The "inflation" of loyalty points has hit again. British Airways confirmed today that the cost of Avios Reward Flights will increase starting December 15, 2025.
Unlike previous changes that were limited to partner airlines, this devaluation hits British Airways metal directly. Whether you are booking a short-haul hop to Europe or a long-haul Business Class ticket to the US, you will pay more Avios and more cash if you wait until mid-December.
The New Avios Pricing
British Airways has provided a few "representative examples" of the new pricing. We have broken down the math below so you can see exactly how much value is being erased.
Short-Haul: London (LHR) ⇄ Geneva (GVA)
(Pricing is One-Way, Off-Peak)
Long-Haul: London (LHR) ⇄ New York (JFK)
(Pricing is Round-Trip, Off-Peak)
Important note for First Class: The cash component for First Class is not capped by "Reward Flight Saver" rules. You will continue to pay the full taxes, fees, and carrier charges, which currently exceed £800-£1,000 on transatlantic routes.
Does This Affect Partner Airlines? (Qatar, AA, Cathay)
Yes, while the examples above focus on BA flights, the announcement states that pricing will increase for "Reward Flights," which historically includes partner awards booked via British Airways Executive Club.
If you are planning to use Avios to book Qatar Qsuite, American Airlines Domestic First, or Cathay Pacific Business, you must assume these sweet spots will also jump by ~10% on December 15.
Strategy Tip: If you have BA Avios, consider moving them to Qatar Airways Privilege Club (accounts can be linked 1:1), assuming Qatar's own award chart remains stable after Dec 15.
Your Defense Strategy: Three Steps to Take Now
1. Audit Your 2026 Travel Plans
If you have a wedding, anniversary, or holiday planned for 2026, book it now.
- Good News: British Airways allows you to change the date and time of a booking after the devaluation without paying the new price (provided the route and class remain the same).
- Bad News: If you change the destination or cabin after Dec 15, you will be forced to pay the new, higher price.
2. Burn Your "Upgrade" Stash
Many travelers hoard Avios to upgrade cash tickets (e.g., World Traveller Plus to Club World).
Upgrade pricing is based on the difference in Avios between cabins. Since the base Avios price for both cabins is rising, the "gap" you pay to upgrade will also widen. Process your upgrades immediately.
3. Check Your Credit Card Points
If you are sitting on Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards® intended for BA, transfer them now (only if you have a specific flight to book immediately).
Warning: Do not speculatively transfer points. Once they are in Avios, they are subject to this devaluation. If you can't book by Dec 14, you might be better off sending those points to Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada Aeroplan, or Flying Blue.
Final Verdict
A 10% devaluation hurts, but it isn't the "death of the program." Avios remain incredibly valuable for short-haul flights within Europe and Asia due to the low fixed taxes.
However, for long-haul Business Class travelers, the value proposition is shrinking. Paying 176,000 Avios + £400 for a London-NY trip is becoming harder to justify compared to other programs.
The clock is ticking: You have until 23:59 GMT on December 14, 2025. Go lock in your seats.
