thinking that 13,000 & £50 can’t be right We don’t need first class. I know I can only use my companion voucher in economy. Premium economy outbound might be nice for the night flight. What would be the best use of points and possible voucher please for November flights? 

Caz3121

these articles may help https://thepointsguy.co.uk/guide/ultimate-ba-avios-guide/
https://thepointsguy.co.uk/guide/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-british-airways-companion-voucher/
Dubai is in zone 6 so would be 25,000 + £50 for a one way on peak dates (50,000 + £100 for a return)
economy is generally a very poor use of Avios (unless cash prices are high for your dates)

bagand96

Another couple of links (likely the same information as @Caz3121 shared, just a different blog)

Beginners guide to spending Avios: https://www.headforpoints.com/2020/04/06/how-do-you-book-flights-using-avios-points/

How do companion vouchers work: https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/09/27/how-do-british-airways-american-express-2411-companion-vouchers-work/

What is an Avios worth: https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/01/04/what-is-an-avios-point-worth-6/

As Caz says using on economy flights is quite poor value. You still have to pay taxes and airline fees and sometimes these are nearly as much as just saving your Avios and buying a cash ticket.

Interestingly the blog talks about a "floor" value of 0.8p per Avios if you convert them to Nectar points and spend in Sainsbury's - some things (like hotel bookings and sometimes economy flights) get you less value than that. 

isplumm

when I use Avios points, I always pay for economy & then upgrade to PE using points - or book PE & then use points to upgrade to BC. That used to be the best way to use the points - things may have changed since I last did any avios flights