Newbie – Flight booking using Avios Strategy on busy half term routes

[manaesh]

Hi!

Appols if this has been discussed before, i have looked though pages of threads and searched but not found anything!

Long time reader of the forum and longtime cash flyer, first time using Avios for redemption after collecting points for a year.

I would like to book avios redemption flights (5xY) on a popular medium haul route (8xY available per flight) during the half term holiday period.

I am aware of the T-355 rule, and have seatspy set up for my route for the date.

I am thinking that the outbound seats will sell out pretty quickly on T-355.

Is the best method to book a 1 way flight as soon as they become available, and then add on the return when that becomes available? (+7 days in my case)

How do I go about adding the return on? Will i get charged extra in change fees to make the return addition?

Or do I sit back, wait until the return is available to book, and hope that outbound availability is still available? (and cross my fingers!)

Many thanks for any wisdom!

Cheers

Mike

[SamG]

If you aren’t using any vouchers then you could just book them as 2 x one way tickets. Don’t wait for seatspy, book them online at midnight (1am in BST).

You need to try doing a dummy booking on dates that are available to figure out the difference in taxes booking this way vs a return, with RFS now it’s likely no/minimal difference

If you are using a voucher then if you’ve enough Avios you can book them at full price and then send a Twitter DM to BA and ask for a refund of half the points. Or try to call in (USA number or somewhere like Aus) and have them add the return

One thing to remember with 2 x one way is you’d be on the hook for double cancellation fees if you cancel

[NorthernLass]

There are loads of articles and threads about this, not sure why you can’t find them, especially as you’re a long time reader!

But as @SamG says, if you’re not using a 241 voucher just book separate outbound and inbound legs. This gives you the additional advantage of being able to cancel/change one leg without extra complications if you find your plans have changed.

[masaccio]

Specifically on half-term, I take advantage of there being 3 a year, ‘accept’ WTP rather than CW when it’s available, use SeatSpy alerts for WTP-CW upgrades, use SeatSpy ‘where can I go?’ at T-355 and book one-ways, book ‘unpopular’ locations like Beijing in February (actually an excellent destination in February), accept what’s available rather than hope for something specific.

I’ve never bothered with the midnight thing as it’s just too desperate when I am in bed by 10pm!

[Hbommie]

The search function isn’t great on here, but if you use google and search ‘headforpoints half term’ may yield some tips

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

manaesh wrote:

How do I go about adding the return on? Will i get charged extra in change fees to make the return addition?

Cheers

Mike

You don’t

If you book them as separate bookings they will remain separate bookings and it’s not possible to add them together.

[manaesh]

Thanks all for the advice!

Seems obvious to book them as two one ways now 🙂

No 241 vouchers being used.

Thanks for the google tip – will try again with that!

Cheers!

Mike