British Airways is running a sale on award bookings departing the U.K. between 7 November 2019 and 30 April 2020 (book by November 21).

• 50% off economy and premium economy
• 10% off business and first

50% discount on economy awards may or may not make sense – often the taxes and fees on an economy award are almost as much as you’d pay for a revenue ticket (without the inconvenience of booking award availability, and revenue tickets earn miles and status). You do a little better with premium economy.

They’re running this discount when fares and load factors are lower, during the off season, and of course the discounts are modest in premium cabins.

From London to		World Traveller return flight			World Traveller Plus return flight			Club World return flight			First return flight
		50% off Avios	Full price Avios		50% off Avios	Full price Avios		10% off Avios	Full price Avios		10% off Avios	Full price Avios
New York		13,000	26,000		26,000	52,000		90,000	100,000		122,400	136,000
Mumbai		16,250	32,500		32,500	65,000		112,500	125,000		153,000	170,000
Los Angeles		19,500	39,000		39,000	78,000		135,000	150,000		183,600	204,000
Johannesburg		19,500	39,000		39,000	78,000		135,000	150,000		183,600	204,000

If you book roundtrip from the U.K. you get the discount in both directions. If you book from the U.S., book one ways, and you’ll get the discount on the return. Plus you want to book one ways when originating in the U.S. anyway for lower fuel surcharges.

Plus of course book a one way originating in the U.S. with a British Airways Visa Signature® Card and you’re eligible for a rebate on taxes and fees.

(HT: God Save the Points)