How to save big on international British Airways, AA, and Iberia flights

By stacking offers, it’s possible to save a lot of money on AA, British Airways, and Iberia business class fares to Europe:

• Up to $400 $200 off for AARP members for flights through March 2017 (discount is usually renewed each year)
  
• 10% off for British Airways cardholders (but you may qualify anyway) for flights commencing no later than December 31 2016 (offer is usually renewed each year)
  

Up to $400 $200 off for AARP members

You don’t actually have to be old to join AARP.  Anyone can join for $16 per year, $43 for 3 years, or $63 for 5 years ($12.60 per year).  Once you’re a member, you can use this link to book discounted international flights originating from the US and marketed by British Airways (this includes many AA and Iberia flights):

UPDATE: This discount has been reduced to $200.

Here’s what AARP says about the discount:

You deserve a vacation, and with over 110 cities served, British Airways is ready to jet you off on a perfect getaway to Europe, Asia, Middle East or Africa. But hurry, you must book your trip by October 31, 2015 to claim your instant savings:

• Save $65 on World Traveller (economy)
• Save $130 on World Traveller Plus (premium economy)
• Save $400 $200 on Club World (business class) and First Class tickets.

The exclusive discounts as indicated on this offer page are available online to AARP members only via the dedicated link on this page when booking a round-trip through fare (round-trip flights with connection to final destination, separate tickets do not qualify for discount) from select US gateways to UK and beyond. Customer must be an AARP member or must travel with an AARP member to be eligible for this exclusive offer. The exclusive discounts are based on round-trip purchase off any published retail World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (Premium economy), Club World (business class) or First fares on ba.com via exclusive link, valid for outbound travel November 1, 2014 – March 31, 2016 on British Airways and British Airways codeshare services operated by American Airlines and on British Airways codeshare services operated by Iberia only. American Airlines and American Eagle flights with a BA flight numbers that connect to BA operated, AA operated with BA flight numbers and IB operated with BA flight numbers transatlantic flights are permitted. Additional restrictions may apply.

Note that only business class and first class tickets qualify for the full $400 $200 discount.

Example

When browsing BA.com directly, I found the following $1993 business class round-trip flight (thanks to a business class fare sale available when this post was originally written):

Next, I went through the AARP link, logged into my AARP account (which I signed up for just so that I could get this discount) and found the same flight for $400 less:

10% off for British Airways cardholders (and others)

Through the end of 2016, British Airways is offering 10% off flights for British Airways cardholders (more on this below).  This is valid for flights to London and beyond and originating in the US.  Travel must begin by December 31 2016 to qualify for this discount.

To get the discount, find a British Airways operated flight on BA.com (or through the AARP link, above).  On the page showing the price and the words “Check your flight details,” scroll down to “Save money on your booking”.  Click “Promotion code or eVoucher” and enter: CARDOFFERU:

Once you press Submit, you should see the discounted price (assuming your flight qualified).  For example, this code reduced my $1593 fare down to $1433:

Pay with your BA card (or other Chase Visa card)

Upon checkout, you will be asked to pay with a Chase British Airways Visa Signature card.  In my testing I found that Chase Visa Signature cards worked even if they were not British Airways cards.

The British Airways card is a good option since it earns 3 points per dollar for British Airways purchases.  Another excellent option is to pay with a Chase Sapphire Reserve Card since it offers 3 points per dollar for all travel purchases.

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