Spain and France Join Italy, Switzerland, Greece And Croatia In Europe As British Airways Launches Exciting New Avios-Only Routes To Madrid And Toulon, Bringing Ultimate Rewards For Loyalty Members

Spain and France join Italy, Switzerland, Greece, and Croatia in Europe as British Airways launches exciting new Avios-Only routes to Madrid and Toulon, further expanding its exclusive loyalty program offerings. These new services provide 100% reward seat availability, allowing British Airways Club members to use their Avios for flights to two of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. This move reflects British Airways’ continued commitment to enhancing member benefits, offering unparalleled access to popular European cities for loyal travelers seeking exceptional rewards.

In a significant development for frequent travelers, British Airways (BA) has unveiled two new Avios-Only routes for the upcoming summer season, adding to the airline’s expanding network of exclusive reward-seat services. The new routes will connect London City Airport (LCY) to Madrid (MAD) and Toulon Hyères Airport (TLN), marking an exciting milestone in the airline’s loyalty program. These flights, which will be available only to members of The British Airways Club, aim to strengthen customer engagement and provide more opportunities for rewarding travel.

The Avios-Only concept, which was first introduced by British Airways in 2023, has been a game-changer in the world of airline loyalty programs. Under this initiative, 100% of the seats on select flights are available for redemption using Avios, British Airways’ frequent flyer miles. This allows loyal members to book flights purely with their earned miles, enhancing the overall value of the airline’s loyalty program.

New Avios-Only Flights to Madrid and Toulon

The new routes from London City to Madrid and Toulon are set to operate during peak summer travel months in 2026. The service to Madrid will begin over the late May bank holiday weekend, while the Toulon route will run from mid-June. These destinations were chosen to cater to leisure travelers seeking quick getaways to some of Europe’s most iconic cities and beautiful coastal regions.

The Madrid Avios-Only service will operate on Flight BA3272, departing London City on May 22, 2026, at 11:00. The flight will land in Madrid at 14:20. The return flight, Flight BA3273, will depart Madrid on May 25, 2026, at 15:10 and arrive back in London City at 16:30.

For those seeking a vibrant city break, Madrid offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and art. Known for its world-class museums, beautiful parks, and iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, Madrid attracts millions of visitors every year. With British Airways offering Avios-Only reward seats on this popular route, travelers can enjoy easy access to the Spanish capital without the need to spend cash.

Meanwhile, the Toulon service will operate from June 13 to June 20, 2026. The flight, BA8747, will depart London City at 07:00 and arrive in Toulon at 10:00. The return flight, BA8748, will depart Toulon at 10:45, with an arrival time in London City of 11:50.

Toulon, located on the French Riviera, is renowned for its stunning beaches, Mediterranean climate, and proximity to glamorous destinations like Saint-Tropez. The addition of an Avios-Only flight to this charming city will undoubtedly attract travelers looking to explore the French coast, with easy access to some of the most sought-after vacation spots in Europe.

Reward Seat Pricing and Baggage Allowance

The Avios-Only tickets for both destinations will be available at fixed redemption rates, offering exceptional value for members looking to redeem their miles. For the Madrid route, return fares start at £2 plus 28,000 Avios for a seat in Euro Traveller, the airline’s standard cabin. For those opting for a more luxurious experience in Club Europe, fares begin at £30 plus 49,000 Avios. Similarly, for the Toulon service, return fares begin at £2 plus 21,500 Avios in Euro Traveller, and £30 plus 36,000 Avios in Club Europe.

A 23kg checked baggage allowance is included with each Avios-Only ticket, ensuring that passengers can travel with ease and comfort. The inclusion of checked luggage adds to the overall value of the Avios redemption, making these flights even more attractive for frequent flyers looking to maximize their rewards.

The Avios-Only Concept: A Milestone for British Airways

The introduction of these new routes marks a major achievement for British Airways, as the airline prepares to operate its 50th Avios-Only flight since the initiative’s launch. Since 2023, the airline has introduced 48 Avios-Only routes to various destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East. Popular past destinations have included Cape Town, Barbados, Málaga, Marrakesh, and Sharm El Sheikh. With the addition of Madrid and Toulon, British Airways further demonstrates its commitment to strengthening loyalty program offerings and expanding reward seat availability during peak travel periods.

The Avios-Only initiative is part of the airline’s broader strategy to boost engagement with frequent flyer members, particularly during the busy summer season. By offering exclusive routes where every seat is available for Avios redemption, the airline ensures that members have the opportunity to use their miles in a way that enhances their travel experience.

British Airways guarantees a minimum number of reward seats on all routes throughout its network. However, on standard short-haul services departing from airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, the airline ensures a minimum of 12 reward seats. For London City flights, at least four reward seats are available. In contrast, Avios-Only flights are fully dedicated to reward seat availability, allowing members to enjoy greater flexibility and predictability when booking with their Avios.

Expanding Loyalty Benefits

British Airways continues to enhance the benefits for its frequent flyers by expanding the earning opportunities for Avios. Members can accumulate Avios not only by flying with British Airways and its partner airlines but also by shopping with over 2,000 retailers and utilizing financial partners like American Express and Nectar. Additionally, customers holding a British Airways American Express Credit Card can apply Companion Vouchers to Avios-Only bookings, allowing a second passenger to travel for no additional Avios, subject to applicable taxes and charges.

This continued expansion of earning opportunities reflects British Airways’ commitment to providing a comprehensive loyalty program that rewards members for their travel and spending habits.

The Future of Avios-Only Flights

As the Avios-Only initiative continues to grow, British Airways plans to introduce more destinations and increase seat availability for members. With over 69 million members globally, the airline’s loyalty program is one of the largest and most successful in the industry. The introduction of routes like Madrid and Toulon helps to cement British Airways’ position as a leading airline in terms of offering exceptional loyalty rewards.

The future of Avios-Only flights looks bright, with the airline promising more exclusive routes, especially to leisure destinations, in the coming years. This will provide even more opportunities for members to use their Avios for dream vacations and quick city breaks without having to pay for a ticket in cash.

The launch of Avios-Only flights to Madrid and Toulon marks another exciting chapter for British Airways, further expanding its loyal customer base and enhancing the value of its loyalty program. These flights not only offer exclusive rewards for British Airways Club members but also provide unparalleled access to some of Europe’s most desirable destinations. With competitive pricing, generous baggage allowances, and the convenience of booking entirely with Avios, these new services represent a win for both the airline and its most dedicated customers.

Spain and France join Italy, Switzerland, Greece, and Croatia as British Airways launches new Avios-Only routes to Madrid and Toulon, offering exclusive reward seats for loyalty members. This expansion enhances the airline’s commitment to providing more opportunities for members to redeem Avios for top European destinations.

As British Airways celebrates the success of its Avios-Only initiative, it will continue to deliver more options for travelers seeking to maximize their rewards and explore the world without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a cultural city break in Madrid or a relaxing coastal retreat in Toulon, Avios-Only flights offer an unbeatable way to travel.

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