If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. One airline has just significantly lowered the cost of partner award redemptions, which I think is an exception to the rule.
I wrote about how the Privilege Club of the airline is using the rewards currency. This is a great development for consumers. You'll be able to move your rewards between the various programs that you're a member of, including Aer Lingus AerClub, British Airways Executive Club, and Iberia Plus.
The news gets better than that. The British Airways Executive Club has slashed award redemption rates. The surcharges for these redemptions have largely been cut as well.
For example, you can redeem just 70,000 Avios for a one-way business class ticket from Boston to Doha, putting the price in line with what you'd find through American AAdvantage. It is still reasonable to pay taxes, fees, and surcharges of $101.85.
Los Angeles to Doha costs the same number of Avios, but the surcharge on that route is much higher.
It is still reasonable to connect itineraries in most cases. You can fly from Boston to Male in business class for 105,000 Avios, plus taxes, fees, and surcharges.
The British Airways Executive Club is a great program for booking flights. If you have to book through Privilege Club, you could transfer your Avios between the programs.
The sweet spot of the program has been booking business class through the program. American doesn't partner with any of the major points currencies so it can be difficult to earn AAdvantage miles.
British Airways Executive Club has partnerships with Amex Membership rewards, Capital One, and Chase Ultimate rewards. The points are easier to accumulate, so now you can book a business class award at a great price with these currencies.
The British Airways Executive Club has improved award redemption rates on the airline with the addition of Qatar Airways. This is a pleasant surprise at a time when loyalty program news is generally not good. Huge thanks to British Airways and Qatar Airways.
What do you think about the changes in award pricing?
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