Optimal Avios/cash blend?

[AlexR]

Hi all,

Avios redemptions always tax my brain and I’m looking at the following options for Lon-CUN in Prem Eco:

1. 67500 Avios + £ 165.00
2. 55000 Avios + £ 210.00
3. 50000 Avios + £ 253.00
4. 41000 Avios + £ 330.00
5. 30000 Avios + £ 408.13
6. 20000 Avios + £ 478.00

What’s confusing me is that if I equate 1 Avios to 1p then #6 is the lowest total ‘cost’ (£200+£478) but, when I examine which is the best option Avios/cash trade then #2 is a 12.5k decrease in Avios required for only a £45 cash increase which, in my head, is like I’m ‘buying’ Avios for 0.36p .

Not really sure how to determine best ‘value’ in these situations so any help would be appreciated!

[Scott]

You’re right that for #2 you’re paying only £45 to save 12.5k Avios over #1, which would be a good deal.

However, that isn’t any use to you when starting from scratch – you can only pick one of the options presented, and #6 is indeed the lowest cost overall.