An Avios flight redemption bonanza to parts of Asia …. if you’re up for travelling at the moment

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• Karen says:

  19 Feb19 February 08:58

  Can you book Avios out and pay cash inbound in Ba CW? Frustratingly, there’s good outward availability for Bangkok but hardly any return dates over the next month or so.

  • Anna says:

    19 Feb19 February 09:01

    Single fares on long haul flights are usually so expensive that it’s not worth it. You could try booking Y or PE inbound and ask about upgrading at the airport on your return.

  • TGLoyalty says:

    19 Feb19 February 09:02

    Ok a WTP and upgrade for cash or just set up a RFF alert and pay £35 to change to CW when availability opens up. A one way from BKK will probably be very expensive.

  • Rob says:

    19 Feb19 February 09:06

    Better to get a connecting flight to somewhere with availability, like Singapore.

  • Lady London says:

    19 Feb19 February 10:56

    You could look at making the cash booking and seeing if the offer to reduce cash payable using avios is worth it if you have a lot of avios and are cash sensitive.

  • Lady London says:

    19 Feb19 February 11:09

    If you can scrape some miles for Delta (e.g by moving some from a bank or a card) then will work as to eur and some UK you would be patu g the US level of taxes.

  • BJ says:

    19 Feb19 February 11:27

    One way from BKK to the UK is typically around £1000 on Finnair and £800 on Sri Lankan, Oman or Aeroflot. BA WTP is usually £700-800 via a travel agent but can be same or much more directly from BA. Check Skyscanner and Expedia, almost always some carriers sub-£1k, and I’d imagine so at the moment unless BKK mopping up reroutes from HKG etc.

• Alan H says:

  19 Feb19 February 09:24

  Anna and AndyW, thank you for your advice. It’s as I thought. Alan

• mvcvz says:

  19 Feb19 February 09:27

  A bit off topic. Checked into Holiday Inn Ho Chi Minh City for six nights last week. Each of my companions (one IHG platinum, the other two with no priority Club membership at all) were immediately upgraded to suites and offered complimentary breakfast for the duration of their stays. As a Spire IHG member, I wasn’t upgraded or offered anything. The hotel appeared to be almost deserted.

  • The Original David says:

    19 Feb19 February 10:17

    Classic IHG… Has the hotel been a Holiday Inn for a while? When Spire was first introduced, there were reports that some places didn’t have a “Spire” option in their system, so the hotel just saw them either as basic or not even IHG members at all. Maybe the systems in Vietnam still haven’t been updated…

    • mvcvz says:

      19 Feb19 February 11:04

      Pretty much a brand new build hotel. Opened September 2019. Not entirely clear what difference that might make though…

• rob says:

  19 Feb19 February 09:43

  I’ve just returned from a family holiday in Asia and honestly the virus made the whole experience underwhelming. Tourist attractions were shut, some bars and restaurants were shut. Sitting by the pool all day wasn’t even an option as they shut these more often that not too!

  The incredible drop in tourist numbers really shows. Service in hotels has never been better though I suppose!

  • ChrisD says:

    19 Feb19 February 09:52

    Which part of Asia did you visit, it’s a big place and I suspect the experience will be different depending on the country/area. I’m planning a trip for April to Thailand, and not concerned in the slightest, prices are good!

    • Polly says:

      19 Feb19 February 10:33

      Chris, where in Thailand are you planning to visit?

      • ChrisD says:

        19 Feb19 February 11:09

        Flying into CNX (great ex-Europe deals with Qatar!!) and onto Phuket, Phi Phi and Krabi. At least that’s the plan right now! 🙂

        • Polly says:

          19 Feb19 February 11:13

          Really, that should be fine. We are in Phuket atm, as l said, no sign of anything at all. Hotels have good offers if you haven’t booked yet. Lots of Chinese cancellations.

  • Polly says:

    19 Feb19 February 09:55

    We are having the complete opposite experience. First 2 weeks in Bali, you wouldn’t even know there was this virus out there. Nor here in Phuket this 2 weeks. Not even screened on MAS from DPS via KL, at all. Unreal. Not a mask in sight here in Panwa cape. Nor in Karon last week, stayed there 4 days. Restaurants, bars and pools etc buzzing. Hotel at 80% capacity. Had a few Chinese groups cancel across the hotel group.
    Don’t think the insurers would cover anyone hopping on a plane now, but, there are no specific FCO warnings out there, apart from the main few, so people are still travelling. Read into that what you will.

    At least we are reading about any people recovering, and it’s presenting as a milder version elsewhere, apart from China??? Not enough meds perhaps?

    • The Original David says:

      19 Feb19 February 10:20

      “Don’t think the insurers would cover anyone hopping on a plane now”

      What do you mean? You think travel insurance will deny claims because there’s a bit of flu in China? Can’t see them defending that in court…

      • Polly says:

        19 Feb19 February 10:32

        Actually meant into China. You never know how individual insurers respond when there is this known virus lurking. Would it not be considered knowingly putting yourself at risk? Of course people are travelling, you won’t know until you come to claim, that’s what my thinking was. Taking a view…

        • ChrisD says:

          19 Feb19 February 11:07

          Unless the government advices against all but essential travel, insurance would pay out. If you book, when the advice was already against travelling, that’s when you get into problems.

        • Russ says:

          19 Feb19 February 12:23

          My view to Polly. Was offered free cancellation or moved to a later date myself but took the view that choosing to go later would invalidate any claim I may later have citing ignorance.

        • marcw says:

          19 Feb19 February 13:22

          It’s been only declared epidemic in China. It’s not a pandemic.

    • Capt Hammond says:

      19 Feb19 February 10:58

      Currently in Langkawi and had a few days in Singapore last week. Been fine so far. – both places quieter than usual for the time of year because of the restrictions on entry from China, but (selfish viewpoint, I know), the lack of crowds has been nice!

  • Gavin says:

    19 Feb19 February 10:41

    Where?

  • mvcvz says:

    19 Feb19 February 11:12

    Agree with all that, except the quality of service. Absolutely terrible everywhere. Will be glad to get home.

• Jonny says:

  19 Feb19 February 11:00

  OT: I have got what I think is a good upgrade via avios deal on a BA Seoul return flight in a couple of months. 30000 avios plus less than £100 to upgrade from WTP to Club World (please tell me if this isn’t as a good a deal as I think!).
  I’ve never flow long-haul business class before (I’m guessing Istanbul counts as short haul..) I therefore want to make the most of all the amenities!
  Has anyone got any experience flying from Incheon (Seoul) airport business class? Looking at the lounges, there doesn’t seem to be a massive range…

  • AJA says:

    19 Feb19 February 11:15

    That sounds really good. I’d go for it.

  • Polly says:

    19 Feb19 February 11:15

    Def worth grabbing that upgrade. It’s a long flight and you need some comfort. Can’t comment on lounges. Get some Nytol in Boots to help you sleep….

  • Anna says:

    19 Feb19 February 12:14

    How are people getting these upgrade offers? And are they on award or cash bookings?

    • Jonny says:

      19 Feb19 February 13:55

      Thanks everyone. Anna- this was on a World Traveller Plus cash booking. I just looked at the cash option for an upgrade to business class and it wasn’t too good, but the avios and cash upgrade offer was!

  • Andrew (@andrewseftel) says:

    19 Feb19 February 12:16

    The BA flight is mid-morning and we were staying in central Seoul so we didn’t get there too long before the flight. The lounge is the Asiana one – I remember it being fairly busy but comfortable. Food and drink was alright – I think I had a draft beer and some noodles. I don’t remember check in or security so I suppose they must have been alright.

• Roger* says:

  19 Feb19 February 12:19

  Since we’re discussing awards and 241s 😉
  I managed to book last year’s BAPP 241 to South Africa on the last day of the AmEx 3,000 bonus Avios offer as CPT availability for Feb 2021 opened up. No CPT round trips available (no surprise) so it’s out to JNB and back from CPT – ergo an open jaw so unbookable at ba.com and phone bookings don’t qualify for the 3,000 Avios bonus.

  Ah, well. At least we have a booking and there’s always a chance of a £35 p.p. amendment at a later stage if better availability opens up. After all, it will be the first time we have been able to get to CPT in recent years using Avios and without piggybacking via Doha/Helsinki/Oslo or Zurich.

  I’m getting too old for this hunt-the-redemption malarkey so will be concentrating on RFS trips in future. :}

  • Roger* says:

    19 Feb19 February 12:26

    ‘I’m getting too old for this hunt-the-redemption malarkey so will be concentrating on RFS trips in future. 🙂 ‘
    I know I can book flights for our brother/sister-in-law in Switzerland but I’m guessing they would need to reside in the UK for us to share a family account. Has anybody successfully experienced a similar situation? Thanks.

    • Anna says:

      19 Feb19 February 12:48

      You can only use the 2 4 1 for yourself and a companion, however your brother and sister-in-law could very well have a second residence at your home in the UK.

    • Rob says:

      19 Feb19 February 12:49

      Just change their address to yours

    • Roger* says:

      20 Feb20 February 10:16

      Thanks, Anna and Rob.

• Mark says:

  19 Feb19 February 14:48

  On topic almost. Should I choose, day flight from Bangkok on a 777 or an overnight on a 787-9 from Kul? I’ve read a couple of things that Bangkok is changing planes from the 777 but it’s still coming up as the plane for 2020

  • Polly says:

    19 Feb19 February 16:10

    We have done the 787 many times overnight from KUL. Really good experience, presume you mean in J. And the golden lounge in KL is lovely.

    • Mark says:

      19 Feb19 February 16:38

      Yes sorry in J. Will stick to this then. I really don’t like the old 777s so probably a good idea.

      • DB2020 says:

        20 Feb20 February 12:49

        The BKK flight will be operated by the refurbished B777 with Club Suites. You will need to check the dates though, I recall it mentioned that it is expected to be later this year. J on the B787 is cramped and if you have an aisle seat then be prepared to be brushed by anyone and everyone passing by because of the narrow aisle.

        • Rhys says:

          20 Feb20 February 13:28

          Where are you getting the BKK info from? 787 is going on the route from June, but that won’t have Club Suite.

        • Mark says:

          20 Feb20 February 17:03

          Rhys it still says 777 as the plane details when I look on the ba website for that date in Jan. will this be a refurbed one? Or will it change to a 787

• Jeremy I says:

  19 Feb19 February 15:06

  Hi guys a quick question about UUA – if I book a ticket with the outbound in WTP and the return in basic economy, can I upgrade the outbound flight or does the basic economy return leg “invalidate” the ability to UUA. Thanks so much Jeremy

  Also whilst writing why is no one mentioning the REUNION1 discount code – still seems to be working for me.

  • Steve-B says:

    19 Feb19 February 18:24

    You should definitely be able to upgrade the outbound WTP to CW if redemption availability is there. I believe all WTP fare buckets are upgradeable.

    • Jeremy i says:

      19 Feb19 February 19:32

      Thanks Steve. You can do Lgw to nyc in wtp on the way out and basic economy on the return for just £371 return with reunion1. Hopefully the additional taxes and charges to upgrade the outbound to business won’t be too steep

      • Shoestring says:

        19 Feb19 February 19:38

        that’s a great code & I believe there was a companion code for Business

        just no use for it, I’m surprised it wasn’t highlighted in an article but as usual they ignore a lot of good stuff such as the Avios points for under 1p offer currently ongoing

        • Shoestring says:

          19 Feb19 February 19:49

          Gavin 07:11
          https://headforpoints.com/2020/01/21/get-3000-bonus-avios-for-300-of-british-airways-spend/comment-page-1/
          Don’t know if this has been posted before but used a code called REUNION1 last time which got 15% off WT & WTP fares (to Seoul in our case). I believe there’s another code for Club World fares. Combined with the current sale, it got us a WTP return for £707 which is an exceptional price. Upgraded the outbound overnight leg to club round as well.

          Gavin says:
          21 January 2020 at 08:38
          REUNION1 Code – yes it did allow me to upgrade to CW. However I did this after booking was complete rather than during the booking process..
          It didn’t seem to work on the App, only BA.com. Valid for bookings made by 29th February 2020 not sure what the restriction dates for flying are – we used it for late May – June.
          My wife found the code on a forum, it’s valid on fares ex UK only. The text is:
          “Simply use the code REUNION1 to make a booking in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus. If you’d like to treat yourself to Club Word, you can use the code REUNION2”

        • Rob says:

          19 Feb19 February 19:56

          Couldn’t find the rules. Looked everywhere. I can’t run it if there is a risk that BA will come after us and say it is restricted to a certain group / company / travel agent etc. They pay a big chunk of our wages!

        • Shoestring says:

          19 Feb19 February 20:00

          I think if I’m buying Avios points, I’d prefer to save £222 by buying on the Iberia site @1p/ point rather than buying on the UK site

        • Shoestring says:

          19 Feb19 February 20:01

          OK I get that

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