Last Updated: 29 Sep 2024
If you're an Avios collector, you know how challenging it can be to secure BA reward flights on popular routes. But for those willing to plan ahead, our BA Flight Finder can make all the difference.
Reward Flight Finder Alerts work by notifying you as soon as your preferred routes become available. This can give you a major advantage when booking flights for high-demand destinations where seats tend to disappear quickly.
The key to making the most of RFF Alerts is to set them well in advance — ideally up to a year ahead. Some destinations are more popular than others at different times of the year, so understanding these trends can also help you plan more effectively.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular BA reward flight routes for which travellers have set RFF Alerts in 2024. We’ll explore why these destinations are in such high demand and provide tips on how to increase your chances of booking your dream trip.
London – Cape Town
Cape Town isn't your average city break – it's a little bit of everything from beaches to mountains. One of its main draws is the famous Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Hike (or cable car it, no judgement) to its top for brag-worthy photos of the dramatic cityscape.
Cape Town's coastline is equally impressive with some of the best beaches in the world. Clifton and Camps Bay are known for their white sands perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
And that's just the beginning. If you’re a fan of scenic drives, Chapman’s Peak Drive provides views of the coastline that will leave you reaching for your camera at every turn. Cape Point Nature Reserve lets you witness the epic clash of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, while a day trip to Kruger National Park throws you into the heart of a real-life safari.
When it comes to booking your flights with Avios, you can get Premium Economy tickets for 47,500 Avios plus £165 each way and Business Class for 90,000 Avios plus £225 each way.
Flights to Cape Town are frequent from Heathrow, but Business Class seats are especially popular due to the comfortable flight times and the limited number of reward seats released. The best time to visit Cape Town is during the South African summer, from November to March when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. However, this peak season also means a higher demand for reward seats.
To increase your chances of securing a seat, consider setting BA Flight Finder Alerts for travel during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to November up to 11 months ahead. These periods come with milder weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices. By planning ahead and setting alerts for these less popular times, you'll have a better shot at finding the reward seats you need.
London – Maldives
Think of the Maldives as the ultimate escape button, a place where the closest thing to stress is deciding which tropical cocktail to sip next. It's the kind of destination that graces travel magazines’ covers and tops travellers’ bucket lists worldwide. Picture overwater bungalows, turquoise waters, and colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life, and you’ll get what we’re talking about.
Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will be in their element here exploring the coral gardens and spotting exotic fish. For those who prefer to stay dry, a sunset cruise is the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty. And the romantics can look forward to starlit dinners on private beaches and sunsets that look like someone spilled a paintbrush full of fiery oranges and pinks across the sky.
When it comes to booking your flights with Avios, you can get Premium Economy tickets for 47,500 Avios plus £165 each way and Business Class for 90,000 Avios plus £225 each way.
Flights are scheduled three days a week over the UK spring and summer. However, in the UK autumn and winter, these flights increase to daily. Despite this frequency, the Maldives remains one of the most popular BA destinations for all travellers. Flights are always in high demand, especially in the premium cabins. This is not just because of the destination’s popularity but also due to the long journey involved. Everyone wants to arrive in paradise well-rested and pampered, which means those Business Class seats disappear fast.
The Maldives enjoys peak travel times from November to April, when the weather is perfect for beach activities and exploring the underwater world. However, this also means that demand for reward seats is at its highest during these months. It’s best to set RFF Alerts well in advance to stand a chance of securing your dream trip — at least 11 months ahead for the best shot at nabbing those seats.
London – Dubai
Dubai isn't for the faint of wallet, but the city sure knows how to make you feel like royalty. From fine dining to high-end retail therapy, the city has it all. Soar to the top of the world's tallest building for high tea with a view or shop 'til you drop at the Dubai Mall. This isn’t your average mall — oh no, this place is a behemoth with over 1,200 stores, an indoor ice rink, an aquarium, and even a waterfall.
But Dubai is not all glitz and glam. Adventure lovers will love the desert safari experience that lets you strap yourself into a 4x4 and roar across the desert dunes feeling like a desert explorer (with air conditioning, because let's be honest).
Fancy hitting the slopes? Yep, you read that right. Dubai has an indoor ski resort, where you can go from skiing down snowy peaks to lounging by the pool – all on the same day. And don't miss the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims that provides interesting insights into local traditions and Islamic architecture.
As for BA reward flights, you can get Premium Economy seats for 42,500 Avios plus £140 each way and Business Class for 80,000 Avios plus £175 each way.
Dubai is well-connected with multiple daily flights from London, making reward seats slightly easier to get compared to other hot spots like the Maldives. However, the best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months from October to April. The weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions without melting under the desert sun.
Given the popularity of this period, it's wise to set RFF Alerts for your travel plans during these months, especially if you’re eyeing Business Class seats. By setting alerts well in advance, you’ll be first in line to snap up the best deals as soon as they become available.
London - Singapore
This tiny island nation packs a punch for every kind of traveller. Here, towering skyscrapers meet lush green spaces and futuristic tree-like structures erupt from the ground like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Start your day with a stroll through the immaculate Gardens by the Bay that features the iconic Supertree Grove. Then, head to a nearby hawker centre where you can feast on mouth-watering dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and laksa — all for a fraction of what you'd pay in a high-end restaurant. Spend the evening lounging by the world's longest infinity pool, perched atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel.
Shopping enthusiasts will find their paradise on Orchard Road, while history buffs can explore the colonial architecture and charming neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Little India. And don't miss the chance to snap a selfie with the iconic Merlion statue, a mythical creature that's half-lion, half-fish (don’t ask, it just works).
Booking flights to Singapore with Avios is straightforward but requires some strategic planning. Premium Economy seats are available for 55,000 Avios plus £215 each way, while Business Class seats will set you back 110,000 Avios plus £300 each way.
Given the city’s blend of business and leisure appeal, these seats are in high demand year-round. Singapore's perpetual popularity means securing a seat in a premium cabin can be tricky. To improve your odds, we suggest setting RFF Alerts at least eight months in advance to be the first to know when reward seats become available.
London – Sydney
This Aussie metropolis is all about harbour views, beach bumming, and outdoor adventures. You’ll find yourself sipping a flat white at a chic cafe in Surry Hills, the Sydney Opera House gleaming in the background, and the waves of Bondi Beach calling your name.
Start your adventure by scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge — yes, you can actually climb it! The views from the top are absolutely heart-pounding and worth the effort. If lounging is more your style, Bondi Beach is the place to be. It's perfect for soaking up the sun, people-watching, and maybe even catching a few waves if you’re feeling adventurous.
For a cultural fix, explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales or take a stroll through the quirky street art-filled lanes of Newtown. And let’s not forget the food — Sydney’s culinary scene is a smorgasbord of international flavours and fresh local produce, whether you’re dining in a beachside shack or a swanky rooftop bar. All in all, this bucket-list destination has it all — world-class attractions, stunning natural beauty, and a laid-back vibe.
But here's the kicker: getting there from London involves a long-haul flight that's nearly 25 hours in total travel time! So, comfort is key, and that’s where booking your flights with Avios can make all the difference. Business Class seats cost 145,000 Avios plus £375 each way and First Class seats will set you back 170,000 Avios plus between £350 to £450 each way. Trust us, for a flight this long, the extra Avios are worth it for the lie-flat seats and top-notch service.
Sydney attracts tourists year-round, making it a hot commodity for reward seats in premium cabins. That’s why we suggest setting RFF Alerts a full year in advance for the best chance to nab seats as soon as they become available.
Planning your next getaway?
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