Who qualifies for Avios-only flights, and what are they?

Since their launch in 2023, Avios-only flights have generated enormous popularity

We describe who is eligible, what they are, and how they operate.

More chances to use your Avios points have been made available by British Airways' introduction of new flights that are exclusively Avios.

The airlines British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus have all joined Avios, a well-known loyalty program.

The program awards points for purchasing flights, making purchases from specific merchants, or using a linked credit card. Flights, vacation extras, and other items can be purchased with these points.

Reward flights are a common method of using Avios points. Along with cash to cover taxes, fees, and carrier charges, you pay for these flights using your Avios points.

In 2023, British Airways launched Avios-only flights, which are reward flights available to members of The British Airways Club. The Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East are among the 48 Avios-only flights that have been offered thus far.

British Airways declared in February 2026 that two more Avios-only flights would operate from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon.

We explain all you need to know about these flights below, including how they operate and who is eligible.

Who can use Avios-only flights, and what are they?

Customers with Avios points are usually given a specific number of seats on British Airways flights, which they can use as "reward flights".

The airline promises a minimum of 12 reward seats on regular short-haul flights and 14 reward seats on standard long-haul flights at Heathrow and Gatwick.

Four reward seatstwo in business and two in economyare assured for flights to and from London City Airport.

However, since 2023, British Airways has introduced flights that are exclusively available to Avios members, meaning that all seats are reserved for members who have accrued Avios points. These flights can be paid for with cash, but you must use a certain number of Avios points.

The flights give individuals with Avios points more priority and frequently go to well-liked vacation spots during the busiest seasons of the year.

Because Avios-only flights are so popular, British Airways claims that they always sell out to Avios customers.

Where are flights that are exclusively available to Avios going?

Travel destinations for Avios-only flights include Cape Town, Barbados, Sharm El Sheikh, Mlaga, and Marrakesh, as well as locations in Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East.

Using the Avios app or the British Airways Club website, you can discover where you can go.

British Airways launched two additional Avios-only flights from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon Saint-Tropez on February 12, 2026.

When and how can flights that only offer Avios be booked?

On its website and through the Avios app, British Airways announces new flights that are exclusively available to Avios members. One-way and return trips can be scheduled through the app and website.

Reservations for reward flights can be made via a British Airways Club account or by contacting the contact center at 0344 493 0747 (if from the United Kingdom).

On a first-come, first-served basis, seats frequently sell out quickly.

Can American Express companion coupons be used on flights that are exclusively Avios?

American Express British Airways companion coupons can be used to book both regular and Avios-only flights. In effect, they make your Avios worth twice as much.

What is the process for the companion voucher?

You can use the voucher to bring a companion on the same reward flight and in the same cabin without using any additional Avios when you book the flight for two people. Although using more Avios won't be necessary, you will still be responsible for paying any applicable taxes, fees, and charges for both passengers.

As an alternative, single travelers can use the companion voucher to cover half of the Avios needed for one person, along with the taxes, fees, and charges.

A one-way reward flight from London to Vancouver on August 31, 2026, for instance, was discovered by BFIA on February 12, 2026.

For this reward flight, a lone traveler could pay 38,500 Avios plus 85 in taxes, fees, and carrier charges.

It would increase to 77,000 Avios and 170 for two people.

A companion voucher would cost 19,250 Avios and 85 if the lone traveler used it.

The cost would be 38,500 Avios and 170 if the couple used a companion voucher.

Are flights that only use Avios cancelable?

Yes, flights that are exclusively on Avios can be canceled up to 24 hours prior to departure for a complete refund; however, there will be a fee of £35.

Taxes, fees, and charges are reimbursed to the original booking account if you cancel within 24 hours of your departure. The cash portion of the price is not refunded for reservations made with both money and Avios.

Additionally, if you change the date of your flight, there is a 35 service fee. You will need to use more Avios points if the new date costs more, and you will get your money back if it costs less.