Reply To: Best value for money credit cards for economy reward flights

[memesweeper]

Krispy wrote:

Since the move of virgin to dynamic pricing, am I right in thinking the best value more money rewards credit card for those happy to fly in economy is the BA blue free amex, giving a companion voucher which can only be used in economy?

That very much depends on where you want to go. If you are planning to fly to India or US outside of peak times then Virgin in economy is actually cheaper on points than before the move to dynamic pricing, and often cheaper than BA in economy, but only on select routes and dates.

For shorthaul economy, Avios is many times more useful than Virgin miles as the latter is only useful on KLM and Air France. Having said that, I’ve redeemed Virgin usefully on Air France in Europe.

Traditionally, another great value way to use points for economy is for short-notice flights. Virgin’s changes have completely killed the value of this kind of redemption, whereas bargains are still to be had on Avios/BA even in peak periods. I was contemplating a quick European jaunt in the post-Christmas period and there were some surprising options on BA available for flights a week or so in advance, when cash prices were high. Similarly, I’ve booked myself, friends and relations on same day flights with Avios and saved a ton of money. If you think this might be of use to you, Avios is a useful currency to hold, Virgin much less so.

I’m not tempted by cashpack cards. Although the numbers can look attractive, the temptation (and likely the reality) is you spend the cashpack on everyday items like groceries. I want my rewards ring fenced to holidays. If you run a business, or put any employer expense spend on a cashpack card, there are potential ethical, tax and contractual issues in receiving cashback. There are no such issues with pseudo-currencies like Avios and Virgin miles (AFAIK).