Upgrading your travel experience from Business to First Class can make a significant difference. The comfort, exclusivity, and amenities of First Class can transform your journey. If you’re considering using Avios points for this upgrade, here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Basics
Upgrading to First Class using Avios requires you to start with a Business Class ticket. Any Club World business class ticket, even if bought in a sale, is eligible to be upgraded with Avios to First Class, as long as your aircraft has First Class of course. The number of Avios needed for an upgrade depends on several factors:
- Route: Distance and demand of the route.
- Fare Class: Type of Business Class fare purchased.
- Availability: Seat availability in First Class.
Calculating the Upgrade Cost
The cost of an upgrade is the difference in Avios points between a standard redemption in Business Class and First Class. For example, a one-way peak Club World ticket to Dubai (3,001 – 4,000 miles) costs 80,000 Avios, while Business Class costs 60,000 Avios. Upgrading this ticket would therefore cost 20,000 Avios.
How Many Avios Do You Need?
Here’s a general guide on the Avios required to upgrade from Business to First Class:
Short-Haul Flights (e.g., London to Paris)
- Off-Peak: 7,750 Avios
- Peak: 9,000 Avios
Medium-Haul Flights (e.g., London to New York)
- Off-Peak: 20,000 Avios
- Peak: 24,000 Avios
Long-Haul Flights (e.g., London to Sydney)
- Off-Peak: 50,000 Avios
- Peak: 60,000 Avios
Key Upgrade Rules
- Eligibility: You can only upgrade to the next cabin up. This means upgrading from Club World (Business Class) to First Class. Upgrades from Economy or Premium Economy directly to First Class are not possible.
- Ticket Requirements: Any Club World Business Class ticket is eligible for an upgrade with Avios, even those purchased in a sale, as long as the aircraft has a first-class cabin.
- Taxes and Fees: Extra taxes and charges may apply on top of the Avios needed for the upgrade.
- Reward Seat Availability: To upgrade, there must be Avios reward seats available in First Class. If there are no reward seats available, you cannot upgrade. Keep checking as availability may change closer to the departure date.
How to Upgrade Your British Airways Flight
You can upgrade your flight online through ‘Manage My Booking’ on the British Airways website or by calling the British Airways Executive Club.
When you upgrade using Avios, you will earn Avios and tier points based on the original class booked, not the upgraded class. For instance, if you purchase a Business Class ticket and upgrade it to First Class, you will earn points as if you flew in Business Class.
Tips for Maximizing Your Avios
- Book in Advance: First Class upgrades are subject to availability. Booking early increases your chances.
- Monitor Peak and Off-Peak Dates: If you have flexible travel dates, choosing off-peak times can save Avios.
- Use Companion Vouchers: If you have a British Airways American Express companion voucher, use it to save on Avios.
- Combine Cash and Avios: Sometimes, part paying with cash and part with Avios can be a more efficient use of your points.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to First Class with Avios is a savvy way to enhance your travel experience without breaking the bank. By understanding the requirements and planning strategically, you can enjoy the luxuries of First Class for fewer Avios than you might think.
