One of the benefits of flying across Asia is that it hosts 3 oneworld major hubs. These hubs are Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Hong Kong (HKG) and Tokyo (HND & NRT). They allow travellers to connect to hundreds of destinations in the continent.
This post will show you one way of booking your favorite destinations thanks to reward flights.
Proposed Asia itinerary
As mentioned, flying though the oneworld hubs in Asia will give travelers significant leverage and savings due to sheer volume of daily flights and available seat inventory. Our proposed Asian itinerary will be based on these hubs. So here goes:
Bangkok (BKK) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Tokyo (HND or NRT)
This proposed one-way itinerary is one amongst many options. Instead of starting out of Bangkok, you could choose another destination available such as Singapore, Bali or Langkawi. You can look at Malaysian Airlines network for more choice.
Same goes for the end of the tour, we suggest Seoul (ICN). However, it can be any Asian destination or Japanese domestic destination. Actually you can spoil yourself and fly to 4 Japanese cities for less than $5.
How to redeem British Airways Avios for each segment
Let’s see how you can redeem your British Airways Executive Club Avios miles (BAEC). I will how you a print screen for each individual redemption. I assume you want to visit each city. Therefore, you can redeem them individually, there’s no need to create a single multi destination ticket.
How to access Reward flights section
Once you log into you BAEC account, under the Using your Avios main section, click on Spending Avios.
Then click on the Book a reward flight link as featured below.
Now you should be in the Book flights with Avios section. Make sure you check One-way only. You can leave the Class at Economy by default. All available Classes will be showcased anyhow. Lastly, make sure you select the appropriate number of passengers for each flight. Note that you can book infants without calling.
Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur
Malaysian Airlines services Bangkok daily with 6 flights. That’s great news. It means there is inventory available all day.
An Economy reward one way flight requires 7,500 Avios and $86.21. A Business Class reward airfare will cost you exactly the same! It’s a short flight: 2h10.
Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong
Both Malaysian and Cathay Pacific’s Cathay Dragon serve the Kuala Lumpur-Hong Kong route. Again this is a relatively short-haul flight which averages less than 4h.
An Economy reward one way flight requires 10,000 Avios and $24.14 with Malaysian and $45.44 with Cathay Dragon. On the Business Class side, Malaysian asks for 20,000 Avios and $114.87 in fees & charges. Surprisingly, for the same amount of miles Cathay Dragon only charges $45.44.
The good new in all of this is that you have choice!
Hong Kong to Tokyo
If you want a taste of Cathay Pacific’s Business Class product then this your chance. From The Wing lounge to the inflight experience, it something I strongly recommend. Most flights service Tokyo Narita (NRT), with only one JAL and CX flight service Haneda.
In any case, miles requirements and charges are still low. An one way Economy reward ticket will cost you 10,000 Avios and $42.13. Japan Airlines offers Premium seats at 15,000 Avios. However, a Business Class reward ticket is definitely worth it with 20,000 and $53.69 in charges and fees. As I mentioned you cannot go through Hong Kong and not experience Cathay Pacific’s Business product from A to Z.
This is a scenario amongst many you can plan and book by yourself thanks to your British Airways Avios.
How do I get these British Airways Executive Club Avios?
In Canada, a handful of credit cards allow you to earn BAEC Avios miles. They allow you to earn some significant bonus Avios or points transferable to Avios. They are:
- American Express Gold Rewards Card (Personal & Business);
- American Express Platinum Card (Personal & Business);
- Royal Bank of Canada British Airways Visa Infinite card;
- Royal Bank of Canada Visa Infinite Avion card.
Let me know if you have any questions, reach out on Amin On Miles Facebook page.
