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Hi All,
My partner and I have never done a business or first class flight before. We started collecting points in 2022 and have amassed around 130k points, and should have both the BAPP + Barclaycard vouchers available within the next couple of weeks. Both live in London.
We’re very unsure about how best to use our points. I imagine we can’t use both vouchers. Here’s the criteria for any trip – would love if anyone has an obvious way to use them most efficiently:
1) We have no kids etc and can both go anytime from March until December inclusive (prefer April onwards).
2) Would love to try First Class if possible, (particularly my partner, she would love to try it), but I’ve heard it’s not much better than business? If we’re still some ways off points-wise, then Business is fine. In general, we are happy to add whatever cash amount on top that we need to, as long as it’s not too crazy – so if it enables us to do First too then we’re happy to take the hit.
I’ve seen it said that other airlines have better Business + First than BA. But I think we can’t take advantage of that and still use the BAPP Voucher?
3) Went to New York in 2022 – if USA again, would rather go West Coast, driving holiday type thing – otherwise totally open to anywhere else worldwide.
4) We both drink, we can both drive. Not married if that matters (for certain conservative countries I think it does?).
Would love any recommendations you knowledgeable folk have, and happy to answer any questions you have.
BA First is much better than business (CW), but there’s much less availability so you might have to compromise on destination. With that number of avios you’re probably looking at NYC kind of distance (zone 5 IIRC), or a bit further if you go off peak or choose less avios and more cash.
You can’t use both vouchers on one booking, with 2 of you you’ll get more value out of the 241,
It would be helpful for you to read a lot of the stuff on here, especially Rob’s reviews articles on the new award pricing before you take the plunge and book.
You can use both vouchers, but it will have to be 2 separate bookings.
Use the 241 for 50% avios for the person that earned it, and the BC upgrade voucher for the other person.
Just note that you can’t upgrade to First with the BC voucher, so highest would be CW.
Use the 241 for 50% avios for the person that earned it, and the BC upgrade voucher for the other person.
Whilst factually correct, is there ever a scenario where this would cost less Avios and/or charges than just using the 241 for both?
Use the 241 for 50% avios for the person that earned it, and the BC upgrade voucher for the other person.
Whilst factually correct, is there ever a scenario where this would cost less Avios and/or charges than just using the 241 for both?
Actually you’re right, I was thinking because they only have 130k avios, but it doesn’t actually help to use the BC upgrade voucher (unless they were a family of 3)
I think I’d wait and collect more for a bit more special or interesting destination. That’s also how you’d experience First or even Club better. Try to go beyond NYC or Dubai
1) I think the easiest would be to use the 241 voucher on a return flight (so the second person just pays taxes)
2) You will be paying ~£1,000-£1,500 on taxes/fees. Budget for that
3) Try to find +9hrs flights as this will give you the best experience in the air. A NY flight or similar will go too fast, you will simply sleep and wake up on the other end after a 6hrs nap
4) Unless the goal of the trip is being on First, I would rather take business. The reason is that the First perks usually counter each other. For instance, if you fancy visiting the Concorde room and eating there you will then not be hungry on the plane (obviously F is better than J but what I mean is that you may enjoy J just as much so I would rather focus on the destination)
5) Check websites like SeatSpy for where to go on your dates. I have a feeling you may need to score a few more Avios before you are able to buy the ticket you wantPersonally I’d look at using your voucher and fly Business to S America on Iberia. You may have to fund your own ticket to Madrid (not sure) but Madrid to South American business for 130k plus voucher is achiveable.
Its a good 11+ hours, believe the J class product ON iberia is pretty decent as is the lounge in Madrid. You have a load of choice as to where…
Personally I’d look at using your voucher and fly Business to S America on Iberia. You may have to fund your own ticket to Madrid (not sure) but Madrid to South American business for 130k plus voucher is achiveable.
Its a good 11+ hours, believe the J class product ON iberia is pretty decent as is the lounge in Madrid. You have a load of choice as to where…
I had not thought of this but true, IB’s business is very good when it comes to food and booze (less so for snacks and service). The A350 seat is great and comes with nice bedding too.
1) IB will open must of south america to you – that means you don’t have to go to the US with our bad £/$ FX –
2) taxes and fees will be cheap-er than BA for sure
3) You can fly to Madrid in style with IB’s A330/350 (you can chose to go business or simply book economy and pay £18 to be on the premium economy seats which make the flight very enjoyable)
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