Is using an old style 2-4-1 a poor use of Avios?

[Iranicus]

I am tossing up between using an expiring 2-4-1 to fly premium economy with BA, to the Caribbean vs using a new style with iberia to fly business class to South America for around the same number of avios and cash.

[Froggee]

Generally speaking, no it is not a bad use of Avios.

How much cash would you be willing to pay for these flights and therefore what value are you getting for the Avios? If it is above 1p per Avios then the 241 is doing something for you!

If you are Avios rich then I’d use the sooner expiring (old?) 241. But mainly do the trip you want to do. Don’t let the tail wag the dog.

[NorthernLass]

PE is not at all a bad way to travel and Caribbean routes are often expensive for cash so using a 241 will probably be very good value. Is your new-style voucher going to be valid long enough for you to accumulate enough avios to do the South America trip as well? I would try to do both trips but if this isn’t going to be an option, do as Froggee suggests and go for the one you want most.

[Iranicus]

Thanks for the advice. That’s a great turn of phrase, re dog and tail. The 241 is valid until 2025, and we’ll have a second one in a month or two. It’s more the avios that are difficult to come by, after you have used all the new card bonuses. We have roughly 300,000, but no big opportunities to earn any soon.