Finnair's 50% Avios Sale: The Best Deal We've Seen in 2024?

The Avios landscape has just shifted dramatically with Finnair's latest sale, offering what might be the best purchase rate we've seen this year. As someone who's constantly analysing these opportunities, I wanted to break down exactly why this deal deserves your attention.

The Current State of Play

Finnair's current 50% off sale has changed the game, offering Avios at just 0.874p each when purchasing larger amounts. This actually beats the previous champion - BA's boost program - which starts at 0.920p per Avios for the 3x multiplier.

Let's look at a practical example. For a purchase of 100,000 Avios:

• Finnair Sale: £873.60

• BA 3x Boost: £920.00

• Qatar Airways: £1,161.00

The savings might seem marginal, but they add up quickly when dealing with larger amounts.

When to Jump on This Deal

Before you rush to purchase, here's my strategic take on when this makes sense:

1. Large Purchases: The sweet spot is definitely in the higher tiers where you get the full 50% discount. If you're looking at smaller amounts (under 50,000 Avios), the value proposition diminishes significantly.

2. Specific Redemption in Mind: I always recommend using our Smart Redemptions tool to check availability before making any purchase. There's no point sitting on Avios if you can't use them for your desired routes.

3. Stack with Credit Card Earnings: Using the right card for your purchase can add another layer of value. For instance, using my Capital on Tap Business card adds another 1 Avios per pound spent.

When to Hold Off

Despite the attractive pricing, there are scenarios where waiting might be better:

1. No Immediate Need: If you're buying speculatively, remember that earning through credit card spend or regular flying often works out cheaper in the long run.

2. Small Quantities: The lower tiers of this sale (particularly under 50,000 Avios) don't offer competitive rates compared to other earning methods.

3. BA Boost Eligible: If you've recently earned Avios and are eligible for BA's boost program, the difference in rate might not justify switching to Finnair's offer.

My Personal Strategy

As someone holding British Airways Gold status and multiple points-earning cards, here's my approach:

1. First, I maximise organic earning through credit card spend and flying

2. Then, I look at boost opportunities when they align with my travel plans

3. Finally, I consider purchase opportunities like this Finnair sale for topping up when needed

For tracking my earnings and determining the best earning rates for specific routes, I regularly use our BA Avios Calculator.

Bottom Line

The Finnair sale represents the best pure purchase rate we've seen in 2024 at 0.874p per Avios. However, the decision to buy should always be based on your specific circumstances and travel goals.

Have you spotted any other great ways to acquire Avios? Let me know in the comments below!