Cash component of reward flights raised 10–30% with five days' notice

£399 (LHR–JFK Club World round trip, off-peak, cash component) → £499

On May 22, 2026, British Airways emailed members that the cash element of Reward Flights would increase for bookings made on or after May 27, 2026, with Avios prices unchanged. Published examples put an off-peak Club World round trip London–New York at 176,000 Avios plus £499, World Traveller London–Cape Town at 66,000 Avios plus £190, Club Europe London–Rome one-way at 22,000 Avios plus £20, and Euro Traveller London–Amsterdam at 10,000 Avios plus £2.50; Doctor of Credit estimated the increases at 10–30% and Head for Points/InsideFlyer reported the New York business figure rose by £100. Bookings made before May 27 keep the old cash price, but changes to existing awards after that date reprice. This is the second increase in under six months, following the December 15, 2025 Avios and surcharge rise, and affects 1:1 transfers from Chase, American Express, Capital One, Bilt and Wells Fargo.

What to do: Price BA-operated awards through partner programs or on Aer Lingus/Iberia metal, and avoid modifying pre-May 27 bookings, which now reprice.