Flying to Asia with Avios: Best Routes & Tips

Asia's diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities make it one of the most rewarding destinations to visit when you book a flight with Avios. Whether you're dreaming of Tokyo's neon lights, Bali's tropical beaches, or Dubai's modern marvels, your Avios points can take you there in comfort while saving you money. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best routes, airlines, and strategies to maximize your Avios when traveling to Asia.

Why Use Avios for Flights to Asia?

Avios offer exceptional value for flights to Asia, especially when flying with partner airlines like Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. The Avios system provides flexibility that cash fares often can't match, allowing you to book flights with Avios on multiple carriers across the oneworld alliance. This means you can find routes and availability that might not exist when paying cash.

When you avios book flights to Asia, you're not just saving money - you're gaining access to premium cabins that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. Many travelers find that business class redemptions to Asia offer some of the best value in the entire Avios program.

How to Book Flights with Avios to Asia

The process to book a flight with Avios to Asia is straightforward:

1. Log into your British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, or Qatar Airways Privilege Club account

2. Use the flight search tool and select "Pay with Avios"

3. Enter your desired Asian destination and travel dates

4. Browse available flights and select your preferred option

5. Complete your booking by paying any additional taxes and fees

Remember that availability can vary significantly depending on the season, so flexibility with your travel dates will help you find the best deals when you avios book flights.

Best Airlines for Asia Travel Using Avios

Several airlines within the oneworld alliance offer excellent options when you want to book flights with Avios to Asia:

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways provides exceptional service through its Doha hub, offering connections to destinations across Asia. Their Qsuite business class is considered among the world's best.

Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific offers excellent connections throughout Asia with their modern fleet and renowned service.

Japan Airlines

For travel to Japan and beyond, Japan Airlines provides excellent premium cabins and service.

Malaysia Airlines

A good option for Southeast Asia travel, often with good availability when you how to book flights with Avios.

Top Asian Routes to Book with Avios

1. London to Tokyo (via British Airways or Japan Airlines)

One of the most popular routes to Asia, you can often find good availability when you book a flight with Avios to Tokyo.

• Economy: 60,000 Avios + taxes

• Business: 120,000 Avios + taxes

2. New York to Hong Kong (via Cathay Pacific)

Cathay Pacific's direct flights from the US to Hong Kong offer excellent value when you avios book flights.

• Economy: 70,000 Avios + taxes

• Business: 140,000 Avios + taxes

3. Dubai to Bangkok (via Qatar Airways)

A great way to reach Southeast Asia with excellent availability when you book flights with Avios.

• Economy: 25,000 Avios + taxes

• Business: 50,000 Avios + taxes

4. Sydney to Singapore (via Qantas)

A popular route for Australians looking to visit Asia using their Avios.

• Economy: 28,000 Avios + taxes

• Business: 56,000 Avios + taxes

5. Madrid to Beijing (via Iberia)

Iberia's growing Asian network offers good value from Europe when you avios book flight options.

• Economy: 50,000 Avios + taxes

• Business: 100,000 Avios + taxes

Best Value Avios Redemptions in Asia

Some routes offer particularly good value when you how to book flights with Avios:

Short-Haul Asian Flights

Regional flights within Asia often provide excellent value. For example:

• Hong Kong to Taipei: 7,500 Avios + taxes

• Singapore to Bangkok: 10,000 Avios + taxes

Premium Cabin Deals

Business class redemptions on certain routes can be especially valuable:

• Doha to Bali: 50,000 Avios + taxes

• Tokyo to Seoul: 15,000 Avios + taxes

Tips for Booking Asia Flights with Avios

To get the most from your points when you book a flight with Avios to Asia:

1. Book early: Asian routes often have good availability 330 days in advance

2. Be flexible with dates: Mid-week flights often have better availability

3. Consider positioning flights: Sometimes flying to a different departure city can save Avios

4. Watch for promotions: Occasionally airlines offer Avios discounts on Asian routes

5. Use stopovers: Some programs allow free stopovers when you book flights with Avios

Understanding Taxes and Fees on Asian Routes

When you avios book flights to Asia, taxes and fees can vary significantly:

• Hong Kong and Japan typically have lower taxes

• UK departures often have higher taxes due to air passenger duty

• Middle Eastern hubs like Doha generally have moderate fees

Always check the total cost before confirming your booking to ensure you're getting good value for your Avios.

Alternative Ways to Reach Asia with Avios

If you're having trouble finding availability, consider these strategies:

• Book separate one-way tickets

• Look for availability on less common routes

• Consider mixed-cabin itineraries

• Check partner airline websites for availability not shown on BA's site

Maximizing Your Avios for Asia Travel

To accumulate more Avios for your Asian adventures:

• Use co-branded credit cards that earn Avios

• Take advantage of shopping portal bonuses

• Transfer points from hotel loyalty programs

• Participate in dining programs that earn Avios

Best Times to Visit Asia Using Avios

Availability varies by season when you want to book flights with Avios:

• High season (Dec-Feb, Jul-Aug): More difficult to find availability

• Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): Better availability, pleasant weather

• Low season (Jun, Sep): Best availability but consider weather patterns

Final Thoughts on Asia Travel with Avios

Using Avios to book flights to Asia can open up incredible travel opportunities that might otherwise be unaffordable. Whether you're looking to explore Tokyo's cutting-edge culture, relax on Thailand's beaches, or experience Dubai's architectural wonders, your Avios points can make these dreams a reality.

Remember that the key to successful Avios redemptions to Asia is planning ahead, staying flexible, and regularly checking for new availability. With some patience and strategic thinking, you could be enjoying all that Asia has to offer while traveling in comfort - all thanks to your smart use of Avios points.

Start exploring your options today and turn those accumulated points into an unforgettable Asian adventure. The vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of Asia await - and Avios can take you there.