What Are Your Favourite Airline Perks? Here’s What Other Travellers Say

When it comes to redeeming Avios for flights, travellers often look for more than just basic services. Many travellers book flights with Avios for BA reward flights in British Airways Avios Business Class, which provides additional value, especially on long-haul flights. Perks like more legroom, complimentary meals, and access to lounges improve the travel experience and add more value to the Avios used.

The Value of Loyalty Programme Benefits Varies

Perks like seat upgrades or free meals are valuable for loyalty programme members, but how much they matter can vary. According to the Barclays US Consumer Bank’s 2023 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report, which surveyed 1,000 travellers, lower fees are the top priority, with 52% of respondents considering it the most important factor. Meanwhile, free hotel nights, seat upgrades, and complimentary breakfast ranked fourth, with 42% saying they were important. Here’s how travellers ranked their priorities:

1. Lower fees (52%)
2. Flexibility when using points or miles (47%)
3. Ability to earn more points or miles (46%)
4. Perks (42%)
5. Ability to make last-minute changes (37%)
6. More options for airlines or hotels (32%)
7. Personalised support (27%)

Why Lower Fees Matter More Now

Of those prioritising lower fees, 72% said they’ve become more important in the past five years. This could be due to the growing number of additional fees travellers face today. In air travel, for example, basic economy fares have become more common. While these fares are often cheaper, they typically come with extra costs for services like checked bags or seat selection, which used to be included in standard ticket prices. Although airfares have generally decreased over time (August 2023 fares were 19% lower than in August 2013, according to US Bureau of Labour Statistics data), many previously free services now incur additional fees.

This issue is not limited to airlines. In the hotel industry, travellers widely dislike resort fees, which supposedly cover amenities like pools or Wi-Fi. According to the Federal Trade Commission, resort fees have been around since the late 1990s but have become an increasing source of frustration.

What Does This Mean for Travellers with Avios?

The results of these studies help explain why more people choose to book flights with Avios for Business Class. For many travellers, British Airways Avios Business Class redemptions provide greater flexibility, added comfort, and a smoother travel experience.

One of the major advantages of using Avios for flights in Business Class is the extra luggage allowance. Travellers often receive additional baggage benefits, making it ideal for those who need to pack more for their trip. British Airways Avios members see great value in these rewards because they also include priority boarding and dedicated check-in, which reduce the stress of flying.

Other benefits of BA reward flights in Business Class include larger seats that convert into fully flat beds, premium meals with complimentary drinks, more legroom, and direct aisle access from every seat. But the Business Class redemption value becomes most evident on long-haul flights, where the cost in Avios is significantly more efficient than what you’d pay in cash for the same seat. Business Class redemptions offer more comfort, perks, and flexibility for fewer points relative to the ticket price. When comparing the Avios needed for Economy seats versus Business Class, the difference in points spent versus the experience gained is substantial.

Moreover, Avios Business Class redemptions provide a much higher return of 1p per Avios on average. This means that for every Avios point used, you get more value in service, comfort, and overall experience. Business Class redemptions are the best choice for frequent flyers looking to make the most of their Avios, offering a premium travel experience and excellent value for points spent.