I have travelled many times to both Paris and Brussels (and Lille) always using Eurostar. Until now that is!
I told the Mrs I would take her on an impulsive break to Paris for our anniversary coming up soon (so booking very short notice).
Got a decent price hotel in a good location but when looking at Euro* fares they were really high, obviously due to the short notice.
I had a brainwave, why not use my Avios (of which I have stacks) for the Leisure select Euro* tickets. You have to call them. I did and gave the time and date details. They wanted over 40k Avios EACH for the return fare. Forget that!
Then about to give up, I logged onto by BAEC account and looked for reward flights. Bingo. Every flight from Heathrow to Paris was available on reward flight saver Business Class tickets for the day we want to go, and the return.
Got the perfect times I wanted each way for well under half of what Eurostar wanted for the train tickets.
Of course I had to pay 2x£50 reward flight saver fee. But well worth it considering the much reduced Avios needed for the reward booking.
And then of course, there is the small fact, that these days on Euro* leisure select, or whatever they call it, you no longer get any kind of decent on board service. One or two small cans of beer/cheap wine and a bit of crappy grub. No lounge!
With my BA Business Class reward booking, as much Champagne as I can humanly consume (in the LHR lounge and of course on board) and other decent drinks (including quality spirits) in the lounge and on board, and decent grub.
Of course fast track security and check in are all included as standard!
I never thought I would fly to Paris from London, but here we are... Maybe I will never go back to the train.
I told the Mrs I would take her on an impulsive break to Paris for our anniversary coming up soon (so booking very short notice).
Got a decent price hotel in a good location but when looking at Euro* fares they were really high, obviously due to the short notice.
I had a brainwave, why not use my Avios (of which I have stacks) for the Leisure select Euro* tickets. You have to call them. I did and gave the time and date details. They wanted over 40k Avios EACH for the return fare. Forget that!
Then about to give up, I logged onto by BAEC account and looked for reward flights. Bingo. Every flight from Heathrow to Paris was available on reward flight saver Business Class tickets for the day we want to go, and the return.
Got the perfect times I wanted each way for well under half of what Eurostar wanted for the train tickets.
Of course I had to pay 2x£50 reward flight saver fee. But well worth it considering the much reduced Avios needed for the reward booking.
And then of course, there is the small fact, that these days on Euro* leisure select, or whatever they call it, you no longer get any kind of decent on board service. One or two small cans of beer/cheap wine and a bit of crappy grub. No lounge!
With my BA Business Class reward booking, as much Champagne as I can humanly consume (in the LHR lounge and of course on board) and other decent drinks (including quality spirits) in the lounge and on board, and decent grub.
Of course fast track security and check in are all included as standard!
I never thought I would fly to Paris from London, but here we are... Maybe I will never go back to the train.
