Booking return LHR to Maldives

[drawn_that_way]

Hello,

Sorry to ask, but I can’t find a clear answer on this and am considering calling up to book tonight.

I’m looking to book 2 x Business Class BA flights from Edinburgh to Male (connecting in LHR) return using a new style Amex 2-4-1 voucher but need to do it at 355 days out. I’d then call up to add the return in 2 weeks (or return from Sri Lanka where we may go at the end of our trip)

My question is – do I need to have enough Avios for the *return* flight when booking the outbound? I’m currently sitting on 90k Avios but have transferred 14k from my Amex which haven’t arrived yet. I’ll be booking over the phone and will have enough for the return by the time booking opens.

Am I right in thinking I can book Edinburgh – Lhr – male at no extra Avios cost to just Lhr – male?

[Tracey]

You need to have enough Avios for what you are booking when you are booking it. As long as you have enough for the return when you want to book the return you will be fine.

The problem occurs when people have enough for the return only if they book it with the 2-4-1, but want to book the return as a stand alone and then phone up to link the bookings and get half the avios for the return refunded back to them by moving it from stand alone to be on the 2-4-1. They need enough Avios to book as a stand alone.

If you are phoning to book it on the 2-4-1 directly you should be ok.

[NorthernLass]

You won’t be charged any extra for the domestic connection.

Don’t forget the “extra” availability released by the new 241 doesn’t appear until some time after T-355 so if you’re unsuccessful on your first go you might be able to book the whole trip at a later date.