Avios-Only services from London City to Madrid and Toulon — dates, fares and transfer notes

British Airways has released two new Avios-Only services operating from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon Saint‑Tropez, with bookings opening on 12 February 2026 and fares starting at £2 plus Avios. These flights mark the carrier’s 50th Avios-Only service overall and include checked baggage allowance and cabin options bookable through ba.com for British Airways Club members.

Routes, prices and Avios requirements at a glance

The launch targets late‑May and summer holiday travel, with Madrid providing a city‑break option and Toulon serving as the nearest airport for Saint‑Tropez access. Both routes operate from the central London City Airport, which shortens transfer times to central London compared with Heathrow or Gatwick departures.

How Avios-Only differs from standard Reward Seats

Unlike guaranteed minimum Reward Seats on standard routes (e.g. Heathrow and Gatwick allocations), an Avios-Only flight makes every seat on the aircraft purchasable entirely with Avios. Members use the usual ba.com flow to choose cabin, and British Airways American Express cardholders can apply Companion Vouchers where applicable.

Network impact and frequency milestones

Since 2023 British Airways has taken Avios-Only services to leisure and long‑haul markets including Cape Town, Barbados and Sharm El Sheikh. With Madrid’s return leg marking the carrier’s 50th Avios-Only flight, the programme underlines a strategic focus on loyalty‑driven redemptions during peak travel periods.

Practical tips for travellers and transfer planning

• Book early: Avios-Only seats are popular during bank holidays and summer; availability often moves quickly.
• Check baggage rules: These launches include a 23 kg checked bag—factor this into perceived value versus cash fares.
• Use Companion Vouchers: British Airways American Express cardholders can pair vouchers with Avios-Only seats for a second companion seat paying taxes only.
• Plan transfers: London City’s central location reduces taxi or transfer time to most London hotels, but check peak-hour traffic windows.

Transfer considerations: taxis, cars and arrivals

London City Airport’s proximity to the Docklands and Canary Wharf means shorter transfer legs into central London. This affects demand for private cars and taxis: during high‑season Avios redemptions the surge in arrivals may increase waiting times for cabs or airport transfer services. For travellers who value an exact pick‑up time and vehicle type, choosing a pre‑booked transfer can save time and remove uncertainty on arrival.

Why this matters to local transfer services

More Avios‑driven flights to leisure hubs like Toulon and Madrid can shift local mobility patterns—higher arrival concentrations at certain times, increased demand for multi‑seater vehicles or premium transfers into resort towns, and changes to scheduling for meet‑and‑greet services. For taxi and transfer companies this is a prompt to adjust fleet allocation and staffing during announced peak windows.

Smart steps before you fly

To have a mind to reduce friction on the day of travel:

1. Confirm exact flight times and potential changes after booking with Avios;
2. Reserve transfers in advance if arriving during a bank holiday or on the first service of the day;
3. Consider vehicle options—private sedan, MPV or limousine—based on luggage and party size;
4. Check driver credentials and licence verification for hired services; choose providers with clear pricing to avoid surprises.

Highlights of this Avios-Only release include the central departure point at London City, competitive Avios pricing that can make short European breaks attractive, and the introduction of Toulon as a summer link to Saint‑Tropez. However, even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize briefly how readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide rande of additional options provided by LocalsRide.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of this article. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of LocalsRide. Book your Ride LocalsRide.com

In summary, British Airways’ new Avios‑Only services from London City to Madrid and Toulon Saint‑Tropez expand redemption opportunities during the summer and bank‑holiday windows while offering clear baggage inclusions and Companion Voucher compatibility. For travellers this affects decisions on whether to redeem Avios or pay cash, and has knock‑on effects for local taxi and transfer demand, the exact timing of pick‑ups, vehicle choice and fare budgeting. Whether you want a cheap cab into the city, a private limousine to a hotel, a multi‑seater for friends, or to book an airport transfer with a vetted driver, platforms like LocalsRide.com make it easier to see vehicle make, model and ratings beforehand, get transparent prices and book exact services in advance — helping you plan the best transfer from airport to destination, manage driver meet‑ups and know how much time and price to expect.