So we have just booked our summer holiday flights to Cyprus for £50 each. This is British Airways Club Europe (Business Class) in Peak summer. Lovely flight times from Heathrow. Who needs to wait for the sales when this is available any time? The best way to maximise Joy and maximise value is saving tons of money with the best experience.
We would have booked summer in Cyprus anyway, Taz’s parents live over there and it’s the most beautiful place to spend a couple of weeks anytime but Summer is amazing. There’s been a big HooHa recently about Air Miles and how it encourages unnecessary flying etc, (you can have a read of the real story). Without AirMiles this is what we would have to pay for the same dates, including a case each.
2 x return tickets BA Club Europe £1435.94 or
2 x return tickets BA Economy Plus £745.94 or
2 x return tickets Whizz Air £944.36 (from Luton)
So BA’s Club Europe is much more expensive but what do you get for your money? Is it worth paying the extra for?
Cyprus is about a 4 and a half hour flight. That’s a long time to be stuck in an Economy (non reclining) seat. Club Europe is not the most luxurious Business Class product in the skies, however you do get:
Separate check in and Fast Track through security – without this last year we would have missed our flights – not our fault but a huge delay with the Meet and Greet parking that left us with half an hour to get from car park to plane. Happy Days parking by the way – one to avoid – it’s cheap for a reason!
British Airways lounge access – you can’t buy access to the BA lounges and they are FAB. Included in business class tickets.
Separate cabin – Depending on the aircraft this is usually middle seat empty so if you are travelling as a couple then there’s plenty of space between you.
Food and drink included – Decent food with proper cutlery and crockery and drinks including alcohol. And a hot towel – love a hot towel, makes me feel posh. This was most welcome at 6am.
Worth paying extra for – if you’re rich and can afford it, sure. No need as this is also what you get when you pay with Air Miles -with one extra, really important bonus which is….
Pay with money and if you need to change or cancel your ticket you only get the taxes and fees back. Pay with Air Miles and your ticket is flexible. It’s only a £35 fee to cancel, you get the rest of your money back, and the Air Miles are refunded. This is the most important benefit for us. We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, let alone next year. Will my back go again? What family events will pop up, or work? Who knows? To be able to cancel and not lose the fare is MAJOR. This is one of the (few!) things British Airways do well. Beware if you pay for pre-booked seats with British Airways though. You can get your money back but it’s not easy – I had to call in an expert.
You could search for cheap flights to Cyprus, but in peak summer the cheapest flights are still very expensive whether you book early, a few months in advance or last minute. The cheapest package holidays (in a 4 star hotel) are also in the thousands. Using Air Miles you can book your flight and then book your accommodation separately when you find the right deal. Make sure you are aware of the booking flight and hotel separately need to knows though.
We always use our Air Miles for Cyprus flights, Easter is another really expensive time and if you’re short on miles then Economy flights are £35. You can actually pay £1 for the flights with loads of miles but there’s better uses for your Air Miles like San Francisco or Toyko perhaps?
If you want more Air Miles inspiration, it’s not just British Airways that have great deals. Have a look at Virgin Atlantic Flying Club – we booked New York Premium Economy one way and Upper Class coming back for £567 each.
Check out our beginners guide to Airmiles video and article, and start planning your next get away. Where have you been with Air Miles? Or where would you like to go? Do ask if you have any questions. Happy to point you in the right direction. Happy travels.
