Avios, the loyalty currency used by programs such as British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Aer Lingus AerClub, is a popular choice for United Kingdom travelers. However, it is also gaining traction in the United States. With the recent addition of Qatar Privilege Club and the upcoming adoption by Finnair Plus, Avios is becoming a key currency for travelers worldwide.
One of the main advantages of Avios is that it can be earned and redeemed across multiple airline loyalty programs. This makes it easier for travelers to accumulate and use their points. While many loyalty currencies tend to be devalued over time, Avios still offers good value, especially as more airlines adopt it.
For example, when Qatar moved to Avios in 2022, British Airways dropped the prices of Qsuite business-class redemptions, making it more affordable for travelers to book these flights. This is just one example of how Avios can provide value to travelers.
So, which airlines can you book with Avios? The answer depends on the loyalty program you use. Avios can be transferred between programs, except for Finnair Plus, which will adopt Avios on March 9. This flexibility allows travelers to have more options when it comes to redeeming their points.
If you are a member of British Airways Executive Club, Qatar Privilege Club, or Iberia Plus, you can use your Avios for flights on Oneworld alliance airlines. Oneworld is a global partnership of 14 airlines, including British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Iberia. These airlines offer a wide range of destinations, giving travelers plenty of choices.
In addition to Oneworld airlines, Avios can also be used to redeem flights on other partner airlines. These include Aer Lingus, Vueling, and Sun-Air for British Airways Executive Club members, Avianca, Level, LATAM, Binter Canaries, and Vueling for Iberia Plus members, and British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling for Aer Lingus AerClub members.
The upcoming adoption of Avios by Finnair Plus will further expand the redemption options. Finnair Plus Avios will be redeemable on Oneworld airlines, as well as Braathens Regional Airlines and Juneyao Air.
With so many ways to redeem Avios, there are plenty of options for travelers. Some of the best ways to redeem Avios include off-peak flights from London to European destinations for as low as 4,750 Avios, flights within the U.S. on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines starting at 8,250 Avios, and business class flights to Europe for as low as 34,000 Iberia Avios.
To earn Avios, travelers can transfer their credit card points to Avios-based programs. Chase Bank offers credit cards for each Avios program, with generous welcome offers and the ability to earn points on everyday spending. Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to Avios at a 3:1 rate, with a bonus of 5,000 Avios for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.
In conclusion, Avios is becoming a key loyalty currency for travelers in the United Kingdom and the United States. With its broad network of partner airlines and flexible redemption options, Avios provides travelers with more choices and possibilities for their rewards. Whether you’re planning a domestic flight or an international trip, Avios can help you make the most of your loyalty points.