British Airways has made it easier to upgrade economy flights using Avios. However, not all economy tickets are eligible for upgrades. Here’s a comprehensive guide on which British Airways economy tickets can be upgraded using Avios, how to navigate the process, and key details you need to know.
Understanding and Eligible Economy Fare Classes
British Airways categorizes its economy tickets into various fare classes:
- Eligible for Upgrades:
- Economy Standard (K, L, M, N, S, V): These fare classes offer moderate flexibility and are generally eligible for upgrades.
- Economy Fully Flexible (Y, B, H): These are the most flexible and expensive economy tickets, allowing changes and cancellations with minimal fees, and are eligible for upgrades.
- Not Eligible for Upgrades:
- Basic Economy (Q, O, G): These are the cheapest and most restrictive fares. These tickets cannot be upgraded with Avios. They are commonly purchased by leisure travellers.
Can I Upgrade British Airways Flights by More Than One Category?
No. You can only upgrade your ticket by one cabin class. For example from Economy to Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus).
you can only upgrade to Club World (Business Class) from Premium Economy.
On short-haul, you can upgrade from Economy (Euro Traveller) to Business (Club Europe) as those are the only two cabins available.
How Much Avios Will It Cost to Upgrade?
upgrading with Avois has 2 components to it.
The Avois Cost To Upgrade
The cost to upgrade depends on the route and class. Here’s the general formula as outlined by BA:
Avios for the cabin you wish to upgrade to – Avios for the cabin you booked = Avios required to upgrade one way
Example of Avios Cost for Upgrade
For a peak one-way upgrade from London to New York:
- Club World (Business): 60,000 Avios
- World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy): 40,000 Avios
- Avios Required to Upgrade: 20,000 Avios
Note: Upgrade pricing does not use ‘Reward Flight Saver’ prices, so additional taxes and fees will still apply.
Additional Costs
Upgrading with Avios incurs additional taxes and charges, including:
- Higher Air Passenger Duty: Applied to the upgraded class.
- British Airways Surcharges: Additional charges for premium cabins on the route.
How to Upgrade
Upgrade an Existing Booking with Avios
Upgrading an existing booking with Avios is straightforward, provided your ticket is in a qualifying booking class and there is Avios reward availability in the higher class:
British Airways offers the flexibility to upgrade some or all of your eligible flights in your booking, and they can be done at different times.
Note: Companion vouchers are used in conjunction with standard redemptions. While you cannot upgrade using Avios, you can rebook into a higher cabin.
- Go to ‘Manage My Booking’: Visit the ‘Manage My Booking’ section on the British Airways website.
- Select Your Flight: Choose the flight you want to upgrade.
- Upgrade with Avios: Click on ‘Upgrade this flight with Avios’.
Upgrading a New Flight During Booking
- Use the ‘Book and Upgrade’ Option: When booking a new flight, use the ‘book and upgrade’ form on the BA website.
- Select Travel Class: Choose the class you wish to upgrade from when searching for availability.
Avios and Tier Points Earned on Upgrade
If you choose to upgrade, you will only be awarded the original cabin you booked in. There is a whole article about it if you want to read more.
Tips for a Successful Upgrade
- Book Early: Upgrade availability is often limited, so booking early increases your chances.
- Flexible Travel Dates: Being flexible with your dates can help find available upgrades.
- Monitor Availability: Keep checking for availability even after booking your ticket, as seats may open up closer to the departure date.
Conclusion
Upgrading British Airways economy tickets with Avios is an excellent way to enhance your travel experience. By understanding which fare classes are eligible, following the upgrade process, and knowing the costs involved, you can enjoy a more comfortable journey.
