LHR to JNB – First Class reward seats

[jordanbmz]

Had a good eye on first class seats in February – for some reason absolutely zero and hasn’t been since that month opened. Lots of availability in Dec, Jan, April and May but nothing in Feb and very little in March.

January would the most popular month I’d have thought but this had lots of FC releases. What are the chances of some seats in Feb dropping or is it pure luck? I’ve checked and there are still at least 9 FC seats available to book for cash for the few dates we could do in Feb.

Currently booked in CW, but were hoping for FC due to honeymoon.

[AJA]

BA doesn’t guarantee to release any First Class reward seats and if they still have lots of availability for sale then I doubt they will be made available as rewards unless they are much closer to February and still remain unsold.

[KHepworth]

British Airways don’t guarantee any amount of First Class reward seats unfortunately, and my guess would be that they will not release any First Class reward seats until much closer to the time – if they aren’t all booked, because they’d prefer the cash fare.

Looking at Reward Flight Finder’s flight by flight tool I can see an outbound patch in January 26, but not February. You could always look closer to the time, or set an Alert. Is there a particular reason you want First rather than Business?

[jordanbmz]

Thanks both, I’ve got alerts set up with SeatSpy and on the Avios app so I should be covered if they do come up. I’m just surprised there is tons of FC seats in 2026 but nothing in Feb – seems strange.

Why First over Business? Flown in CW a few times so just wanted something extra special for the honeymoon. Never been in the Concorde room for example.