Avios prices rise 8–14% on BA and partner awards; cash surcharges also increase

25,000 Avios (LHR–JFK off-peak economy, one-way) → 27,500 Avios

Effective December 15, 2025 (announced early December), British Airways raised Avios prices for reward flights by roughly 8–14% across all cabins, on both its own flights and partner redemptions booked through BA, with long-haul BA awards up a uniform 10%. The cash component of award tickets rose at the same time, by roughly £0.50 to £12.50 depending on the route, with economy redemptions hit hardest on the cash side. Japan Airlines partner awards saw the steepest Avios increases at 11–14%, and short-haul American Airlines and Alaska Airlines awards also rose. BA attributed the change to rising Air Passenger Duty, airport charges, and inflation; bookings made before the effective date kept prior pricing. Avios receives transfers from Chase, American Express, Capital One, and Bilt.

What to do: Short-haul partner awards remain the strongest Avios use; price the Avios-plus-cash slider both ways before booking.