Recent increase in Avios requirements…?

[Hatty]

Has anyone noticed a recent increase in Avios requirements? I’ve been watching for a redemption with Barclaycard upgrade voucher to Johannesburg. Last week the requirement was 95,000 Avios plus £450. Today it’s 115,000 plus £450. Anyone noticed similar hikes?

[Peter K]

Are you sure the first time it wasn’t off peak then next time peak?

[Hatty]

The outbound was the same off peak date, but the return did fall into a peak period. However, it seems there’s a difference between the Avios required for Barclaycard vs Amex 241. Comparing like-for-like dates (Outbound = Off Peak and Inbound = Peak), the Avios requirement for Barclaycard is 115k vs Amex 95k (based on highest Avios option 190k + £900)

[nectar collector]

The Avios needed to use the vouchers aren’t the same because the vouchers work differently. So for example to fly in long haul business class, with Amex 2 for 1, you pay the Avios for business class for one person, and the business class taxes/fees for two. With the Barclays voucher, you pay the Avios for Premium Economy and the taxes/fees for Business class for each person.