Fly to New York for up to 55% fewer Avios and no cash: BA and Amex's best-ever Avios-only flight
- Sam
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Wow.
British Airways and Amex have announced one of the best Avios deals you're ever going to see. They're putting on a one-off return flight to New York where every seat on the aircraft is paid for in Avios alone. No taxes, no surcharges, no cash element at all, and economy starts at 25,000 Avios return, which is more than 50% off the usual Avios cost!
This is all part of how they're marking 25 years of the partnership, after the million-Avios prize draw and the 25% earn bonus.
You must hold either the British Airways Premium Plus American Express or the free British Airways American Express, and you will need to register for this promotion to be in with a chance, so here's what you need to know.
When are the flights?
BA177 leaves Heathrow at 1:20pm on Thursday 15 October.
BA180 leaves New York at 7:10pm on Sunday the 18th and lands back home at 7:20am on Monday the 19th.
Three nights in New York over a long weekend, and you'll be home in time to feel terrible at work on Monday.
How much, and how does it compare?
These dates are off-peak dates in the Avios calendar, so it's only fair we compare to those prices:
Cabin | Usual off-peak return | Anniversary flight |
Economy (World Traveller) | 55,000 Avios + £150 | 25,000 Avios + £0 |
Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) | 93,500 Avios + £410 | 50,000 Avios + £0 |
Business (Club World) | 176,000 Avios + £499 | 100,000 Avios + £0 |
First | 150,000 Avios + variable cash | 160,000 Avios + £0 |
I just want to reiterate, no money is needed for this trip. Zero. Nada. Zilch.
Anything special included?
They confidently say that this is "More than just a flight; a thoughtfully designed journey to delight at every step".
Every passenger will get an invitation to a private party at One Vanderbilt with skyline views over New York.
First passengers also get a complimentary BLADE helicopter transfer between JFK and Manhattan on arrival, which anyone who has queued for a cab at JFK will appreciate.
How many people can I book for?
Up to four seats in your chosen cabin, and the others don't need to be cardholders.
Can I use my Companion Voucher?
Yes, up to two of them.
Meaning two people with a Companion Voucher earned on the Premium Plus card could travel to New York in Club World for only 100,000, zero cash. Under the same circumstances this trip would normally cost you 176,000 Avios and £998.
You can of course use your Companion Voucher as a solo traveller too for 50% off the Avios needed.
It should be said that you cannot use your Barclays Cabin Upgrade Voucher on this trip as this is an Amex promotion.
One last note here, the Avios website says "Companion Vouchers applied to the booking will be debited within 14 days of the booking date, so please ensure you do not use your Companion Voucher for another booking during this time." Basically, don't try and be smart and double dip on your Companion Voucher, it will not work, and you risk losing out on this trip.
Can I use my Household Account balance?
Avios held by other members of your Household Account can't go towards these seats.
Normally you can pool a couple's balances for a booking, but not here. If your Avios are split across two accounts, only the booking account's count.
You can transfer up to 60,000 Avios to someone else for a fee of £50.
Can I book this one-way?
No, you must book this as a return journey.
If I book this trip, and change my mind, can I cancel?
You can cancel up to 30 days in advance of the outbound flight.
Can I book a different cabin for each flight?
No. You must book the same cabin both directions.
How do I register?
First off, you can register your interest here.
Only the primary cardholder can register. Supplementary card holders cannot register.
Registered cardholders will get booking instructions the day before booking opens on 15 July.
Seats are limited and go first-come, first-served, with a waitlist by phone if they sell out before you get in.
If you are lucky, you will need everyone's passport details at the time of booking.
We've already registered. What are you waiting for?
Sam
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