How To Upgrade Your British Airways Flight Using Avios

Have you booked seats on British Airways and are searching for easy ways to make a flight upgrade? Continue reading. 

There are only so many ways to upgrade a seat on British Airways. You can either do that through a voucher or via Avios. So, when you’ve met certain elite status criteria, you, along with your companion, can upgrade to the highest cabin with vouchers. Most travelers prefer Avios instead. 

Hence, in the following post for your convenience, we’ve covered in detail how to make British Airways Seat Upgrade with Avios, what are the various terms & conditions involved, & other important info. 

British Airways Premium Upgrade With Avios

British Airways provides 4 cabin classes to passengers: Economy, Premium Economy, Business & First Class. So, with the upgrade option you can enjoy a more luxurious cabin experience with better seating options, customer service, & much more.  

“Avios” is a form of reward currency for the British Airways Executive Club & their partners. There is the option of upgrading at the time of booking (select the Avios option) or with an existing flight afterward. You can upgrade one way or return it. These types of upgrades are available on reward flights, too. 

How To Use Avios For A British Airways Upgrade

Following are the steps involved in making an upgrade on British Airways to an existing flight. 

• From the Official Website
• Login to your account (Exclusive Club).
• Go to “Manage My Booking” page. 
• Scroll to the bottom of the page & look for the “Quick Links” section. 
• There you select “Upgrade My Class of Travel With Avios”.
• Here you have to follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. 

Note: in some cases, you will be prompted that you cannot make the upgrade from the website, you do have to contact an airline representative. In that case or generally speaking as per your preference, choose the second route.  

British Airways Upgrade Via BA Customer Representative

• Dial the British Airways airline representative number. 
• Share upgrade requests using Avios with the agent. 
• The agent will take some time to confirm availability. 
• If there is availability, you will be informed about the Avios to Miles structure. 
• If you agree to the conditions, go ahead with the process to complete your upgrade. 

Handy Tip: you may have to wait a bit longer when you are taking the call route. 

How Many Avios Needed For British Airways Upgrade

For making an upgrade on British Airways, the cost involved will depend upon the flight’s award price difference. For instance, let’s say you had booked premium economy & wanted to upgrade to business class. If the award price of premium economy is 40,000 Avios & for BA business class seats, it is 60,000 Avios. So, the upgrade will require 20,000 Avios. The exact award price varies throughout the year, so do check at the time. 

Terms & Conditions For BA Avios Upgrade 

Before you jump right ahead with making an upgrade, below is the list of policies that you should be aware of when utilizing Avios. 

• All types of upgrades made on Avios are subject to availability with certain fare restrictions as well. Do go through them at the time of making the booking and make the upgrade accordingly. 
• As stated above, members who belong to the British Airways Executive Club are eligible for Avios. 
• Customers who are upgrading from redemption tickets (tickets in exchange for any goods, services, or experiences) are not eligible for Avios points in either the original or upgraded cabin. 
• In terms of baggage policies and lounge access, they are in accordance with the upgraded cabin status and apply only to the upgraded part of the journey. 
• The infants traveling will be charged 10% of the upgrade fares, technically speaking. You have to check for upgrades accordingly.  
• Lastly, British Airways has the right to cancel or make any changes to any of the terms and conditions involving the update regarding major catastrophes, war-like situations, civil or military disturbances, earthquakes, etc. or any event that is outside the control of British Airways. 

Summary 

Thus, to make the upgrade on British Airways you can either take the call route or from the website after logging in to your exclusive club account. You are also aware of the important terms & conditions involved that will enable you to make a successful upgrade with Avios. A more comfortable and luxurious flight on British Airways awaits you now.