One way flight New York to UK – Avios or Amex points – avoid APD/fuel surcharges

[rickla]

This is probably a daft question for those in the know, but is it possible to book a one way Avios reward flight from the USA (probably New York) to the UK without getting the crazy APD and fuel surcharges?
I have tried on BA.com and choosing an AA flight, but it still seemed to include high extra fees?
As an alternative to Avios I have plenty of Amex reward points if that helps.

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

APD doesn’t apply on flights to the UK!

Any flight ex USA bought via BA will include BAs surcharges even on AA metal.

If you use AA miles the surcharges on AA flights are much lower.

Can you transfer MR points to the likes if UA, VS or DL? Their surcharges may be different but you’d need to cost those up yourself.

[NorthernLass]

You pay RFS fees on BA, so as low as £50 in economy. I say this a lot but the day time flight in economy for 25k avios and £50 is the way to go!

*If you’re eligible for RFS, of course.

[LittleNick]

Yep use Avios for Ba flights with RFS
Alternatively the same AA flights have lower surcharges using avios when redeeming via Qatar privilege club. Not as low as AA but better than BA

[rickla]

NorthernLass wrote:

You pay RFS fees on BA, so as low as £50 in economy. I say this a lot but the day time flight in economy for 25k avios and £50 is the way to go!

*If you’re eligible for RFS, of course.

Many thanks – is that 25k Avios +£50 for a flight from New York to London on BA?

[aq.1988]

Yes, it’s 25k plus £50 in Economy on BA.

There’s also Virgin, which is 10k plus $153 in Economy, which I think is the better option tbh.

[NorthernLass]

Oh yes, there’s a day flight on Virgin as well.

Now, the holy grail would be a direct day flight to MAN!

[memesweeper]

Amex -> Marriott -> United would reduced the charges to negligible, but will require many more points, and United may not have the availability you want. Your call.

[rickla]

Thanks all for your help.
I guess there is a direct Aer Lingus flight to MAN as well.