Deal of the day: Book first-class fares to London this summer starting at 68K miles

We are already well into the summer travel season, but there’s still time to book a last-minute trip to Europe.

British Airways has just released a large amount of first-class award availability to London for travel over the next month.

British Airways’ first-class passengers can enjoy lounge access at select airports, multicourse gourmet meals from award-winning caterer Do & Co, deluxe bedding from The White Company, and fine Champagnes and wines.

Though the surcharges are fairly steep and pretty unavoidable regardless of the program you book through, it’s a great way to enjoy a bucket-list luxury experience across the Atlantic during a peak travel period, arriving refreshed and ready to tackle the Big Smoke.

Note that prices and availability were accurate at the time of writing.

TPG’s deal of the day basics

British Airways New First Class Boeing 777-300ER — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Airline: British Airways

Routes: From various U.S. airports — including Dulles International Airport (IAD), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Miami International Airport (MIA) — to Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Best way to book: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and British Airways Club

Price: From 67,500 Alaska Mileage Plan miles plus $996 in taxes and fees, or from 68,000 British Airways Avios plus $1,259 in taxes and fees (varies depending on routing)

Retail price: Starting at around $12,800 each way

Travel dates: From now through mid-August

Is this a good deal? Although the carrier-imposed surcharges are steep, with cash rates so high, you still get a value of at least 17 cents apiece from redeeming your points and miles. Since we value Mileage Plan miles at 1.5 cents each and Avios at 1.4 cents each, per our July 2025 valuations, this is an excellent deal.

How to find and book TPG’s deal of the day

We used the time-saving Seats.aero tool to quickly find award availability between the U.S. and London. This tool makes it easy to see which dates are available to or from your desired airport.

We found the cheapest route is from EWR, JFK or BOS to LHR. Booking through Mileage Plan will cost you 67,500 miles plus $996 in added taxes, fees and surcharges.

Alaska Airlines screenshot — ALASKA AIRLINES

Given that Alaska miles can be fairly difficult to earn since the program is only a direct transfer partner of Bilt Rewards, you might find it easier to book this flight with Avios via British Airways Club instead.

To book the same routes, you’ll need 68,000 Avios plus 930.73 British pounds (about $1,259).

British Airways screenshot — BRITISH AIRWAYS

British Airways is a transfer partner of Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, making Avios one of the easiest currencies to earn.

How to earn the points or miles required for TPG’s deal of the day

Here are some great cards that earn Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles or offer the ability to transfer points to British Airways Club:

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles plus “buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees” ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Bottom line

If you’ve ever wanted to fly in a proper international first-class product across the Atlantic, now is a great time to treat yourself to British Airways first class.

While you will need to pay the surcharges, given that cash tickets on these flights cost more than $10,000, redeeming your Alaska miles or British Airways Avios is a great way to save thousands and maximize your rewards. Availability over the next month is excellent from numerous U.S. airports, so don’t delay for a last-minute getaway.

Continue planning your vacation to London

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.