British Airways Devalues Avios Again, North American Awards Increase to 7,500

British Airways is devaluing Avios AGAIN and this time they are going directly after award flights in North America only by increasing zone 1 awards from 4500 miles in economy and increasing the prices to 7500 miles! The lately devaluation comes after a series of devaluation by British Airways and now makes the shortest awards the same price as a zone 2 award, but only for North American travel!

“On 2 February 2016, we’ll be making some changes to the Executive Club pricing structure for reward flights originating or terminating in the United States of America.

The change will only affect shorter routes on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, with reward flights now starting from 7,500 Avios, rather than 4,500 Avios, plus taxes, fees and carrier charges from $5.60 USD. The majority of North American reward flight prices will remain unchanged.

Take a look at the examples in the table below to see how our pricing structure will change.

The change is clearly another negative change and ruins one of British Airways sweet spot awards, especially on over priced tickets such as New York to Boston or Washington to Cincinnati. The increase prices go in effect on February 2, 2016, but British Airways will honor bookings at the 4500 price point until then, meaning you can book up to 355 days beyond Feb 2 in order to save 40% in miles! Bottom Line, the only saving grave is 7500 miles is still cheaper than 12,500 miles AA and other Airlines in North America charges, granted only if  you can get a nonestop flight.