British Airways Unveils New Avios-Only Flights: Fly to Palma or Heraklion From 14k Avios Each Way

British Airways releases several Avios-only flights every year. Unfortunately, there isn't usually much notice when these flights open for booking, so they tend to sell out quickly. However, if you're lucky enough to get a seat, they can be a great way to maximize your Avios.

The latest British Airways Avios-only flights have just been released, covering routes between London Heathrow and Palma or Heraklion in summer 2027. Here's how you can book them.

What Are Avios-Only Flights?

Avios-only flights are available exclusively to members of The British Airways Club. These flights open every seat in every cabin for purchase with Avios, up from the standard 12 to 14 guaranteed reward seats. Since the promotion launched in 2023, British Airways has operated over 50 Avios-only flights to destinations worldwide.

In the latest installment, you can travel round-trip to Palma, Mallorca for 28,000 Avios and $10 in taxes and fees in economy, or 49,000 Avios and $76.45 in taxes and fees in business, including checked luggage. You can also fly to Heraklion, Crete for 33,500 Avios plus $10 in taxes and fees in economy, or 60,000 Avios plus $80 in taxes and fees in business.

Seats officially opened on October 22, 2026, but Avios-only flights typically sell out very quickly, so you'll want to act fast. However, if they don't sell out, tickets will be available until May 21, 2027. After May 21, any remaining seats may become available to all customers. You can book these flights the same way you'd normally book a reward flight.

If you're based in the UK and have the British Airways American Express Credit Card, you can use your companion voucher when booking seats on Avios-only flights.

Here's a glimpse at what you can book.

Avios-Only Flights from London to Palma

The round-trip from London (LHR) to Palma, Mallorca (PMI) is scheduled for the following dates:

• Outbound London to Palma, August 14, 2027, on BA494.
• Inbound Palma to London, August 21, 2027, on BA495.

We're seeing plenty of availability in both economy and business in both directions. Whether you pay 28,000 Avios for economy or 49,000 Avios for business on this quick flight is up to you. But remember — sometimes the British Airways Avios plus cash option yields higher value, so make sure to quickly do the math before you book.

Screenshot of British Airways

Avios-Only Flights from London to Heraklion

The London to Heraklion, Crete (HER) round trip is scheduled for the following dates:

• Outbound London to Heraklion on August 14, 2027, on BA698.
• Inbound Heraklion to London on August 21, 2027, on BA697.

There is also plenty of availability for the Heraklion Avios-only flights at the advertised round-trip rates: 33,500 Avios in economy or 60,000 Avios in business.

Screenshot of British Airways

Boosting Your Avios Mileage Balance

You're spoiled for choice if you need to boost your Avios balance to book your next award. U.S.-based travelers can transfer a wide range of flexible points currencies to British Airways to boost their balance, including:

• American Express Membership Rewards points transfer at a ratio of 1:1, with a minimum transfer of 1,000 points, and Amex runs regular transfer bonuses.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer at a ratio of 1:1, with a minimum transfer of 1,000 points.
• Capital One miles transfer at a ratio of 1:1, with a minimum transfer of 1,000 points.
• Bilt Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio.
• Wells Fargo Rewards points transfer at a ratio of 1:1 with a minimum transfer of 1,000 points.
• Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio with a minimum transfer of 3,000 points. You also receive a 5,000 Avios bonus when you transfer at least 60,000 Marriott Points in one go.

In addition, you can transfer a wide variety of other bank and hotel points to BA:

If those options don't work for you, BA shares its Avios currency with Iberia, Aer Lingus, Finnair, Vueling, Loganair, and Qatar Airways. You can freely transfer your Avios between programs, so you could transfer Citi ThankYou^® Points to Qatar Airways and then to British Airways.

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Our Take

Whether you want to go to the beach in Mallorca or explore Crete, these Avios-only flights open up tons of award seats for travelers flush with Avios. However, crunch the numbers based on your Avios balance and travel goals to get the best value. After all, you might need to take a positioning flight to London to book these routes.

Luckily, even though Avios-only flights operate on a limited number of dates, both trips fall on a weekend, which makes travel a bit easier.

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