British Airways Avios revamp to hit Qantas, Cathay Pacific and others

British Airways is increasing the number of Avios points that its Executive Club frequent flyers will need to book flights on a raft of partner airlines including Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, American Airlines and JAL.

The changes will take effect from 30 May 2019 and while BA has not detailed the size of the increase, a spokesman for the airline confirmed to Australian Business Traveller "we are increasing the number of Avios needed to book a reward flight with various of our partner airlines."

This will impact Avios-based reward bookings across BA's partner network, including all Oneworld members, along with Alaska Airlines, although bookings and upgrades on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling will remain at their current rates and will not be affected by the shake-up.

The number of Avios needed for a points-based upgrades American Airlines will move to the same model as employed on BA, with travellers paying 'the difference between the Avios prices of your booked cabin and your upgraded cabin."

"We are committed to offering our Executive Club customers great value and as many opportunities as possible to spend their Avios," the BA spokesman added.

Reservations made using Avios before May 30 – including for travel after that date – can still be secured at today's rates.

Also read: British Airways vs Virgin Atlantic: new business class seats compared

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.