If you collect Avios and fly BA, Reward Flight Savers (RFS) are the switch that lets you cap the cash on reward bookings by spending more Avios. It appears on most British Airways operated routes today, short haul across Europe and many long haul services, though it doesn't apply to seats in the First Class cabin. The real magic shows when cash fares surge: school holidays, bank holiday weekends, last minute work trips, or event weeks when revenue tickets jump. With RFS, the cash element stays predictably low while you choose the Avios level that suits your balance.
To find reward seats before everyone else, make sure to utilise Reward Flight Finder (RFF). With the Availability Calendar, you can look up to a year ahead and see, month by month, which days have seats that fit your ideal holiday; you can set Alerts to get an instant nudge when new availability lands; and track individual flights with Flight-by-Flight so you can track specific departures to seize extra reward seats as soon as BA releases them.
For example, when using Reward Flight Saver on popular short haul routes like London to Barcelona, you could snap up a seat with Avios and pay just £1 cash each way, compared to the usual £35+ in surcharges. This means you won't miss out on these ultra low cash redemptions if you're watching the right flights at the right time.
At a glance: what Reward Flight Savers actually do
Reward Flight Saver became significantly more powerful in December 2022, when British Airways expanded the scheme beyond short haul and long haul economy. For the first time, RFS pricing was made available on long haul premium cabins, including World Traveller Plus and Club World. This expansion fundamentally changed how many Avios collectors use Reward Flight Saver. By capping cash charges on premium cabins, RFS began to offer a far more predictable way to book long haul Business Class and Premium Economy seats during peak travel periods. The change also strengthened the value of vouchers. Companion Vouchers and Upgrade Vouchers could now be paired with RFS pricing on a wider range of routes and cabins, allowing travellers to reduce both Avios and cash costs on flights that would otherwise attract high surcharges.
Using a BA Companion Voucher with RFS effectively gives you the benefit twice, because both passengers pay the reduced RFS cash amount while Avios are discounted via the voucher.
- Fixed cash + variable Avios. BA shows several Avios/cash mixes on the slider; RFS options keep the cash flat while you adjust Avios.
- Where it applies. All sectors in your ticket must be RFS-eligible or the whole booking prices without RFS. First Class is excluded. UK/Ireland domestic connections can price on one flat RFS cash amount with the longer journey Avios. britishairways.com
- Who gets it? To see RFS prices you must have earned at least 1 Avios in the previous 12 months (any earn counts: Nectar, Uber, partner transfers, Nectar Credit Card, other Amex Membership Rewards cards, etc.). If not eligible, BA shows the standard reward with full taxes/fees. See BA's Conditions of Use.
- Long-haul included. RFS was extended to long haul cabins (World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World) in December 2022.
- Expect occasional adjustments. BA has tweaked RFS cash levels (e.g., rises reported on short haul in mid 2024 and continuing into 2026). Rely on the live fare shown when you price your trip.
How to find RFS seats quickly
Use Availability Calendar and set Alerts to pinpoint target dates, then jump into BA.com to price the best Avios cash mix.
On BA.com
- Log in to your British Airways Club account on the BA website.
- Use the flight search tool; select "Book a flight with Avios" to ensure you see reward flight options, not cash fares.
- Enter your origin, destination, and dates. RFS applies only if all segments are operated by BA (no partners) and you have earned at least 1 Avios in the past 12 months.
- Search results will show a range of Avios and cash combinations for eligible flights. RFS options display a fixed or "capped" cash element with variable Avios; these are marked in the pricing options.
- Use the Avios cash slider on the pricing page to select the mix that fits your balance and preferences. The lowest fixed cash options correspond to RFS pricing.
- Toggle between nearby dates to check for better Avios or cash pricing (off peak/peak differences), and review alternative flights if your preferred one is unavailable.
When to set Alerts: at schedule open (roughly 355 days before departure, known as T 355), and again in the fortnight leading up to departure (from about 14 days out to 2 days before the flight, called T 14 to T 2).
- Flight by Flight availability: track specific flights for last minute drops. Start here: Pricing & plans and Flight by Flight.
- When to set alerts: at schedule open 355 days before departure, and again between 14 days and 2 days before departure, when BA sometimes releases extra seats. Pair with Flight by Flight for surgical routes.
BA guarantees a minimum of reward seats on every flight, 8 Economy, 2 Premium Economy, 4 Business, and a smaller guarantee from London City. Seats load when schedules open and at occasional top ups, so Alerts matter!
RFS vs Part Pay with Avios: What's the difference?
Reward Flight Saver (RFS) and Part Pay with Avios both mix Avios and cash, but they're not the same thing.
Reward Flight Saver (RFS) caps the cash on reward seats flown by BA. Part Pay with Avios is different, it lets you discount a normal cash fare by spending Avios on BA.com. If you're looking at a paid ticket and saw "£X off," that's Part Pay, not RFS. See BA's guide to Avios part payment
Snapshot comparison: RFS vs Part Pay
| Feature | Reward Flight Saver (RFS) | Part Pay with Avios |
|---|---|---|
| What it applies to | Avios reward seats on BA operated flights | Cash tickets (paid fares) on BA.com |
| Cash element | Fixed "capped" cash options shown at checkout | You reduce the cash fare by spending Avios (discount varies) |
| Avios element | You pick from several Avios + fixed cash mixes | You spend Avios to lower a normal fare; no guarantee on pence per Avios |
| Availability | When reward seats exist (and your account is eligible) | When cash fares exist on BA.com |
| First Class | No RFS for First | Can use Part Pay on First if buying a cash fare |
| Partners | No (BA metal only) | Yes, if buying a BA ticketed cash fare that allows Part Pay |
| Best for | Capping cash on reward bookings; peak dates | Trimming the cash price when you'd prefer to buy a ticket |
Even some of the most seasoned Avios collectors may not know that it's actually possible to reduce the amount of cash (through taxes and fees) on most reward flights.
But we're here to tell you how. BA has a programme called "Reward Flight Saver" whereby BA subsidises the taxes and fees. You pay Avios and a flat cash fee and in return for more or fewer Avios, you can choose to pay less or more cash. This can give you some great flexibility when booking reward seats, particularly if money is tight.
RFS Rule of thumb:
- If you're booking a reward seat → think RFS.
- If you're buying a cash fare and want to spend a few Avios to reduce it → think Part Pay
When RFS shines (and when it doesn't)
RFS is strongest when you're trading Avios for cash certainty. Think busy travel windows or trips you can't shift by a day or two. It's a weaker value when cash tickets are cheap or a partner airline works out cheaper. Reward Flight Saver often delivers its best value close to departure, as cash fares tend to surge while RFS pricing remains capped, allowing Avios collectors to lock in predictable out-of-pocket costs even at short notice.
Best times to use RFS
- Peak or last minute short haul when revenue prices jump (school holidays, bank holidays, weekenders booked late).
- Long haul in high fare periods (major events, summer) where a capped cash outlay helps you budget.
- Family trips where predictable cash beats eeking out every last fraction of a penny from your Avios.
When to pause and compare first
- Off peak weeks when cash fares dip, paying just with cash and saving Avios may win.
- Partner redemptions (Iberia, American, Qatar, etc.): partners don't use RFS fixed cash, so price both options side by side.
Super quick value check
- Pick a personal Avios value (a sensible UK guide is 1.0p per Avios).
- Use BA's Reward Flights page. Start a reward search on BA.com (logged in), select flights, and the Avios cash slider appears on the pricing page.
- If the extra Avios × your value is less than the cash saved, the RFS choice is likely the better deal.
Example Route & Cabin Table:
How to read it: "Total @ 1.0p/Avios" = Fixed Cash (£) + (Avios × £0.01).
Recommendation column picks the lowest total at this valuation.
Option A: more Avios, lower fixed cash (RFS)
Option B: mid Avios, same fixed cash (RFS)
Option C: fewer Avios, higher fixed cash (still RFS short haul)
| Route | Cabin | Option A | Option B | Option C | Recommendation (@ Total £0.01/Avios) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avios | Fixed Cash (mid) | Total @£0.01 | Avios | Fixed Cash (mid) | Total @£0.01 | Avios | Fixed Cash (mid) | Total @£0.01 | |||
| LDN → BCN (return) | Euro Traveller | 16,000 | £17.5 | £177.5 | 11,750 | £35 | £152.5 | 9,250 | £57.5 | £150.0 | Option C (fewest Avios, more cash) |
| LDN → ATH (return) | Club Europe | 36,000 | £27.5 | £387.5 | 27,250 | £65 | £337.5 | 22,000 | £100 | £320.0 | Option C |
| LDN → NYC (return) | World Traveller (Economy) | 50,000 | £250 | £750.0 | 25,000 | £375 | £625.0 | 20,000 | £525 | £725.0 | Option B (balanced) |
| LDN → NYC (one-way) | Club World (Business) | 120,000 | £400 | £1,600.0 | 80,000 | £575 | £1,375.0 | 60,000 | £725 | £1,325.0 | Option C |
| LDN → DXB (one-way) | World Traveller Plus (Premium) | 65,000 | £200 | £850.0 | 42,500 | £300 | £725.0 | 30,000 | £400 | £700.0 | Option C |
At checkout BA shows an Avios cash slider with multiple combinations. RFS options cap the cash; other options let you pay fewer Avios with a higher cash co pay. Pick the mix that suits your balance and budget (walkthroughs: BA’s Reward Flights, and independent guides from Simple Flying).
How to Use RFS on Short haul vs Long haul
Below is a quick guide to where RFS delivers the best value on UK Europe hops and long haul routes—and a key caveat that First Class isn’t eligible for RFS.
Short haul (UK Europe): when RFS shines
On BA short haul (Euro Traveller and Club Europe), Reward Flight Saver usually drives the cash element down to a predictable, fixed amount, so you’re mostly trading Avios for certainty on cash. This is especially valuable when:
- Peak dates (school holidays, bank holidays) push cash fares up.
- Last minute trips within Europe would otherwise be expensive.
- You’re Avios rich but cash constrained, and want to lock in low out of pocket costs.
- You’re using a companion or upgrade voucher and want to keep the cash sensible on BA metal.
How to sanity check value for short haul:
- Compare the best RFS option to the cheapest cash fare on your dates; if the fare is unusually low, save your Avios.
- If you’re flexible by a day or two, check off peak dates—the Avios cost drops while RFS keeps cash predictable.
- Use Availability Calendar to scan a month in seconds, then set Alerts for your preferred days and cabins.
Long haul (e.g., London ↔ New York): more Avios for capped cash
Since British Airways extended RFS to long haul cabins (World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World), you’ll typically see fixed cash options that are lower and more predictable than the old surcharge patterns—but you’ll spend more Avios for those low cash choices.
When long haul RFS is attractive:
- Peak or short notice travel where cash fares are high.
- You value cash predictability (for example booking for a family).
- You can earn Avios quickly (flying, credit cards, Nectar conversions, transfers, etc.).
When to pause and compare:
- Shoulder or off peak periods where paid fares dip.
- Routes where a partner airline (no RFS) creates a better overall deal.
Quick value test (long haul):
Estimate a value for your Avios (for example 1.0p each is a sensible UK rule of thumb). If “extra Avios you’d spend” × “your value per Avios” is less than the cash you save with the RFS option, that RFS choice is likely good value for you.
RFS Cabin value:
- Economy or Premium: Frequently attractive, especially short haul; long haul value varies (see BA’s Reward Flights).
- Club World: Long haul RFS made cash outlays more predictable but increased Avios outlay; value hinges on your personal Avios versus cash trade off.
Important: Unfortunately, Reward Flight Saver pricing isn’t available for British Airways First Class. You can still redeem Avios for First, but the cash element is variable (no RFS cap). Consider setting RFF’s Flight by Flight Alerts for last minute First openings, and weigh Club World versus First on your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I find RFS?
Availability varies by route and season, but the blue RFS marker appears widely on BA operated flights whenever reward seats exist. Short haul UK ↔ Europe often shows RFS on most days with seats; many long haul routes (for example London New York or Doha) also display RFS when BA opens reward space. Use RFF to avoid day by day checks: Availability Calendar to scan months at a glance, Alerts for instant pings when seats drop, and Flight by Flight to watch specific services.
Is RFS linked to off peak dates?
No. RFS can show on peak or off peak days. Off peak only reduces the Avios required; it does not control whether an RFS cash option is available.
Do I qualify if I haven’t earned Avios recently?
To unlock RFS, your British Airways Club account must have earned at least 1 Avios in the previous 12 months. Any qualifying earn counts (flights, Nectar, Uber, partner transfers, credit card earnings such as Amex Membership Rewards, etc.). Always check BA’s live Reward Flights page for the latest conditions.
Does RFS apply on partner or franchise flights?
No. RFS applies to British Airways operated flights only. Partner or franchise redemptions can be booked with Avios, but their cash element is variable, not capped by RFS.
Is First Class included in RFS?
No. RFS does not apply to First Class. You can still redeem Avios for First, but the cash component remains variable and tied to standard reward pricing.
Do all flights in a booking need to have RFS?
Yes. For a single ticket to price with RFS, every sector in that booking must be RFS eligible. If one sector is not, RFS drops from the whole ticket. Booking separate tickets can preserve RFS on one leg, but you lose misconnect protection—use with caution.
Can I use Companion or Upgrade vouchers with RFS?
Yes—on BA operated flights. Amex 2 for 1 or Travel Together vouchers, and Barclays or Barclaycard upgrade vouchers, typically reduce Avios outlay, and you can still pick an RFS fixed cash option at checkout. Always test several Avios cash mixes to find the sweet spot.
Why do I see multiple Avios cash options at checkout?
BA presents an Avios cash slider. You’ll usually see:
• a more Avios / less fixed cash option (RFS)
• a balanced option (RFS)
• a fewer Avios / more fixed cash option (often still RFS on short haul)
Choose the mix that suits your Avios balance and cash preference.
Is Club World good value with RFS?
Often—especially at peak times—because cash is capped. You’ll typically spend more Avios than older pricing patterns, so compare across dates and cabins and use a quick value test before deciding.
How do I quickly judge whether an RFS option is a good deal?
Pick a personal Avios value (for example £0.008 to £0.012). If (extra Avios × your value per Avios) is less than the cash you save by choosing the lower cash RFS option, that option is likely to offer better value for you.
Has RFS pricing changed recently?
BA periodically adjusts fixed cash amounts (short haul increases were reported in 2024 and 2025). Some routes and cabins may carry higher cash levels today than they did in 2022. Always rely on the live Avios cash slider on BA.com for your exact dates and cabins.
Any advanced tips to squeeze more value?
Shift toward off peak dates to reduce Avios while RFS keeps cash predictable; consider one ways and mix and match (RFS one way plus paid or partner return) if the total trip value improves; try alternate airports to surface more seats; and recheck close to booking as cash levels and availability can move.
What’s the fastest way to find RFS seats?
Use RFF: Availability Calendar to scan months instantly, Alerts for real time seat drops, and Flight by Flight to monitor specific services you care about. Start here: Pricing & plans and Flight by Flight.
Change and cancellation fees: amounts vary by departure country (for example UK ~£35). Always check BA’s live table for your region: Reward flight booking and service fees
So, is RFS good value?
RFS is British Airways’ way of capping cash on Avios bookings, for the benefit of travellers. It’s powerful for UK travellers when cash fares are high, and it can make premium cabins more attainable if you’re willing to spend more Avios. Compare the slider options, watch peak and off peak patterns, and let RFF handle the heavy lifting with Availability Calendar, Alerts, and Flight by Flight tracking so you never miss seats.
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