Odd Avios pricing split

[forensic]

This may be BA IT or perhaps I’m being excessively stupid but it seems wrong to me.

I’m looking to book a reward flight for two people with a 2 for 1 economy LHR to JFK return.

Looking at the various options, this caught my eye.

One of the Avios options is 9,100 points plus £1,160. However, if I cost up the cash price it is £1071.42. In other words I can spend 9,100 points for the privilege of spending £88.58 more than the cash price.

The flights are out May 10th @ 08:25 return May 21st @ 18:30.

Right or wrong I’m not planning to take this option but I am curious, What am I missing?

[AJA]

Are you comparing like for like? Remember award bookings are flexible tickets which can be cancelled or changed for only £35 per passenger. And include luggage.

Also did you click to the next page to see what the other options were paying more Avios and less cash? Some options are better than others

That cash fare may be non-changeable and non-refundable. The only advantage apart from saving a few quid is the ability to earn TP and some Avios.

[Anna]

Best value in economy on that route, IMO, is 25k avios plus £50 each way. So with the 241, 50k avios plus £200 for 2 pax, return, off-peak.

As @AJA points out, you also get a hefty luggage allowance (checked plus cabin), and the ability to cancel for £35 pp (or less depending on how BA’s IT is feeling on the day!)

[forensic]

@AJA I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. It was like for like in terms of luggage but I hadn’t considered the flexibility differences.

@Anna I concur over the sweet spot, 50k + £200 looks good to me.

Thank you both for your responses. I never cease to be delighted by the willingness of people here to give so freely of their time and expertise.

[zapato1060]

Flexibility in OneWorld should not be underestimated. I have booked a Qatar DPS-LHR in Aug 24. Cancellation fee is only £22 per person. If something better/cheaper crops up then I can cancel.

[Anna]

Also NYC has rare day flights back to LHR which are so much better than a red eye in economy!