Looking for advice on using Avion points

[eljay]

I'd like to fly to Europe (Budapest or Vienna) for Christmas from Halifax using Avion points.
I have 120,000, but would need 130,000 for two return tickets. To buy the additional 10,000 points, I'd need $400, which is quite steep and I hope I won't have to do that.

I know it's now cutting it close to buy the tickets.

My question is whether the Avion to BA promo will happen very soon again and if I can count on that transaction happening quickly, so that I can buy the tickets in time.
Also, I am not sure that BA miles will be able to fly me and my girl to Budapest or Vienna from Halifax.

Any advice?

Thank you.

[Lockz]

I'm also looking out for the Avion to BA promo, it should be happening I think in the second or third week of November. What you could do until then is sign up with BA Executive Club and look for flights to see if these bookings are doable, and how many points you would need.

[i6s1]

Sign up for a BA Visa from RBC and use the bonus points from that. You'll have to pay the yearly fee once, but it's cheaper then $400.

You can buy $10 000 worth of gift cards for stores and gas stations that you frequent.

You can transfer Esso Extra points 3 for 2 to RBC Rewards. You can get some points for free for signing up for Esso Extra and getting a speedpass, if you haven't already.

You can sign up for RBC VIP banking and get 15000 points. You'll have to pay 1-2 months of $30 fees. You can get another 5000 points for customswitch, which closes your old account.

If you have SPG Starpoints, you can trade them for BA points. Many other hotel loyalty programs offer points as well.

You can also see if RBC Rewards Dining has any resturants that you go to.

You could fly to England on points and then use Easyjet or Ryan Air to fly to somewhere in the former Austria-Hungaria Empire. Thier flights can be pretty cheap.

But honestly, I'd probably just buy the tickets. It takes a while to save that many points, and if you transfer now, then you'll lose out on the 50% bonus which will cost you 60 000 points. Buy the tickets now (from BA or Oneworld) and use 180 000 points on your next trip.

I doubt that there's even good rewards availablity by now... December is a pretty busy travel month.

[i6s1]

Why do you think you need 130000 points? Austria and Hungary are both 60000 each.

[eljay]

Many good points! Thanks.

Regarding the 130,000 points, I was looking at Avion redemption schedule, but you are correct that only 120,000 are needed for BA Miles.

Sign up for a BA Visa from RBC and use the bonus points from that. You'll have to pay the yearly fee once, but it's cheaper then $400.


You can buy $10 000 worth of gift cards for stores and gas stations that you frequent.

I'd have to find someone else to do that. :D


You can transfer Esso Extra points 3 for 2 to RBC Rewards. You can get some points for free for signing up for Esso Extra and getting a speedpass, if you haven't already.

I do have speedpass, but probably only 1,000 Esso Extra points on it. :(


You can sign up for RBC VIP banking and get 15000 points. You'll have to pay 1-2 months of $30 fees. You can get another 5000 points for customswitch, which closes your old account.


That's probably the best advice right there! $60 is better than $400.


If you have SPG Starpoints, you can trade them for BA points. Many other hotel loyalty programs offer points as well.


Nothing here. :(


You can also see if RBC Rewards Dining has any resturants that you go to.


Not much restaurant dining happening for me. I guess if I had to eat my way to Europe... :D


You could fly to England on points and then use Easyjet or Ryan Air to fly to somewhere in the former Austria-Hungaria Empire. Thier flights can be pretty cheap.


I've done that once, but I won't do it again. Sleepover at Heathrow on the way back plus paying $50 per person to transfer between London airports unless flying from Gatwick, plus multiple carriers at Christmas time can turn into an unpleasant trip.


But honestly, I'd probably just buy the tickets. It takes a while to save that many points, and if you transfer now, then you'll lose out on the 50% bonus which will cost you 60 000 points. Buy the tickets now (from BA or Oneworld) and use 180 000 points on your next trip.


I thought of that too, but I guess where I'm searching just now, quick scan of prices was giving me $2500 per person! Most I ever paid was $1400 per person.


I doubt that there's even good rewards availability by now... December is a pretty busy travel month.

True. :(

I think I'll try your VIP Banking suggestion if it comes down to that.