Avios-Only Flights: What They Are and Eligibility Guide

What Are Avios-Only Flights and Who Qualifies?

British Airways has introduced a fresh lineup of Avios-only flights, providing enhanced possibilities for passengers to utilize their accumulated Avios points for travel rewards.

Avios represents a prominent loyalty program embraced by airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. Participants earn these valuable points through purchasing airline tickets, making transactions with select partner retailers, or utilizing co-branded credit cards. Once collected, these points unlock redemptions for air travel, vacation add-ons, and various other perks.

Understanding Reward Seat Allocations on Standard Flights

In its standard operations, British Airways reserves specific numbers of seats on regular flights exclusively for customers seeking to redeem Avios points for what are known as reward flights.

For routes operating to and from Heathrow and Gatwick airports, the carrier commits to offering at least 12 reward seats on typical short-haul journeys and a minimum of 14 on long-haul services.

When it comes to flights connecting to and from London City Airport, British Airways ensures four reward seats are available, split evenly with two in business class and two in economy class.

The Rise of Avios-Only Flights Since 2023

Beginning in 2023, British Airways expanded its offerings by launching Avios-only flights, innovative services where every single seat is reserved solely for members of the British Airways Club who participate in the Avios points collection program. While a portion of the fare may require cash payment to handle certain expenses, each booking mandates the redemption of a predetermined quantity of Avios points.

These exclusive flights frequently target sought-after vacation spots and operate during high-demand periods throughout the year, granting Avios holders significantly higher priority access compared to conventional reward seating.

According to British Airways, these Avios-only flights consistently reach full capacity among Avios-collecting customers, underscoring their immense appeal and limited availability.

Destinations Covered by Avios-Only Flights

Avios-only flights connect to an array of enticing locations spanning Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East. Notable destinations include Cape Town in South Africa, Barbados in the Caribbean, Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, Málaga in Spain, and Marrakesh in Morocco.

Passengers can explore detailed route information directly through the British Airways Club website or the dedicated Avios mobile application.

Marking an expansion on 12 February 2026, British Airways incorporated two additional Avios-only routes departing from London City Airport: one to Madrid, Spain, and another to Toulon Saint-Tropez in France.

Booking Process, Timing, and Availability for Avios-Only Flights

British Airways publicizes the release of new Avios-only flights through updates on its official website and notifications within the Avios app. Travelers have the flexibility to reserve both one-way trips and round-trip itineraries using either the website or the app platform.

To secure reward flights, individuals must access their British Airways Club account online or contact the airline’s customer service center at 0344 493 0747 for UK-based callers.

Availability operates strictly on a first-come, first-served principle, with seats tending to disappear rapidly due to overwhelming demand.

Using American Express Companion Vouchers with Avios-Only Flights

Holders of American Express British Airways companion vouchers are permitted to apply them toward Avios-only flights, just as they can with traditional reward flights. These vouchers effectively amplify the worth of your Avios by enabling companion travel at reduced point costs.

How American Express Companion Vouchers Function

The companion voucher activates when reserving a reward flight for two passengers, allowing a companion to join on the identical flight and cabin class without requiring extra Avios expenditure. Although no additional points are needed, both travelers must cover the relevant taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed charges.

Solo adventurers can alternatively redeem just half the standard Avios amount needed for a single ticket, coupled with the applicable taxes, fees, and charges, by leveraging the companion voucher.

For instance, as identified by MoneyWeek on 12 February 2026, a one-way reward flight from London to Vancouver scheduled for 31 August 2026 was available. A lone traveler would typically need 38,500 Avios plus £85 for taxes, fees, and carrier charges.

For a pair without the voucher, this escalates to 77,000 Avios and £170 in total charges.

Applying the companion voucher for the solo traveler reduces it to 19,250 Avios and £85. For the couple, it drops to 38,500 Avios alongside £170 in fees.

Cancellation and Change Policies for Avios-Only Flights

Avios-only flights permit cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure, qualifying for a complete refund subject to a standard £35 administration fee.

Should cancellation occur within 24 hours of the outbound leg, and if taxes, fees, and charges were paid upfront, these amounts are returned to the original payment method. However, for bookings combining Avios and cash, only the cash component receives no refund.

Modifying your flight date incurs a £35 service charge as well. If the revised date demands higher Avios, additional points must be provided; conversely, if it requires fewer, the surplus Avios are credited back to your account.