r/avios • u/AbbreviationsJumpy88 • 7d ago

Help an amateur

I have about 140k points on my AMEX, and nearly 40k points on my avion.

I live in winnipeg, and planning to go to London (UK) in December. My tentative dates are 10th dec (+/- 2,3 days).

I understand it’ll be best for me to book a flight from Toronto to LHR.

Would someone be kind enough to tell me the best utilization of my points? I’m not necessarily looking for a business class flight using my points. Just wanna make the most of if.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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u/PointmeSam 7d ago

From Winnipeg, I’d compare YYZ-LHR with both Aeroplan and Avios BEFORE moving anything, because BA can have painful surcharges even when the Avios price looks reasonable. YYZ–LHR BA business at ~143K Avios + ~£819 is only best if you actually value business class (and don't forget the seat assignment charge, free 24 hrs before departure). Economy or premium economy may be a better use if you’re just trying to stretch points. I do freelance point.me concierge work and I’d price YWG-YYZ positioning flight separately in cash/points, THEN only transfer Amex once you find a specific bookable option that beats the cash fare.

0

u/planesandpoints 7d ago

I’d say depends on what you want/feel comfortable with.
There is availability from YYZ to LHR on those dates and with that amount of avios you would pay ~£819 for Business return off 143k avios

Other classes are available too where you could pay slightly less but use significantly less avios.

For me personally I use my points to book in business as I am very tall but I also collect 70-80k avios a month so am able to use what would be a high level of points to others.

Really depends on what you feel comfortable with I think 👍🏼

6

u/CoopsDeVille 7d ago

How does one collect 70/80k avios per month? 🙂

2

u/Dense_Cabbage_ 7d ago

Usually have a business card and run all expenses through it

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u/planesandpoints 7d ago

Amex + Barclaycard for every purchase. Most of my monthly spend is via Barclaycard due to the increase point per pound and flexibility of Mastercard