Avios points, the loyalty currency of the British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Aer Lingus, among others, offer a plethora of opportunities to enhance your travel experiences. While many frequent flyers primarily use Avios for flight redemptions and upgrades, the points can also be utilized for package holidays, providing significant savings and added value. In this article, we will delve into how you can maximize the use of Avios points for package holidays, ensuring you get the most out of your hard-earned points.
Understanding Avios Points
Avios points are part of a loyalty program used by several airlines, including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. These points can be earned by flying with partner airlines, using co-branded credit cards, shopping with retail partners, and more. The flexibility of Avios points allows them to be used for various travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and package holidays.
What Are Package Holidays?
A package holiday is a pre-arranged combination of at least two travel services—typically flights and accommodation, but sometimes also including car hire, transfers, or tours—sold for an inclusive price. These packages are often more convenient and sometimes more economical than booking each component separately. Using Avios points for these package deals can further enhance the savings and convenience.
Booking Package Holidays with Avios
Booking a package holiday with Avios points can be straightforward, especially through British Airways Holidays, which allows you to use Avios points to reduce the cash cost of your holiday package. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Avios points for booking package holidays:
Step 1: Log In to Your Account
Start by logging into your British Airways Executive Club account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one and ensure it is linked to your Avios points.
Step 2: Search for Holiday Packages
Once logged in, navigate to the British Airways Holidays section on the British Airways website. Here, you can search for holiday packages by entering your destination, travel dates, and other preferences.
Step 3: Customize Your Package
After selecting your desired destination, you can customize your package by choosing your preferred flights, hotels, and any additional services such as car hire or transfers. British Airways Holidays offers a wide range of options, from budget to luxury accommodations, ensuring there is something for every traveller.
Step 4: Apply Your Avios Points
When you reach the payment section, you will have the option to use Avios points to reduce the cash cost of your booking. You can choose to pay in full with Avios, part-pay with a combination of Avios and cash, or use your Avios points to upgrade certain aspects of your package, such as your flight class or hotel room.
Step 5: Confirm Your Booking
Review all the details of your booking to ensure everything is correct. Once you are satisfied, confirm your booking. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details of your package holiday.
Maximizing the Value of Your Avios Points
To get the most out of your Avios points when booking package holidays, consider the following tips:
Book in Advance
Holiday packages often offer the best value when booked well in advance. This also increases the availability of flights and accommodations where you can use your Avios points.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flexibility with your travel dates can open up more opportunities to use your Avios points. Traveling during off-peak times or being open to various destinations can result in significant savings.
Look for Special Offers
British Airways Holidays frequently offers special promotions where you can earn bonus Avios points or get discounts on holiday packages. Keep an eye on these deals to maximize your points.
Combine Avios with Companion Vouchers
If you have earned a Companion Voucher through the British Airways American Express credit card, you can use it in conjunction with your Avios points for even greater savings on holiday packages.
Benefits of Using Avios for Package Holidays
Using Avios points for package holidays comes with several benefits:
Cost Savings
One of the primary benefits is the cost savings. Using Avios points can significantly reduce the cash amount you need to pay for your holiday, making travel more affordable.
Flexibility
Avios points offer flexibility in how you can use them. Whether you want to pay for your entire package or just reduce the cost, you have the option to choose what works best for you.
Enhanced Travel Experience
By using Avios points, you can afford upgrades that might otherwise be out of reach. This can include flying in a higher class or staying in a more luxurious hotel, enhancing your overall travel experience.
Earn More Avios
When you book a package holiday with British Airways Holidays, you continue to earn Avios points on the flight and hotel components of your booking, allowing you to accumulate points even while spending them.
Examples of Using Avios for Package Holidays
To illustrate the benefits and process of using Avios points for package holidays, here are a few examples:
Example 1: A European City Break
Imagine booking a weekend city break to Barcelona. You find a package that includes round-trip flights from London to Barcelona and a three-night stay at a four-star hotel. The total cost of the package is £500. By using 30,000 Avios points, you reduce the cash cost by £200, bringing the out-of-pocket expense down to £300. You still earn Avios points on the flights and hotel stay, adding to your balance for future trips.
Example 2: A Luxury Beach Holiday
You are planning a week-long luxury beach holiday in the Maldives. The package includes flights and a seven-night stay at a five-star resort. The total cost is £3,000. By using 150,000 Avios points, you can reduce the cost by £1,000, paying only £2,000 out of pocket. Additionally, you can use a Companion Voucher to bring a partner along without additional Avios cost for their flights.
Example 3: A Family Vacation
A family of four is looking to book a summer vacation to Orlando. The package includes flights and a ten-night stay at a family-friendly hotel near the theme parks. The total cost is £4,000. Using 200,000 Avios points, you can reduce the cost by £1,500, bringing the total down to £2,500. The savings can be used for park tickets or other vacation expenses.
Tips for Earning Avios Points
To make the most of using Avios points for package holidays, it is important to earn points efficiently. Here are some tips to help you accumulate Avios points:
Use Co-Branded Credit Cards
Co-branded credit cards, such as the British Airways American Express card, offer significant Avios points for everyday spending. Additionally, they often come with sign-up bonuses that can boost your points balance.
Shop with Partners
Many retailers partner with the Avios program, allowing you to earn points for your purchases. Check the British Airways eStore for a list of participating retailers.
Fly with Partner Airlines
Flying with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and other oneworld alliance partners earns you Avios points. Additionally, using the Avios website to book flights with these airlines can sometimes offer better earning rates.
Stay at Partner Hotels
Booking stays with hotel partners like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG can earn you Avios points. Make sure to include your Executive Club number when making reservations.
Rent Cars with Partners
Earning Avios points is also possible when renting cars with partners like Avis and Budget. Enter your Executive Club number during the booking process to earn points.
See also: Why Do British Say “Holiday” Instead of “Vacation”?
Conclusion
Using Avios points for package holidays is a smart way to maximize the value of your loyalty points, offering significant cost savings and enhanced travel experiences. By understanding the process and leveraging the various tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can make the most out of your Avios points and enjoy memorable holidays at a fraction of the cost. Whether it’s a city break, a luxury beach holiday, or a family vacation, Avios points can help make your travel dreams a reality.