BA Reward Flight prices are increasing on 27th May 2026
British Airways is raising the cash element of Reward Flights from 27th May 2026. The Avios requirement is unchanged. Book before then if you were planning a redemption — current prices are locked in at booking.
Last updated: 25th May 2026
British Airways is raising the cash element of Reward Flight bookings from Tuesday 27th May 2026. The Avios component stays the same — it is only the cash you pay on top that is going up.
What is changing
Reward Flights have always had two components — an Avios amount and a fixed cash amount covering taxes, fees and carrier charges. From 27th May, the cash element increases.
BA says the Avios requirement is unchanged — and technically that is true. But when the cash element rises, the value your Avios deliver falls. You are handing over the same points but getting less effective value from them. In practice, this is a devaluation — just one that BA can announce without using that word.
BA has published four examples showing the new pricing from 27th May:
| Route | Cabin | Avios | Cash from 27 May |
|---|---|---|---|
| LHR → New York JFK (return) | Club World | 176,000 | £499 |
| LHR → Cape Town (return) | World Traveller | 66,000 | £190 |
| LHR → Rome (one-way) | Club Europe | 44,000 | £40 |
| LHR → Amsterdam (one-way) | Euro Traveller | 20,000 | £5 |
All prices reflect off-peak dates and are subject to availability.
Under the new pricing, the London to New York return ticket in Club World, for example - the price is 176,000 Avios plus £499.
The one thing to do before 27th May 2026
If you have been planning a Reward Flight booking and have the Avios available — book it before 27th May 2026. BA has confirmed that bookings made before the change will remain at the current price even if travel is after that date.
That means you can lock in the lower cash element today for a flight next year.
The broader picture
BA has not explained publicly why the cash element is increasing. Rising fuel costs and Air Passenger Duty increases are the most likely drivers — the cash component is designed to cover taxes and carrier charges, all of which have risen. And this is yet another devaluation of Avios but in a more disguised form.
RewardGoose publishes for information only. This is not financial advice. Prices sourced from ba.com and correct as of 25th May 2026. Always verify current pricing at ba.com before booking.
