By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: British Airways Avios use a distance-based chart, and BA has devalued it periodically: a major increase in 2019, a 10 to 40 percent hike on certain partner short-hauls in 2023, and an across-the-board 8 to 14 percent rise in December 2025, alongside higher cash fees on Reward Flight Saver. Avios remain useful for short-haul, but each round chips away at the value.
A chart that keeps getting more expensive
Unlike the airlines that killed their charts, British Airways kept its distance-based Avios chart but has raised the numbers over the years. The last big jump before recently was May 2019, and in September 2023 BA quietly increased Avios needed for certain Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines short-haul flights by 10 to 40 percent, following an earlier 2021 increase. The chart stays, but the prices climb. See British Airways Avios guide.
The December 2025 devaluation
In December 2025, now branded the British Airways Club, BA raised award prices across the board by roughly 8 to 14 percent, including short-haul intra-Europe flights and long-haul routes to the US and Asia, on BA and Oneworld partners alike. Cash fees on Reward Flight Saver rose too, hitting economy hardest, which shifted the math toward spending more Avios and less cash. See the surcharge trap.
Where Avios still work
Even after the hikes, the distance-based chart keeps short-haul flights cheap, especially on partners like American and Alaska, which remains the Avios sweet spot. The lesson is to use Avios for short-haul value, book before the next increase, and avoid long-haul BA awards with heavy surcharges. See best points for Avios and the devaluation overview.
Frequently asked questions
Has British Airways devalued Avios?
Yes, repeatedly. A major increase came in 2019, certain partner short-hauls rose 10 to 40 percent in 2023, and a broad 8 to 14 percent hike landed in December 2025, along with higher Reward Flight Saver cash fees.
Does BA still use an award chart for Avios?
Yes, a distance-based chart, unlike the US airlines that went dynamic. But BA has raised the chart numbers over the years, so the chart provides predictability while still devaluing.
What is the December 2025 Avios devaluation?
An across-the-board increase of roughly 8 to 14 percent on award tickets, on BA and Oneworld partners, plus higher cash fees on Reward Flight Saver that hit economy hardest, under the rebranded British Airways Club.
Are Avios still worth it?
Yes for short-haul, where the distance-based chart keeps flights on partners like American and Alaska cheap. Avoid long-haul BA awards with heavy surcharges, and book before the next increase.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
