Cancelling a reward flight

[Alex G]

One of the oft stated advantages of Reward Flights is the ability to cancel them for a very small fee. I’ve never cancelled a plane ticket.

How does this work in practice?

Can you cancel a reward flight online or through the app with 24 hours notice, or do you need to call? Thinking of booking a flight using an Amex voucher as a contingency in case I miss a connection on flights already booked. 3 hour connection but separate tickets.

[SteveJ]

All online >24 hrs before.

At a very low cost for short haul too these days, see:
https://www.headforpoints.com/forums/topic/ba-currently-appear-to-be-offering-near-free-cancellations-on-avios-bookings/

[Alex G]

Thanks Steve.

Obviously need the contingency flight to be more than 24 hours later then my planned flight.

Does this cheap cancellation also apply to Reward flights booked through BA but on other OW carriers? (Obviously no voucher would be involved.)

[NorthernLass]

Generally yes, although cancellation fees can vary between airlines. For some you need to call to cancel, which can be inconvenient.

[Alex G]

Thanks. I’ll book a BA flight to MAN via LHR (with an Amex voucher that opens up extra availability) for a couple of days after the flight I’m planning on taking. There is no availability to LHR, so at least I’m not likely to be depriving anyone of a potential reward flight.

It will be worth the cancellation fee for the peace of mind.