BA Frequent Flyers

[Hilary]

I'm trying to find somewhere that will show me the number of BA flying miles I'd need for any kind of reward flight. Do they have miles+money prices like Virgin? Is there somewhere on their website that explains it (in simple terms! )

Any help appreciated

 

[Pootle]

Hi Hilary

Try this link on BA's website.

The option to 'Find out how far your Miles will Take you' should give you some idea, but for some of the other options, you first need to log into the Executive Club (as you do with Virgin). They do have a miles plus money option (known as Part cash, part miles), although from what I can see, the best use of miles is for upgrading or 'free' flights. Virgin's website wins hands down BTW.

A few examples I found for you in January 2009 for Orlando return:
'Free' flight 50,000 miles + £284 taxes
Part cash, part miles 35,000 miles + £399 (£115.00 + £284 taxes)
Upgrading from PE to business 25,000 miles + £908
A 'free' business flight is 100,000 miles + tax

Like Virgin though, you have to be flexible with your dates to get the best offers.

After having had 3 delayed outbound Virgin flights within 18 months, I'm going back to BA. I've had amazing deals with BA over the years with their Amex card (buy one flight with miles, get one free).

If you'd like any specific information, just send me a PM.

 

[Hilary]

Thanks, Moira

My 2,000 (ish) BA miles aren't going to get me very far then, LOL

 

[Pootle]

Thanks, Moira

My 2,000 (ish) BA miles aren't going to get me very far then, LOL

errrrr ..... no!

The 2,000 miles = money off with Virgin in economy is not matched by BA that's for sure.

 

[UKDEB]

Apparently (and I don't know this first-hand as we don't have enough miles), but there are some good discounts to be had on BA flights using Airmiles.

 

[Hilary]

Apparently (and I don't know this first-hand as we don't have enough miles), but there are some good discounts to be had on BA flights using Airmiles.

I used to be a big fan of Airmiles, as we've had some excellent deals through them, including flights, car hire, hotels here and abroad, tickets for UK attractions such as Madam Tussauds, Legoland, etc, etc. We must have used well in excess of £5,000 of rewards (over £3,000 on flights to Vancouver for the family 5 years ago) over the years just by spending Airmiles collected on normal shopping.

Lately, however, I've become a bit disillusioned with them. I've found it frustrating not being able to get quotes easily on their website - for example, flight searches will always return BA flights first and you then get the option to see other airlines only if there's no BA flight available for the date. Car rental only shows Avis results - you have to telephone if you want a quote with a different supplier.

They have also changed their flight pricing to include all taxes and fees and I'm not wholly convinced this is in the punter's favour . Yes, it is now possible to pay for flights completely with Airmiles (as well as the cash or miles plus money options), but they also seem to cost more miles than in proportion to the fees and taxes added. Just my take on it!

... but I'm still collecting them