This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

On many US-based mileage programs, you’re going to be charged 30,000 miles each way for flights between US and Europe. Even with low-cost carrier competition driving down cash prices, airlines have stubbornly kept their award rates unchanged.

But, now there’s a short reprieve. Now through June 17, you can book British Airways economy awards to/from London for 50% fewer Avios. On some routes and dates, this drops the price to just 6,500 Avios each way between the US and London. And, if you don’t currently have Avios, you can easily obtain them by transferring points (1:1) from Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and SPG Starpoints.

Here are the basics of the deal:

  • Airline: British Airways-operated flights
  • Routes: London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW) “to over 90 destinations”
  • Cabin: Only for “World Traveller” economy
  • Book by: June 17, 2018
  • Travel dates: September 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019
  • Transfer points: American Express Membership Rewards (1:1), Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1), Starwood Preferred Guest (1:1 with bonus for transferring 20,000 points)
  • No registration or promotion code. The discount is automatically applied.

What’s the catch? British Airways’ infamous fuel surcharges, which start at $178 each way:

Here’s some options to consider at 6,500 Avios each way:

  • Boston (BOS)-London: 6,500 Avios + $178
  • Chicago (ORD)-London: 6,500 Avios + $178
  • New York Kennedy (JFK)-London: 6,500 Avios + $178
  • Newark (EWR)-London: 6,500 Avios + $178
  • Philadelphia (PHL)-London: 6,500 Avios + $178
  • Washington Dulles (IAD)-London: 6,500 Avios + $178

And for 8,125 Avios each way:

  • Atlanta (ATL)-London: 8,125 Avios + $178
  • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)-London: 8,125 Avios + $174
  • Los Angeles (LAX)-London: 8,125 Avios + $178
  • Nashville (BNA)-London: 8,125 Avios + $178
  • San Francisco (SFO)-London: 8,125 Avios + $178

You don’t have to stop in London, but British Airways prices award flights by segment. So, you’ll have to pay for another award flight to continue onward into mainland Europe. For example, you can fly from the US to Berlin Tegel (TXL) for 10,500 Avios:

Who Is This Deal Good For?

This deal can be great for those looking for a cheap one-way to/from Europe in combination with another award. Perhaps you’re able to book a lie-flat business class award for the red-eye to Europe but don’t mind flying economy back from London.

But, this deal can be especially good for routes where British Airways isn’t able to (or doesn’t) charge as high of fuel surcharges. For example, you can fly between London and Hong Kong for just 9,750 Avios and $41.

Since British Airways Avios are charged per flight leg, you might as well build your own multi-stop trip. For example, you can fly from the US Northeast (Boston, Chicago, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC) to London, stop and visit London for as long as you want, then fly to Seychelles for a total cost of just 14,625 Avios:

Or, if you want to take the long way from Hong Kong (HKG) back to the US, you can book Hong Kong-London-NYC from 16,250 Avios and $234 one-way:

And if you book a route — such as Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Washington DC — that operates using a British Airways A380, make sure to select an upper-deck seat.

British Airways A380 upper deck window seats featured storage compartments between the seat and the window. Photo by Katie Genter.
British Airways A380 upper deck window seats featured storage compartments between the seat and the window. Photo by Katie Genter.

So, while high surcharges keep this deal from being too incredible for most travelers, there’s definitely some sweet spots that can be utilized before the deal ends on June 17.

The best beginner points and miles card out there.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

With great travel benefits, 2x points on travel & dining and a 50,000 point sign up bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great card for those looking to get into the points and miles game. Here are the top 5 reasons it should be in your wallet, or read our definitive review for more details.
Apply Now
More Things to Know
  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® named a 'Best Travel Credit Card' by MONEY® Magazine, 2016-2017
  • 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $625 toward travel
  • No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Regular APR
17.74% - 24.74% Variable
Annual Fee
$0 Intro for the First Year, then $95
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Recommended Credit
Excellent Credit

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.