British Airways Avios Announced a Partner Award Chart Devaluation effective March 30, 2019. Fortunately, it's not too bad, with the most significant increases for Zone 1 non-U.S. flights, that are up to 650 miles. These increased from 4500 to 6000 Avios in Economy (a 33% increase) while Business Class for these short flights increased from 9000 to 12,500 Avios, a 39% increase.
But for longer flights, increases were more modest:
- Zone 2 flights such as HKG-BKK increased from 7500 to 9000 Avios in Economy and from 15,000 to 16,500 Avios in Cathay Pacific Business Class
- Zone 3 flights such as Tokyo to Manila increased from 10,000 to 11,000 Avios in Economy and from 20,000 to 22,000 Avios in JAL Business Class.
Keep in mind that for long haul international first class flights, such as JAL First Class between the U.S. and Japan or Cathay Pacific First Class between the U.S. and Asia, it's far less expensive to redeem with American AAdvantage miles or Alaska Mileage Plan (although the disadvantage is that it's the latest to open its award calendar and may not have access to all the award seats that AAdvantage and other Oneworld partners do).
Note that the chart below is only for partner airlines, when flying on a single partner, not for British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus or Vueling flights (those award rates remain unchanged).
British Airways Avios Award Chart for Partner Airlines, Effective 5/30/19
| Zone | Distance (Miles) | Economy | Business | First | Example Flight |
| 1 (Non-U.S.) | Up to 650 | 6,000 | 12,500 | 24,000 | SYD-MEL |
| 1 (Flights that touch the U.S.) | Up to 650 | 7,500 | 15,000 | 30,000 | DCA-YYZ |
| 2 | 651-1151 | 9,000 | 16,500 | 33,000 | HKG-BKK |
| 3 | 1152-2000 | 11,000 | 22,000 | 44,000 | TYO-MNL |
| 4 | 2001-3000 | 13,000 | 38,750 | 51,500 | NYC-LAX |
| 5 | 3001-4000 | 20,750 | 62,000 | 82,500 | TYO-HNL |
| 6 | 4001-5500 | 25,750 | 77,250 | 103,000 | TYO-LAX |
| 7 | 5501-6500 | 31,000 | 92,750 | 123,750 | HKG-CDG |
| 8 | 6501-7000 | 36,250 | 108,250 | 144,250 | HKG-JNB |
| 9 | 7001+ | 46,500-51,500 | 139,250-154,500 | 206,000 | DXB-HKG-SYD; DOH-LAX |
There's still a Chase 30% Transfer Bonus to British Airways Avios until June 16, so for those who were waiting to see the results of the Avios partner award chart devaluation before transferring, the above rates may be reassuring enough to go ahead and transfer some points for upcoming travel.
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