Award availability alert: Fly in premium cabins on British Airways from the West Coast to Europe
If you want to fly from the West Coast to Europe in British Airways premium economy or business class this year, now is a good time to book your flights.
TPG Director of Travel Content Eric Rosen noticed this award availability when searching for flights. But, as with many British Airways-operated transatlantic flights, you may need to pay significant taxes and fees.
Deal basics
Airline: British Airways
Routes: From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to various European destinations
How to book: Through reward programs such as American Airlines AAdvantage, British Airways Executive Club, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and other Oneworld alliance partners
Travel dates: Availability from late June into winter
The cost of your award flight will depend on certain factors, such as the program you book through, your specific itinerary and your class of travel. I've included award pricing for booking through American Airlines AAdvantage, British Airways Executive Club and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan throughout this post, but you could book some of these award flights through other Oneworld alliance partners.
You can earn AAdvantage miles by transferring from Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards (keep in mind that transfers from Bilt to AAdvantage will end June 24). You can also earn Alaska Mileage Plan miles by transferring from Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards. It's much easier to earn British Airways Avios, as you have the ability to transfer between Avios programs and from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles, Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards.
Start by searching for award flights through the program you plan to use to book. Or, if you have more flexibility in your schedule, you may want to use Seats.aero to find a transatlantic award flight before booking through your program of choice.
Related: Your ultimate guide on how to search award availability for the major airlines
Sample award flights
If you want to travel from San Francisco to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) on Nov. 23, you have several options for a nonstop British Airways flight. If you redeem American miles, you will pay 40,000 miles plus $482.30 in taxes and fees for premium economy or 57,500 miles plus $732.30 in taxes and fees for business class.
If you redeem Alaska miles to fly from San Francisco to London, you will pay 45,000 miles plus $491 in taxes and fees for premium economy or 70,000 miles plus $996 in taxes and fees for business class.
If you redeem British Airways Avios to fly from San Francisco to London, you will pay 57,500 Avios plus $196.30 in taxes and fees for premium economy or 90,000 Avios plus $406.30 in taxes and fees for business class. Just so you know, you can use different proportions of Avios and cash for award flights, so be sure to pick the combination that provides the best value.
We are seeing similar pricing and award availability for nonstop British Airways flights from other West Coast cities. For example, you could book a British Airways-operated flight from Los Angeles to London for 40,000 miles plus $482.30 in taxes and fees in premium economy or 57,500 miles plus $732.30 in taxes and fees in business class.
American AAdvantage uses dynamic award pricing for its flights on the above route. For this example, you'd redeem far more points but pay significantly less taxes and fees for your premium economy or business-class award if you booked the American Airlines-operated flight with AAdvantage.
If you redeem Alaska miles to fly from Los Angeles to London, you will pay 45,000 miles plus $491 in taxes and fees for premium economy or 70,000 miles plus $996 in taxes and fees for business class.
And if you redeem British Airways Avios to fly from Los Angeles to London, you'd pay 67,500 Avios plus $196.30 in taxes and fees for premium economy or 100,000 Avios plus $406.30 in taxes and fees for business class.
However, you don't necessarily need to visit London to book an award from the West Coast to London. You can add a flight from London to your award during booking, although doing so may reduce the award options you see. Here's an example through American AAdvantage from San Diego to Prague via London that would cost 57,500 miles plus $749.80 in business class.
If you wanted to book this same British Airways-operated business-class award through the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, it would cost you 70,000 miles plus $1,013.
And if you wanted to book this business-class award from San Diego to Prague via London through British Airways, you could pay 116,250 Avios plus $451 in taxes and fees.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that you can significantly reduce the taxes and fees on some transatlantic award itineraries if you take an American Airlines-operated flight over the Atlantic and then connect to a short-haul British Airways-operated flight. Here's an example through American AAdvantage: You could fly from Los Angeles to Manchester, England, via London for 40,000 miles in premium economy or 57,500 miles in business class plus $17.30 in taxes and fees.
This deal alert is focused on British Airways-operated transatlantic flights, but I couldn't write this post and not mention how you could pay significantly less taxes and fees on some Oneworld award flights to Europe.
Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles
Paying the taxes and fees
Since the taxes and fees on many of the award flights discussed in this story are relatively high, you'll want to use a credit card that offers bonus rewards for purchases with airlines when booking your award flight. I usually use my Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. But here are some other cards to consider:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
- American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): At least 2 points per dollar on travel
- Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees): 3 points per dollar on air travel
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
Bottom line
Taxes and fees are usually high when you fly British Airways in a premium cabin across the Atlantic. So, although there is good award availability for premium economy and business class on many British Airways routes between the U.S. West Coast and London this summer and fall, beware of the high taxes and fees many of these awards carry. It's also worth checking multiple programs — some of which you can access using transferable points — to get the best rate if you decide to jump on this award availability.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.