British Airways Holidays switches to fixed Avios rate on packages

British Airways Holidays will change its Avios awarding system on 24th November. The new policy will give travelers six Avios per pound spent on the full holiday package, replacing the previous model that awarded points based solely on the flight component. This shift to a fixed rate on the package total marks a major change for customers weighing flight and hotel costs in their reward calculations.

Under the new system, every member of a travelling group, excluding infants, will share the Avios earned from the total package spend. Passengers will no longer receive separate Avios directly from the flight portion of their booking. All travelers must add a British Airways Club number to their booking to receive their share; an omitted number forfeits a passenger’s Avios entirely. The current system awards Avios based on cabin class, flight distance, and the traveler's Club tier status, not the flight's cost. The new fixed formula of six Avios per pound applies to all passengers regardless of their elite status.

British Airways Holidays previously awarded three Avios per pound on card spending. That rate has now been reduced to 1.25 Avios per pound on payments made with a British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card. The airline has also stopped awarding double Avios for payments made on that card. Travelers booking expensive hotel packages may gain more points under the new system. Conversely, those on low-cost trips or elite members may earn less under the fixed formula. Avios from the flight are fixed regardless of whether travel is in peak or low season or the hotel's star rating.

Elite status no longer influences package Avios

The new six Avios per pound formula applies uniformly to all passengers. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Club members will earn the same as basic travelers on the package spend. This removes the elite status bonus that was previously applied to the flight portion under the old system. The change simplifies earning but reduces the advantage for the airline's most loyal frequent flyers when they book packages.

Club number requirement for Avios eligibility

Linking a booking to a loyalty account is now mandatory. Passengers must add a British Airways Club number to their holiday package reservation. Failure to do so means they forfeit their Avios share. This change tightens the account linkage for reward eligibility and ensures points are allocated correctly. A household account can pool the family’s points if the children are enrolled.

Starlink connectivity rollout progress

Separately, British Airways has completed the installation of Starlink high-speed internet across its entire fleet of 18 Airbus A350 aircraft. FlyerTalk regulars said: "the entire A350 fleet of 18 aircraft is now complete." The rollout took 33 days after the first installation on September 18, averaging one aircraft every two days. The airline's Boeing 787-8 fleet Starlink installation was completed earlier, with one aircraft reportedly still outstanding.

Virgin Atlantic is preparing its own rollout. V-Flyer forum said: "Virgin Atlantic will begin Starlink installation on the Boeing 787 fleet in the first week of November." The installation work for Virgin Atlantic is being done at Bournemouth Airport.

The practical impact of the Avios change is significant for high spenders. A family of four spending £25,000 on a seven-night trip to Dubai would receive 150,000 Avios under the new system.