British Airways: flights paid for exclusively in Avios

British Airways has decided to operate flights from London to Sharm El Sheik and Geneva, which will only be open to passengers who are members of its Executive Club frequent flyer programme. Other destinations are expected to follow.
A British Airways Airbus A350 (Photo: BA)

These flights will be a bit like flying in a private club. British Airways is launching a series of flights exclusively for members of its Executive Club loyalty programme.. 100% of the seats on offer can only be paid for with "avios", points collected on the airline through its FFP.

The first "All-Avios" flight will take place with the inauguration of the London Gatwick-Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) scheduled for 3 November 2023. A selection of flights between London Heathrow and Geneva. They will take place on 10, 17 and 24 February 2024 and 2 March 2024. The airline plans to announce further "All Avios" routes throughout 2023.

Generally speaking, British Airways guarantees a minimum of 12 and 14 seats for its FFP members on short-haul and long-haul flights respectively. This is a first for the airline.

What is the aim behind the British company's idea? Firstly, it's marketing, and secondly, it's pragmatic. Flights like this reduce the number of FFP members wishing to take a reward. In a way, it's like having everything settled...