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Travel and exploration have become crucial parts of our lives, so it’s no surprise that we’re looking for methods to make them more inexpensive and gratifying. Avios Points, a frequent flyer program, is one such option. Avios is the point currency used by various airlines, notably those operated by British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways. You may not be aware, but Avios Points can provide superior possibilities for buying domestic flights within the United States.
- Airlines That Use Avios As Their Point Currency
- Which Airlines You Can I Book With Avios
- How To Earn Avios Points
- How To Redeem Avios Points
- How Much Are The Avios Points Worth?
- Bottom Line
Avios Points is the miles currency used by British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways. However, these points can be earned and redeemed across a wide range of airlines and partners, as British Airways is a key member of the Oneworld alliance, which comprises over a dozen airlines worldwide. This affiliation makes Avios points particularly useful for booking short flights on American Airlines within the United States or for traveling to Hawaii from the West Coast on either American Airlines or Alaska Airlines.
This comprehensive guide aims to demystify Avios points and provide you with the essential knowledge to maximize its value. We will cover various ways to earn and redeem them; we will navigate through the intricacies of this travel rewards program.
Airlines That Use Avios As Their Point Currency
Avios is the points currency reward program used by the following programs:
British Airways (BA Avios)
The loyalty program of British Airways, known as the British Airways Executive Club, utilizes Avios as its point currency. This means that you can earn and redeem Avios Points on British Airways flights. Additionally, since British Airways is a member of the Oneworld Alliance, you have numerous options to earn and redeem Avios Points.
Iberia (Iberia Avios)
The Iberia Avios program is a fantastic loyalty program that Iberia Airlines offers to its valued customers. It’s designed to make your travel experience even more rewarding and enjoyable. As a member, you have the opportunity to accumulate Avios points, which can unlock a wide range of benefits and privileges.
Aer Lingus AerClub
Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, has its main base in Dublin and operates most of its flights from there. Its AerClub reward program uses Avios as the currency for earning and redeeming points. So, If you’re a member of their AerClub reward program, you’ll earn and redeem points using Avios as the currency.
Qatar Airways (Qatar Avios)
Back in 2018, Qatar Airways decided to team up with Avios, making it possible for their loyal customers to earn and use Avios Points through this partnership.
Which Airlines You Can I Book With Avios
It’s not just the above airlines you can book; Reward Flights can be taken with the above-mentioned airlines, their partners, and other Oneworld partners.
Oneworld Airlines includes:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Jordanian
- Royal Air Maroc
- SriLankan Airlines
- Fiji Airways
- Oman Air (Future member)
Also, you can use points to book flights with other Airline partners of British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways which are:
| British Airways | Iberia Airlines | Aer Lingus | Qatar Airways |
| Aer Lingus | Avianca | British Airways | Bangkok Airways |
| airBaltic | Level | Iberia | JetBlue |
| Bangkok Airways | LATAM | LATAM | |
| China Eastern and Southern Airlines | Interjet | Middle East Airlines | |
| Fiji Airways | Binter | Oman Air | |
| Kenya Airways | Vueling | RwandAir | |
| Loganair | Virgin Australia | ||
| Vistara | |||
| Vueling | |||
| Comair | |||
| Sun-Air |
How To Earn Avios Points
Earn Avios By Flying
As I have mentioned above that four airlines use Avios as their point currency; when you book paid flights with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Qatar Airways, or any of their partner airlines, you have a fantastic opportunity to earn Avios by flying all these airlines. To earn Avios, you have to enter your frequent flyer number at the time of reservation.
Another great perk of Avios is the ability to transfer them between loyalty programs of these airlines at a 1:1 ratio. Points worth and usability can differ across programs, with some offering superior redemption choices or more advantageous point values. Therefore, it’s wise to transfer your points to the program that provides the highest value for your hard-earned points. Note that Avios cannot be transferred to Qatar Airways Privilege Club yet, but a workaround is available via British Airways.
Additionally, you have the chance to earn points when you fly with Oneworld carriers and other partner airlines of these four airlines. Take a look at the table above to see the complete list of partner airlines.
Earn Avios With Credit Cards
If you’re looking to earn a significant amount of Avios through your everyday spending, one of the most convenient options is to apply for the Co-branded Visa Signature Card. It’s an efficient way to accumulate Avios by taking advantage of credit card signup bonuses. Here are the current credit cards that directly earn Avios:
- British Airways Visa Signature Card
- Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card
- Iberia Visa Signature Card
Transfer Avios Points
Transferring Avios Points is another option you can accumulate points. A unique feature of Avios Points is that you can transfer points between the airline’s reward programs. You can transfer points between British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways at a ratio of 1:1.
You can also use these major credits card rewards to transfer them to Avios:
American Express Membership Rewards
You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Avios at a ratio of 1:1. Credit Cards you can use to earn points and transfer them to Avios points are:
- The Platinum Card from American Express.
- The American Express Gold Card.
- The American Express Green Card
- Blue from American Express card
- Amex Everyday® Preferred Credit Card
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
- Business Green Rewards Card from American Express
- American Express® Business Gold Card
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Capital One Miles
You can also transfer Capital One Miles to Avios. Typically transfers are at a ratio of 1:1. Credit Card you can check to earn Capital One Miles:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Chase Ultimate Rewards
You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Avios. In terms of ratios, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Avios at a ratio of 1:1.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Citi ThankYou Points
Transfer of Citi ThankYou Points is easy, and typically, transfers are at a ratio of 1:1. Credit Card you can check to earn Citi ThankYou Points:
Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott Points transfers occur at a ratio of 3:1 with a minimum transfer of 3,000 points. For every 60,000 points you transfer, you will earn a 5,000-mile bonus. So transferring 60,000 points will yield 25,000 Avios Points instead of 20,000 at a 3:1 ratio.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Bilt Rewards
Another credit card you can use to transfer points is Bilt Rewards Credit Card. With Bilt, you can transfer points to Avios at a ratio of 1:1.
Other Ways To Earn Avios Points
British Airways offers more than just flights to help you earn Avios; They have a bunch of shopping and retail partners where you can rack up Avios points with your purchases. You can also earn Avios Points with hotel partners, where you can earn points for your stays. If you are renting a car or need access to airport lounges, they’ve got you covered with even more options to earn those valuable Avios.
How To Redeem Avios Points
One of the best ways to make the most of your Avios points is by using them for reward flights. You have the flexibility to redeem your Avios points for flights with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, or their partner airlines. Avios points are useful for booking short-distance journeys as well as some long-haul flights. Each of the Avios programs is distance-based.
British Airways
British Airways offers one of the most rewarding ways to use your Avios Points. Even if you’re not planning a trip to the UK, their loyalty program has an extensive route network in the US, making it easy to earn and redeem points. The program’s partnership with British Airways, a major airline, means you can accumulate points faster and enjoy fantastic rewards such as flights, upgrades, and other exciting benefits.
Fly American From Miami (MIA) to St. Kitts(SKB) For 11,000 Avios + $15.60(taxes)
If you were to book an American Airlines flight from Miami to St. Kitts with cash, it would cost $511.20(including taxes) per person. However, using 11,000 Avios and paying only $15.60 in taxes and fees for the same flight would give you a better value than booking on British Airways. This is significantly higher than the point valuation of British Airways.
11,000 Avios plus $15.60 in taxes and fees, which represents a 4.64 cents per point in value — much higher than per point valuation of BA awards. To book this through British Airways Avios, keep in mind that there would need to be American “saver” award availability.
Book Awards Flight With Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, And Partner Airlines
You’ve got more options than just British Airways when it comes to using your Avios points! With Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, and their partner airlines, including those in the Oneworld alliance, you can redeem your Avios for award flights and even upgrade your seat during the booking process.
U.S. To Europe on Iberia Offepeak Business Class – Chicago(ORD) to Madrid(MAD) For 34,000 Avios One Way
If you’re looking to travel in business class from Chicago (ORD) to Madrid (MAD), you can book it at a surprisingly low price of 34,000 Avios one-way. Despite being a Band 6 award, according to the award chart, it is only priced as a Band 5 award, which is a great deal.
North America East Coast to Ireland On Aer Lingus in Economy for 13,000 Avios and No Fuel Surcharges (Aer Lingus)
Flights between North America’s East Coast and Ireland offer one of the most advantageous opportunities to use Aer Lingus Avios. With the exception of peak periods during summer and some dates around Christmas and New Year’s, most of the year is considered off-peak by Aer Lingus. Compared to British Airways or Iberia, there are significantly fewer peak dates. You can secure an off-peak ticket for just 13,000 Avios.
13,000 Avios, which provides a 4.54 cents per point in value — much higher than per point valuation of BA awards. To book this through Aer Lingus Avios, keep in mind that there would need to be Economy class availability.
Other Ways To Redeem Avios
There are several other ways you can make the most of your Avios points! One option is to use them to cover the cost of seats and baggage when you book a basic ticket. This way, you can save some cash while still enjoying the benefits. Another exciting way to redeem your Avios is by using them to upgrade your seat, subject to availability on the specific flight. You can take advantage of this perk both when you initially book your flight and as an upgrade to an existing reservation. Additionally, Avios points can be used for fantastic deals on hotels worldwide or even for car rentals.
How Much Are The Avios Points Worth?
Ultimately, what we want is to obtain the maximum value for our points. Therefore, it is important for you to be aware of the worth of your Avios Points. There isn’t a fixed value you can get from your Avios Points; it all depends on how, when, and where you redeem them. For Example, When you use your Avios for non-flight rewards, such as hotel stays or car rentals, the value you get might be lower compared to using them for flights. But on average, the Avios Points are worth around 0.8 Cents per point.
Bottom Line
Avios provides travelers with numerous opportunities to earn and make the most of their Avios points. Not only can you accumulate Avios through flight bookings, but you can also earn them through everyday credit card spending. When it comes to redeeming your points, the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to use them for a flight, upgrade your seat, or even book a rental car or hotel, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from.
Interest in flying around the world using credit card points? Check out our site to learn the basics, and follow our blog for more tips on how to make your dream vacation a reality. You can also sign up for our travel concierge and get unlimited credit cards and travel assistance for one full year.
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