Reward Flight Saver is Changing - For the Worse!

Avios.com have announced some bad news for UK-based reward travelers.  The Reward Flight Saver taxes and charges section will increase from 11 July 2013.

First some background, when the old Airmiles system was replaced by Avios one of the most important changes was that taxes and charges were introduced for award tickets. This significantly reduced the attractiveness of the whole Avios scheme, particularly for short haul travel as the new charges could even be higher than buying a normal ticket. So, in response, Avios introduced the Reward Flight Saver. Reward Flight Saver is available on British Airways flights in Avios Zones 1 – 3.  It was designed to offer an alternative for short haul trips by capping charges at a low set price.

You used to pay a fixed fee for taxes and charges of £30 for Economy and £40 for Business.

From this 11 July 2013, this will increase to £35 for Economy and £50 for Business.

The Reward Flight Saver has also been removed from Iberia Plus.

The Reward Flight Saver continues to offer excellent value, particularly for last minute bookings or travel that requires the flexibility to cancel or amend. A valuation of 1 Avios equal to 1 pence is still easily achievable.

However, Avios have shown a worrying inclination to amend the Reward Flight Saver with little regard for reducing the attractiveness of the product and the complete removal of the product from Iberia Plus is very alarming. This should act as a reminder that reward travel is always subject to sudden devaluation and will normally in the long run lose value. Avios, like all travel reward programs and currencies in general, are subject to the threat of inflation. I think it is best to always remember the mantra, earn ‘em and burn ‘em.

You must have earned at least 1 Avios in the preceeding 12 months to be able to book a Reward Flight Saver.

Reward Flight Saver is Changing - For the Worse!