I Travelled to Barbados Solo, on British Airways, Business Class, Using my Hard Saved Avios Points

I hate long-haul flights.  I feel I miss out on some wonderful destinations. I joined P and O Arvia for their transatlantic cruise from Barbados to Southampton. So rather than use the Tui flight one way from Gatwick, I opted to travel on British Airways from Heathrow for a treat and comfort. I've used my points for part payment, paying only taxes, for a business class flight from Heathrow to Barbados.  

How do I afford to travel in business class?

I am an avid collector of Avios points. I pay for my cruises using British Airways American Express. I'll pay part and partly use points if the flight price is reasonable in business class. I usually wait for a business class sale. Sometimes, it can work out cheaper if you book an economy seat. Then, getting close to the flight, say three weeks before, go into Manage My Booking and see how much the upgrade amount is. I've paid as little as £50 in the past for a European flight if there is a special offer. It can be risky as it might be sold out. After signing in to the BA Executive Club, I would have the option to see how many points I would need and how much the points would reduce the fare. 

British Airways is my favourite airline. I check the prices on Skyscanner to compare with other airlines, but quite often, when you add the extras in, if you need them, BA can compare well.

How do you start collecting Avios points? 

I recommend signing up for a British Airways American Express credit card. The current offer starts you off with 5000 points. I have seen this offer previously for 10000 points. You could get the Premium Plus card, which currently offers 25000 points, for new applicants only, but there is a yearly fee of £250. These offers are changeable. 

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See the details for the different cards here: British Airways American Express. Get to the right spending level, and you will accumulate a Companion voucher, which entitles you to a 50% discount on your next reward flight for a solo traveller or a 2 for 1 if you travel with a companion. There will be taxes to pay. Offers can change. 

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Then check out the details on the club, and you will see the different ways to add points in 2024. You will also accumulate points for every flight you take. I make most of my purchases with American Express. 

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Most retailers accept it now. So petrol and food are all on AMEX, and I pay the full bill at the end of the month. It soon accumulates. Occasionally, BA will have a special offer showing how to add extra points. 

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I arrived at Terminal 5 Heathrow three hours before my flight, super excited. This was a big treat for me. After checking my two bags, the allowance was 23kg per bag. I used Fast Track security andI made my way to the BA lounge. 

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The lounge was comfortable, and delicious food was served. A great place to relax before boarding in about an hour and a half. 

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There was an extensive amount of food at the breakfast buffet and a huge selection of wines, champagne and spirits. The food was changed to lunch at 11.30.

After a while, I went to the gate to board the aircraft. I turned left into seat 7A, a Boeing  777 200ER. This is a small, quiet cabin with rows of single seats that lay down into beds. 

After being warmly greeted by the cabin crew, champagne was poured, and I was presented with a dinner and afternoon tea menu. 

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It was a great relaxing flight. The food was very good. I had a blanket and a pillow, and there was something for everyone in the entertainment section. 

 About two hours before landing after a snooze and watching a film, afternoon tea arrived. 

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There were no lumps and bumps on the way. It was very quiet, and the crew was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble.

The flight was on time, and I arrived in Barbados, Grantley Adams Airport, refreshed and ready to start my holiday. 

I'd spend two days in a hotel, and then I'd join the P and O Arvia to visit a few Caribbean islands first, then transatlantic to Tenerife, La Coruna, and back to UK Southampton. 

I'll be reviewing Arvia soon.