Ask Alisha_ Navigating Upcoming Travel Trends as an Avios Collector

1. Ask Alisha: Navigating Upcoming Travel Trends as an Avios Collector As 2023 unfolds, the aviation industry is busy forecasting trends for the coming months. Airlines and travel researchers are now providing valuable insights into what the future holds for avid globetrotters. But what does it mean for you as an Avios collector? In this article, we tap into the knowledge of our resident points expert, Alisha Collins. A seasoned traveller herself, Alisha helps us decode what these trends mean for Avios collectors and how to best navigate the dynamic landscape of BA reward seats using the British Airways’ Travel Trends report for 2023, along with insights from our own RFF member research. Importance of Travel to Personal Health and Wellbeing In an era of rising living costs, many are finding ways to tighten their purse strings. However, one area that seems immune to this trend is travel. A staggering 81% of the respondents of a BA survey marked holidays as an important aspect of their well-being, with two-thirds saying their value has increased in the aftermath of the pandemic. This rings particularly true for 65% of BA customers who claimed that holidays have become more cherished compared to pre-COVID times. Interestingly, 50% expressed a keen interest in destinations offering health and spa treatments. This gives rise to an expectation that destinations known for their luxurious wellness resorts - Ibiza, Costa Rica, Maldives, Iceland, and Japan - will see a spike in demand.

2. But what does this mean for Avios collectors? Simply put, the competition for reward seats is about to heat up. BA guarantees a certain number of seats per flight, and with more individuals vying for these spots, securing your dream reward seat routes is becoming increasingly challenging. Places like Singapore, Maldives, Sydney, and Tokyo, with their immense appeal, are expected to be in high demand. Given this scenario, it’s more important than ever for Avios collectors to make smart use of the tools at their disposal. A key recommendation for members of our reward seat finder is to utilise the 'Alerts' feature. Be proactive in setting up multiple alerts for your preferred destinations and do it well in advance - remember, BA reward seats can be released up to a year ahead. Increase in Worldwide Travel Demand The travel landscape has significantly shifted. In 2019, only 56% of people took at least one holiday abroad per year. Fast forward to 2023, a whopping 72% of UK consumers now intend to spend a minimum of a week overseas. Moreover, 28% have plans to take more holidays than they did in 2022. The restrictions and lockdowns of the past few years have resulted in a strong pent-up desire for travel, spurring a "now or never" attitude among holidaymakers. This new mindset, coupled with the prioritisation of holidays over other expenditures has considerably intensified the demand for reward seats. According to the data, 64% of BA customers are actively pursuing holiday experiences more than ever before. This has notably impacted the most sought-after destinations, with RFF members searching for reward seat destinations 85% more than in 2022. Given the heightened demand, it's important for Avios collectors to strategically use RFF's tools to their advantage. Utilising our Calendar Search at least once a week is an effective way to stay on top of reward seat availability. We also strongly recommend setting Alerts for desired seats well in advance. Remember, the early bird catches the worm. Consider setting Alerts as early as a year in advance to ensure you're at the forefront of your desired flights.

3. Value and Money Saving As travellers become more conscious of the value their holidays provide, it's clear that every penny matters. In fact, even though travellers increasingly recognise the emotional and health benefits of travel, they remain keenly aware of costs and are determined to secure the best value possible, according to BA's report. The heightened attention to budgeting, undoubtedly influenced by the cost of living crisis, has led to tighter planning and spending around holiday experiences. 72% of survey respondents stated that achieving value for money from their holiday is as crucial to them as having a fun holiday. In this climate of cost-consciousness, the Avios rewards program is an attractive proposition. IAG reports a rise in Avios collectors, and it's not hard to see why. The program allows BA Executive Club members to amass Avios through everyday spending and travelling with BA, which can then be used to book reward seats on BA flights. Members can pay for airfares with Avios, with only the additional fees and taxes payable in cash. This approach can lead to substantial savings, potentially running into thousands of pounds when compared to conventional cash flight bookings. To maximise the value derived from Avios, consider each Avios to be worth 1p when making a reward seat booking. RFF provides the standard Avios price for each destination, and the BA website gives the Avios cost per flight when you log in, including the application of a Reward Flight Saver. We recommend members

4. compare the cash cost of their flight to the Avios cost to ensure they're getting the best value for their spending. We checked BA for cash flights between London and Barbados in October 2023 to show you an example. The cash fare for one traveller quoted by BA for a return Business Class seat was £3,503.21. Compare this to the same seats, but paid with Avios. These equivalent flights would cost 180,000 Avios and £450 - a value of £2,250. This means that, by booking reward seats with Avios, you’d save £1,253.21 per person in your party. Popularity of Specific Destinations Current trends in travel and rewards bookings reveal some clear favourites among destinations. According to research conducted by BA and RFF's analytics, certain destinations are especially sought-after among travellers. The Maldives, for instance, has witnessed a significant surge in demand, with 239% more interest than last year, according to BA. This aligns with RFF data, which shows a 66% increase in popularity among our members. BA also forecasts that Antalya, Rhodes, and Marrakech will be some of the top destinations in 2023. For Avios collectors, we predict that reward seat demand will increase most dramatically for destinations such as Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Cape Town, and Doha. If you're planning to book reward seats for these sought-after destinations, we recommend a few strategies to increase your chances of securing the perfect spot: 1. Travel off-peak: Consider planning your trip during times when fewer people are travelling. Not only could this increase your chance of finding available reward seats, but it can also provide a more relaxing holiday experience. You can always find the BA Peak and Off-Peak calendar on BA’s website. For the remainder of 2023, you’ll find Off-Peak dates in October (except for school holidays), throughout November and at the beginning of December. 2. Opt for destinations with frequent flight schedules: The more flights a destination has, the more reward seats are likely to be available. You’ll find frequent flights to a number of destinations, including New York, Los Angeles and Copenhagen. 3. Consider early or late flight times: These flights are often less popular, meaning you may have a better chance of securing a reward seat. 4. Choose Business Class for short-haul flights or Premium Economy for long-haul flights: These cabins are typically less popular for reward seat bookings, potentially increasing your chances of finding an available spot.

5. 5. Consider alternative airports: Rather than choosing the always-busy Heathrow, look for flights departing from less popular airports such as Gatwick and London City. This could increase your chances of finding available reward seats. 6. Set an Alert with RFF: By setting an alert on our reward seat finder, you’ll be notified when your preferred seats are released. Depending on your membership level, notifications can be received as frequently as instantly or as infrequently as daily. The Desire for Luxury Travel According to BA's recent report, 63% of customers are choosing holidays as their main form of self-indulgence. These travellers are not only gravitating towards high-end destinations such as the Maldives and the Caribbean but also want to elevate their entire travel experience, looking for premier resorts and luxurious flights. As such, flying Business Class and First Class are becoming increasingly popular choices. Business Class, often considered the sweet spot of air travel, offers travellers greater space, increased privacy, higher quality meals, and more personalised service compared to economy class. It's an excellent option for those desiring a comfortable journey without the exorbitant price tag of First Class.

6. First Class, however, is truly the epitome of luxury in the skies. With top-notch amenities, unparalleled privacy, gourmet meals prepared by in-flight chefs, and dedicated flight attendant service, it provides an incomparable travel experience that transforms the journey into a destination unto itself. Given these attractive benefits, it's understandable that some Avios collectors aim to redeem their points for Business Class and First Class seats. However, these reward redemptions are among the hardest to find due to their excellent cash savings and premium travel experience. While BA guarantees a minimum of 4 Business Class reward seats per flight, there's no such guarantee for First Class seats. The escalating demand for these high-end seats means Avios collectors need to be proactive and strategic to secure them. According to BA's recent report, 63% of customers are choosing holidays as their main form of self-indulgence. These travellers are not only gravitating towards high-end destinations such as the Maldives and the Caribbean but also want to elevate their entire travel experience, looking for premier resorts and luxurious flights. As such, flying Business Class and First Class are becoming increasingly popular choices. Business Class, often considered the sweet spot of air travel, offers travellers greater space, increased privacy, higher quality meals, and more personalised service compared to economy class. It's an excellent option for those desiring a comfortable journey without the exorbitant price tag of First Class. First Class, however, is truly the epitome of luxury in the skies. With top-notch amenities, unparalleled privacy, gourmet meals prepared by in-flight chefs, and dedicated flight attendant service, it provides an incomparable travel experience that transforms the journey into a destination unto itself. Given these attractive benefits, it's understandable that some Avios collectors aim to redeem their points for Business Class and First Class seats. However, these reward redemptions are among the hardest to find due to their excellent cash savings and premium travel experience. While BA guarantees a minimum of 4 Business Class reward seats per flight, there's no such guarantee for First Class seats. The escalating demand for these high-end seats means Avios collectors need to be proactive and strategic to secure them. Original Source- https://rewardflightfinder.com/news-and-advice/ask-alisha-navigating-upcoming-travel-trends -as-an-avios-collector?utm_source=website&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=RFF+Blog