British Airways Business Class: Using Avios Points

I'm travelling to Tenerife on British Airways from Gatwick Airport, South Terminal. The flight takes 4 hours and 20 minutes. I stayed the night before in the Premier Inn Gatwick Airport North. For an in-depth evaluation of my experience, check out my Premier Inn Gatwick Airport North Hotel review.

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I checked in early, so I was free to make use of the British Airways Business Lounge and Fast Track to get me through security. This is such a treat. The lounge has an extensive buffet breakfast, changing to lunch at 11.30. There are several very comfortable seating areas, including an upstairs, a Children's play area, and a business section with facilities to print. Breakfast was still on, so I made my selection and settled into a comfy booth. The food was hot and very fresh. 

Boarding flight BA 2702 from Gatwick to Tenerife South

Well watered and fed, I made my way down to the gate. I was in a privileged position in Group 1, which boarded the aircraft first. I settled into my seat 8F, a window seat. I was very happy with this seat as there was no seat behind me. This was part of the arrangement for the emergency exit. I could recline my seat without disturbing anyone behind. The aircraft is an Airbus A321, and the flight takes 4 hours 20 minutes. 

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The stewardess came around just before take-off with the lunchtime and drinks menu. Oh, what the heck, I'm on holiday. 

Lunch in business class on BA2702 from Gatwick to Tenerife South. 

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I opted for the fish, it was fine.  Everyone was in a holiday mood, and they were starting early as they ran out of white wine and Champagne. 

How do I afford to travel in business class?

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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. Sometimes, it can work out cheaper if you book an economy seat. 

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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. After signing in to the BA Executive Club, I would have the option to see how many points I would need. 

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British Airways is my favoured airline. I check out the prices on Skyscanner to make comparisons for 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.

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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.  

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Then check out the details on the BA 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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You'll find most retailers take it now, which was not the case a few years ago. So petrol and food are all on AMEX, and I pay the bill in full at the end of the month. It soon accumulates. Occasionally, BA will have a special offer showing how to add extra points. 

I'm Going to Barbados Solo on British Airways

I hate long-haul flights.  I feel I miss out on some wonderful destinations. I'm joining P and O Arvia for their transatlantic cruise from Barbados to Southampton. So rather than use the Jet2 flight one way, I've opted to travel on BA. I've used my points for part payment for a business class flight from Heathrow to Barbados. I'll let you know how I get on.