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Beginning December 15, 2025, all British Airways award redemptions will cost more Avios. Unfortunately, devaluations and price increases are the norm these days, but that doesn't make them any less frustrating. These changes apply to all British Airways-operated flights to all destinations, so if you were planning on booking a ticket soon, you only have a few days left to lock in better pricing.
Here's what you need to know about this British Airways Avios price increase.
All British Airways Award Redemptions Increasing in Price
Effective December 15, 2025, it'll be more expensive to book an award redemption on British Airways and partner airline flights. This change impacts both the number of Avios required for a redemption and the taxes and fees you'll pay. British Airways already charges some hefty taxes and fees on select redemptions, so this is disappointing news, to say the least.
Unfortunately, we don't know exactly how much prices will increase, but British Airways did share some examples of what travelers can expect.
| Route | Price today | Price from 15 December 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| London to Geneva, off-peak each-way, Economy | 9,250 + 50p | 10,000 + £1 |
| London to Geneva, off-peak each-way, Business | 15,000 + £12.50 | 16,500 + £15 |
| London to New York, off-peak return, Economy | 50,000 + £100 | 55,000 + £120 |
| London to New York, off-peak return, Premium Economy | 85,000 + £305 | 93,500 + £350 |
| London to New York, off-peak return, Business | 160,000 + £375 | 176,000 + £399 |
| London to New York, off-peak return, First | 136,000 + taxes, fees and charges | 150,000 + taxes, fees and charges |
As you can see, the changes range from mild to painful. A short-haul, one-way economy award is only increasing by 750 Avios, while a long-haul return business class ticket is increasing by 16,000 Avios. Overall, it could be much worse.
British Airways posted an FAQ section along with the announcement, and the first question is what's on all of our minds: “Why have the prices increased?”
Here's what the airline has to say:
“We’ve kept our Reward Flight prices at the same level for some time, but we’re having to make these changes as a result of increasing Air Passenger Duty and third-party charges, as well as changing market conditions and ongoing inflation”
This reasoning checks out, even if it isn't what a frequent traveler wants to hear. Luckily, if you make a change to an existing flight on or after December 15, 2025, you won't need to pay the difference for the new fare if you're only changing the date or time. However, if you wish to change your cabin, destination, or seasonality (off-peak to a peak date), then you will need to pay the difference between the original amount and the new higher amount.
Related: How To Transfer Avios Between Accounts
Bottom Line
Starting December 15, 2025, you'll need more Avios to book the same British Airways seat. Although we don't have too many examples of updated pricing, it seems that the increase is manageable. It's not wholly surprising for British Airways to make this move after Iberia updated its award chart in May 2025. There's still plenty of value to be found in Avios, even if tickets are a bit more expensive.
If you are planning a trip for 2026, be sure to book your tickets before this change is implemented to lock in lower pricing. If you need to top off your British Airways Club account, you have no lack of options to do so:
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