British Airways Launches Avios-Only Flights to Majorca and Crete for August 2027
British Airways is launching two new Avios-only flights from London Heathrow to Palma and Heraklion for August 2027, offering return trips for as little as £5 plus Avios, though dates are restrictive.
British Airways is launching two new Avios-only flights to Palma, Majorca and Heraklion, Crete for August 2027. The flights offer a points-only redemption opportunity to popular Mediterranean destinations during the peak summer season, with headline return fares starting from just £5 in cash fees.
The confirmed flights will operate from London Heathrow. Departure is set for Saturday, August 14, 2027, with the return leg scheduled for the following Saturday, August 21. All seats in both Euro Traveller and Club Europe cabins are bookable using Avios points only, with no cash tickets sold unless seats remain unsold 30 days before departure.
Colm Lacy, British Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said the flights provide "exclusive access to two of the Mediterranean's most popular summer destinations during one of the most sought-after travel periods of the year."
Flight details and pricing structure
The flights operate from London Heathrow with specific departure and arrival times. Pricing is structured in Avios plus minimal cash fees.
| Route | Cabin | Return Price (Avios + Cash) | Departure (14 Aug) | Return (21 Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London to Palma | Euro Traveller | 28,000 Avios + £5 | 12:50 - 16:20 | 17:15 - 18:45 |
| London to Palma | Club Europe | 49,000 Avios + £40 | 12:50 - 16:20 | 17:15 - 18:45 |
| London to Heraklion | Euro Traveller | 33,500 Avios + £5 | 11:25 - 17:30 | 16:45 - 18:50 |
| London to Heraklion | Club Europe | 60,000 Avios + £40 | 11:25 - 17:30 | 16:45 - 18:50 |
Customers with a British Airways American Express Credit Card can use Companion Vouchers to get a second seat for no extra Avios or for half the Avios fare. Barclays Upgrade Vouchers are also valid for use as usual.
Booking and redemption flexibility
Passengers can book one-way flights and combine them with standard Avios or cash tickets for the return journey. Seat bookings open on a Thursday, though no specific time has been announced.
If a flight is sold out, passengers are advised to check back later as cancellations may free up seats. All bookings are refundable with no charge if cancelled within 24 hours. After that, a fee of £35 per person applies, with a full refund of Avios and cash.
Programme context and critique
The British Airways Club is the airline's free-to-join reward programme, with Avios as its global currency collectible through flying, holidays, and spending with partners. The airline launched its Avios-Only flight concept in 2023 and has operated over 50 such flights since.
Adam Daniels, IAG Loyalty’s CEO, stated the flights give "families and friends a new opportunity to put their Avios towards a summer getaway." However, the mid-August departure date falls during the Scottish school holidays, when most schools return on August 17 or 18, making the timing inconvenient for many families.
One assessment described the offering as a bit of a missed opportunity, noting the absence of special Avios giveaways or in-flight events. Passengers are advised to set a SeatSpy alert to secure seats before August 2027.
