British Airways Avios Devaluation
British Airways recently announced it is increasing award rates in a few weeks. Beginning Dec. 15, award redemptions for both British Airways-operated flights and partner airlines will cost more Avios. Devaluations like this are unfortunately common these days. But this is a rare instance in which the airline is actually being upfront with travelers that it plans to raise award prices, rather than just trotting out a new award chart and forcing us to figure out for ourselves how much our points and miles are worth now.
12/14/25 UPDATE: Changes take affect TOMORROW.
Why Is British Airways Making This Change?
British Airways is actually giving a relatively honest answer as to why they're increasing prices. Here's what the airline said in its announcement:
We’ve kept our Reward Flight prices at the same level for some time, but we’re having to make these changes as a result of increasing Air Passenger Duty and third-party charges, as well as changing market conditions and ongoing inflation.
That all makes sense, and it should really come as no surprise as other airlines that use Avios as their mileage currency, like Iberia, have also raised award rates over the last year.
How Much Are British Airways Award Prices Increasing?
Come Dec. 15, all British Airways Avios award redemptions will cost more to book. British Airways says this change impacts both the Avios and taxes and fees you'll have to pay.
The airline hasn't said exactly how much award rates will increase, but they did offer examples of what travelers can expect for some of its most popular routes. Here's a look at the current and new award pricing for BA's long-haul route from London (LHR) to New York (JFK). Note that award prices are roundtrip.
As you can see, British Airways is raising award pricing by 10% on these routes. That's not the worst devaluation we've seen, but it still stings.
As for other routes and partner airline flights, we'll have to wait until Dec. 15 to see how much British Airways is devaluing its Avios. British Airways doesn't publish a public-facing award chart. Reminder that you still have a few days to take advantage of the current award pricing and book award flights before the new, higher rates take effect.
British Airways Avios Devaluation: ToP Thoughts
Points and miles devaluations are seemingly inevitable these days. At least this time British Airways is being straightforward with travelers in that its raising award prices. Considering British Airways Avios are some of the best for booking flights on partner airlines like American, Japan Airlines, and more, here's hoping that the new, higher award pricing isn't too painful. Let us know if you plan on booking anything before the December 15th devaluation over in the ToP Facebook Group.
