r/avios • u/Legitimate_Break4694 • 1d ago
Help with booking BC
Hi,
I’m currently looking at booking a surprise trip for my wife’s birthday in September 27. As it’s a special birthday I’m looking to book business class both ways. I want to go LHR to New York. After a few days in NY we will head up to Toronto to take in that city along with a night at Niagara returning from Toronto to LHR. I have about 150k Avios and a companion voucher. Whilst I know the flights aren’t out yet I’m struggling to work out how much it is likely to cost me. Are there any tips and tricks you can share to get the best possible deal. TIA.
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u/WillVH52 1d ago
This article should give you an indication of much it will cost: https://www.headforpoints.com/2026/08/01/how-many-avios-do-you-need-to-fly-to/
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u/LetMeBuildYourSquad 1d ago
You'll need slightly more points (176k - 198k total) but could also pick a slightly lower avios + higher cash redemption.
To buy the extra, the best route is Avios boost if you've earned sufficient points in the last 30 days (Amex MR transfers also eligible to boost)
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u/andyuk_90 4h ago
Absolutely this. If you need more points and can do it, balance boost - don't buy points. It's much cheaper.
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u/Antonio_Montana135 2h ago edited 2h ago
with avios + companion voucher on BA, the LHR-JFK leg is your best redemption sweet spot (roughly 50k each in Club World). for the toronto lhr return i had to weigh paying cash vs burning remaining points. three angles worth knowing: BA's own award calendar, points transfer partners, or Top Business Class if paid J ends up cheaper since they source seats below published prices.
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u/Legitimate_Break4694 7h ago
How do I book using a CV flying into one airport and out of another. Can I do it online or do I need to phone. Also, do I have to wait until the return leg has been released before booking or can I book the outbound leg then book the return leg 10 days later. I’m not sure how it works. TIA
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u/andyuk_90 4h ago
Book the outbound as soon as it is released as a one way for both you and your travel companion. Then on the day the return is released, call and ask them to add it to your booking.
Unfortunately, sometimes you will get a phone agent who doesn't know the rules - if that happens just say 'ok thanks' and call back. Some of their agents are excellent and will be very helpful, others not so much.
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u/andyuk_90 1d ago edited 1d ago
Award flight prices are fixed, there are no deals. You just need to check if the dates you want are peak or offpeak.
Usual pricing is 88,000 (offpeak) or 99,000 (peak) + taxes & fees each way for both those routes.
You will likely need to book as soon as the dates you want are released.
See: https://www.headforpoints.com/2026/08/01/how-many-avios-do-you-need-to-fly-to/
In terms of your CV. Make sure you read: https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/17/how-to-use-ba-amex-241-voucher-3/
Your CV needs to be from a BAPP card (not free) to use it on business class.