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What's an Avios Point Worth?
Understanding the true value of your hard-earned Avios points
As someone who's spent countless hours analysing and redeeming Avios points (and helping others do the same), I often get asked: "What's an Avios point actually worth?" While many articles suggest a fixed value, the reality is more nuanced. Let me share my personal experience and insights to help you understand what your Avios points are really worth.
The Short Answer: 1p to 1.5p per point
In most cases, you'll get between 1p and 1.5p value per Avios point. However, I've personally achieved values over 2.5p per point on several occasions, particularly with business class redemptions. The key is knowing when and how to use them.
Real-World Examples from My Recent Bookings
Short-haul Sweet Spots
One of my favourite uses of Avios is for last-minute short-haul flights. Recently, I needed a quick return flight from London to Amsterdam. From memory, the economy cash price was over £200 at the time, but I used 14,500 Avios + £95 in fees for business class. So I assumed that the redemption worked out to about 1.5p per point - significantly above average.
Long-haul Business Class
A while back, I booked a business class one way ticket to Tokyo for 77k Avios + £242 in fees. The cash price was £3400, meaning I got about 4.1p per point in value (after subtracting the fees). This is where Avios really shine - premium cabin redemptions often offer the best value.
Understanding Common Valuations
Different publications value Avios differently:
Some suggest 1p per point baseline
Others go as high as 1.5p for average redemptions
Premium cabin enthusiasts often cite 2p+
Where You'll Find the Best Value
Last-minute bookings
Emergency trips where cash prices are sky-high
Particularly valuable for UK domestic and European routes
Use our Smart Redemptions tool to quickly compare cash vs Avios prices
Off-peak business class
Long-haul premium cabins often offer the best cpp (cents per point)
Focus on routes with reasonable taxes/fees
Check Flight Seatmap to ensure you're getting the best seat available
Upgrade Awards
Upgrading from Premium Economy to Business can offer excellent value
Often achieves 1.5p+ per point
Where You'll Find Poor Value
Hotels and car rentals
Typically under 0.8p per point
Better to use dedicated hotel points or cash
Economy long-haul
High fees often make cash tickets better value
Exception: sales on reward flight saver routes
Peak season economy short-haul
Higher Avios rates but similar fees
Sometimes better to pay cash and earn points
Building Your Avios Balance
While understanding value is important, you also need to know how to earn them efficiently. Here's what I personally use:
American Express Cards (referral link)
Currently my main points earner
Substantial welcome bonuses
Great multipliers on specific spending categories
Barclaycard Avios Plus
Solid earning rate on daily spend
Annual cabin upgrade voucher
Capital on Tap Business/Pro (referral link)
Excellent for business expenses
Simple 1:1 earning structure
My Personal Strategy
I typically save my Avios for two specific scenarios:
Last-minute domestic or European flights where cash prices are excessive
Business class long-haul trips where I can get 2p+ per point
By focusing on these high-value redemptions and continuously building my balance through strategic credit card use, I maintain a healthy "bank" of Avios ready for when they'll offer maximum value.
The Bottom Line
While you can use 1p per point as a baseline, the true value of your Avios depends entirely on how you use them. Focus on high-value redemptions, be flexible with your travel dates, and don't be afraid to save them for premium cabins where you'll often get the best return.
Remember, points are meant to be used - don't hoard them forever waiting for the perfect redemption. Find a sweet spot between good value and actually enjoying your rewards!
What's your experience with Avios redemptions? Have you found any particularly good value routes or redemptions? Let me know in the comments below!
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