Long-haul Avios Routes with Business and First Class Reward Seat Availability for 2023
As the spring holiday booking frenzy starts to wind down, now’s the perfect time to plan for the year ahead with our BA flight finder. Whether you’re dreaming of a late summer escape or planning an adventure in the winter sun, we’ve uncovered some of the best long-haul Avios routes for 2023, with a focus on Business and First Class British Airways reward flight availability.
Keep in mind that the number of routes featuring British Airways First Class options has decreased in recent years, following BA’s retirement of its Boeing 747 fleet in 2020. The current First Class routes departing from London include:
Abuja, Bahrain, Bermuda, Boston, Bridgetown, Chicago, Dallas, Dubai, Hong Kong, Houston, Johannesburg, Kuwait, Lagos, Los Angeles, Male (Maldives), Mexico City, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Riyadh, San Francisco, San Jose (California), Santiago, Seattle, Singapore, Sydney, Vancouver, and Washington DC.
Your best bet for securing a First Class seat is on routes where BA operates the A380 aircraft, which offers 14 seats in the cabin. However, it’s important to note that British Airways does not guarantee First Class reward seats on any of its flights. Reward seats for Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class are typically guaranteed.
We’ve done the legwork for you, analysing trends, and comparing routes with our Avios flight finder. Let’s explore how to make your points go the extra mile.
Routes with the best Business Class availability
London — Atlanta: Atlanta is a city that effortlessly marries the charm of the South with a cosmopolitan vibe, where streets are lined with peach trees and history is infused into every nook and cranny. Take a stroll down the BeltLine, where street art, quirky eateries, and good ol’ Southern hospitality will make you feel right at home.
London — Doha: In Doha, futuristic skyscrapers tower over centuries-old traditions, and camels saunter past luxury sports cars. As you wander the winding alleys of Souq Waqif, indulge in the fragrant aromas of spices and the glint of gold, all while sipping on some piping hot karak tea. Be dazzled by the cutting-edge architecture of the Museum of Islamic Art, then find yourself enchanted by the vast dunes of the nearby desert.
London — New York: From the bright lights of Broadway to the dizzying heights of the Empire State Building, the Big Apple promises a never-ending feast of excitement. Venture through eclectic neighbourhoods, where the hum of languages and cultures merge. Unleash your inner foodie with a smorgasbord of culinary delights. In the city that never sleeps, you’ll find yourself perpetually craving just one more bite of its irresistible energy.
London — Riyadh: The capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a unique blend of ancient history and modern architecture. Explore the Masmak Fortress, marvel at the Kingdom Centre’s Sky Bridge, or take a leisurely stroll through the Wadi Hanifah valley. And don’t miss out on the chance to sip on traditional Arabic coffee — a warm, cardamom-infused delight.
London — Washington DC: The U.S. capital where history, politics, and cherry blossoms come together in a monumental extravaganza. In this city of powerhouses and patriots, you’ll find iconic landmarks at every turn, from the towering Washington Monument to the stoic gaze of Abe Lincoln himself. Stroll the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian museums or enjoy a picturesque picnic along the Tidal Basin. Washington D.C. may be all about business during the day, but as night falls, it unveils its lively side, inviting you to explore its eclectic neighbourhoods and savour the city’s diverse culinary scene.
Routes with the best First Class availability
London — Boston: The historic gem of New England where the old and the new share a cup of clam chowder. Follow the red-brick road of the Freedom Trail and relive the days of the American Revolution, or catch a game at Fenway Park, home of the beloved Red Sox. With its rich academic scene, the city’s no stranger to innovation and lively debate, while the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill offer a charming escape from the hustle and bustle. In this metropolitan city, you’ll find history, culture, and a good time.
London — Houston: A welcoming Texan metropolis where you’ll find yourself immersed in a delightful blend of Southern charm. Discover the wonders of space at the world-renowned Johnson Space Center, where astronauts train for their cosmic journeys. Back on Earth, indulge in some lip-smacking barbecue or let your taste buds explore the city’s diverse culinary scene. From the lush oasis of Buffalo Bayou Park to the vibrant murals adorning the streets, Houston promises a Texas-sized adventure.
London — New York: New York is not only a treasure trove of iconic landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods, and a world-class culinary scene as mentioned above, it also offers great opportunities for premium cabin seat availability. With BA operating their largest aircraft and offering the most frequent flights to the Big Apple, the chances of finding Business Class and First Class British Airways reward flights are significantly higher. So, as you plan your next adventure to the city that never sleeps, be sure to keep an eye on those premium cabins.
London — Johannesburg: The gateway to South Africa, Johannesburg is a city of contrasts, offering a mix of history, art, and wildlife. Wander through the colourful streets of Maboneng, where art and creativity burst from every corner, or step back in time at the Apartheid Museum, a humbling tribute to the country’s resilient spirit. And don’t forget to venture beyond the city limits, where the enchanting African bushveld beckons with the promise of unforgettable wildlife encounters.
London — Mexico City: In Mexico City, the echoes of the Aztec empire mingle with the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan playground. Wander among the maze of cobblestone streets in Coyoacán, the neighbourhood that nurtured the artistic soul of Frida Kahlo or let the mysterious pyramids of Teotihuacan whisper secrets of a bygone era. Mexico City’s culinary scene is a fiesta for your taste buds, with mouthwatering tacos al pastor, rich mole, and steaming cups of café de olla. And when night falls, let the city’s pulsating nightlife sweep you off your feet and into a world of mariachis, mezcal, and pure magic.
How to book your reward flights
Avios collectors can conveniently access British Airways’ reward flight availability for these destinations up to a full year in advance by visiting our Avios flight finder tool. It’s important to note that availability is subject to frequent changes. To ensure you don’t miss out on your preferred destinations, we recommend setting up Alerts on our BA flight finder to keep you informed about any updates. Sign up with Reward Flight Finder today.
