Avios redemption costing more than cash flights?

[mef13]

Hi, I’m looking at a redemption to Amman next year, for two. Baseline with a Companion Voucher is 150000 avios plus £360. Other payment options include:

58000 Avios + £ 1,960.00; 47000 Avios + £ 2,370.00; 35750 Avios + £ 2,790.00

But… but… I could buy the flights for £2011 total return, for two. Is this business as (un)usual on redemptions these days?

Thanks

mef

[yonasl]

The avios tickets would be cancelable for £35 each which you could consider makes them slightly flexible.

[NorthernLass]

I think the problem with Amman is that it’s essentially a short-haul destination but just falls into the category where BA charges long-haul avios prices. So probably not the greatest use of avios/241.

Also would you get a CW seat on this route, or just CE, like Cairo?

[mef13]

It’s an A320 so assume CE
mef

[NorthernLass]

It sounds a terrible deal, to be honest! You could maybe make that into a BA holiday and get double TPs, it might even be cheaper than booking the flights alone and if you decide you can’t travel you would only lose the deposit up to about 5 weeks before departure.

[mef13]

I am in two minds. I will look at the holiday option. But I’m sitting on 400k avios and 300k Amex points, plus two 2-4-1 vouchers that go put in June 24 and Jan 25…
mef

[zapato1060]

NorthernLass wrote:

It sounds a terrible deal, to be honest! You could maybe make that into a BA holiday and get double TPs, it might even be cheaper than booking the flights alone and if you decide you can’t travel you would only lose the deposit up to about 5 weeks before departure.

Agree with NL, that is no bueno. Have you checked Royal Jordanian with Avios. No 241 though.

[mef13]

zapato1060 wrote:

NorthernLass wrote:

It sounds a terrible deal, to be honest! You could maybe make that into a BA holiday and get double TPs, it might even be cheaper than booking the flights alone and if you decide you can’t travel you would only lose the deposit up to about 5 weeks before departure.

Agree with NL, that is no bueno. Have you checked Royal Jordanian with Avios. No 241 though.

Will check again but I think the answer is no unless I want to go via Frankfurt!

If I book a hotel with BA holidays, will I get the hotel nights and points in the relevant loyalty scheme?

Thanks, all

mef

[NorthernLass]

It’s a third-party booking so no, you don’t get points and nights, though you might get other status perks like free breakfast depending on the hotel. You have to weigh up which is the best option.