While in general I tend to think the best use of points is for a flight or hotel stay, loyalty programs and credit card companies are increasingly offering members access to some pretty cool events and experiences. This is something that Starwood has been doing for years with their SPG Moments packages, where you can…
Continue reading: Redeem Avios For Unique British Airways & Chase Cardmember Events
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Does the source of the avios matter? Meaning Does this work no matter the source of the avios (flight earnings or transfers in of ThankYou points for example)? Or only for UR point to avios?
The Chicago offer is unbelievable! Assuming it is for the full dinner, the dinner alone retails for over $680 for 2 (this includes tax and tip), and probably over $900 with the wine pairing, not to mention the cocktails and the gift, which I'd guess is a cookbook. See https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/british-airways/above-beyond/International-culinary. Based on your valuation, Lucky, this package is at least 60% off regular price and probably closer to 75% off. Even if you have to tip or pay the tax, which are included in the retail price, it would still be a good deal; however, I suspect that the gratuity is included and there will be no tax.
I would definitely try to get the package, but I recently booked that dinner at Next for a night in October when I am in Chicago, and I don't think I can get the card and the Avios in time to go again because the offer will go very quickly on the sale date. Lucky, you should try to get the package if you like exceptional food. It will definitely be worth the trip to Chicago -- and your savings will pay for the travel. This is one of the top restaurants in the world. It will be even better than your beloved First Class airplane dinners! 🙂 You can thank me later.
By the way, where did you see that the packages are 20,000 Avios each? That is a key bit of info that I didn't see on the Chase/BA website.
Can you book the package for other people or do you have to be one of the guests?
I only looked carefully at one of the packages, but that one says the cardholder must be one of the 2 participants: https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/british-airways/above-beyond/International-culinary Whether that would be enforced at the package site, who knows? Perhaps you would have to show the card for identification.