Bad news for Avios collectors: British Airways is officially increasing the cost of Reward Flights across the board. And unlike most, behind-the-scenes devaluations, BA has publicly confirmed the date and the new rates.
Starting 15 December 2025, the number of Avios required — and the cash component — will rise on all British Airways flights and partner airlines. Yes, all of them.
If you’ve been planning an Avios redemption (or even just thinking about one), now is the time to lock it in before prices jump.
Let’s break down what’s changing and how big the increases really are.
What’s Changing on 15 December 2025?
Every Reward Flight booked on or after 15 December 2025 will cost more Avios and a higher cash co-pay. BA says rising taxes, Air Passenger Duty, partner fees, and inflation are behind the change — but the bottom line is: prices are going up across the board.
Here are a few of the examples BA shared:
London → Geneva (one-way, off-peak)
- Economy:
- Today: 9,250 Avios + £0.50
- From Dec 15: 10,000 Avios + £1
- Business:
- Today: 15,000 Avios + £12.50
- From Dec 15: 16,500 Avios + £15
London → New York (round-trip, off-peak)
- Economy:
- Today: 50,000 Avios + £100
- From Dec 15: 55,000 Avios + £120
- Premium Economy:
- Today: 85,000 Avios + £305
- From Dec 15: 93,500 Avios + £350
- Business:
- Today: 160,000 Avios + £375
- From Dec 15: 176,000 Avios + £399
- First:
- Today: 136,000 Avios + taxes/fees
- From Dec 15: 150,000 Avios + taxes/fees
In plain language:
Expect increases in the 6–12% range for most cabins, though partner airlines and peak-date routes may vary.
Who This Affects
This isn’t just a British Airways issue. Because BA controls Avios pricing:
- Aer Lingus,
- Iberia,
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club,
- Finnair,
- Vueling,
—and any other program operating under the Avios umbrella—will be impacted for BA-operated flights.
The Smart Move Right Now
If you know you want to book a BA or partner flight using Avios anytime in 2026, you should consider:
- Booking now at the lower pricing
- Locking in award seats sooner rather than later
- Avoiding speculative transfers — but transferring only when you’re ready to book
- Prioritizing long-haul business class, where percentage increases hit hardest
Even if you don’t see your final dates yet, BA allows changes/cancellations for a modest fee. Booking early locks in today’s award chart.
Should You Panic-Transfer Points?
No.
Never move transferable points until:
- You see award space, and
- You’re 100% ready to book, because…
- Transfers are irreversible
The devaluation is real, but Avios are still a strong program, even though your points will stretch slightly less far after December 15.
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