Avios is one of the most versatile points currencies in the travel world. Used by multiple airlines, this rewards currency allows travelers to book flights with low taxes and fees, transfer points between partner programs, and take advantage of transfer bonuses from credit card points. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned points enthusiast, this guide will break down everything you need to know about travel rewards, including how to earn, transfer, and redeem them for maximum value.
Table of Contents
What are Avios?
This is the rewards currency used by several airlines, including:
- British Airways executive club
- Iberia Plus
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Finnair Plus
Each of these programs has its own award chart and redemption rules, but the travel rewards can be transferred between them, allowing for strategic redemptions based on which program offers the best value for your trip.
How to earn Avios?
There are several ways to earn these travel rewards, making them one of the easiest currencies to accumulate:
- Flying on partner airlines.
You can earn travel rewards when flying with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, and other one world partners like American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
2. Credit card welcome bonuses
Several credit cards allow you to earn these travel reward directly.
- Chase British Airways visa signature card.
- Chase Iberia visa signature card.
- Chase Aer Lingus visa signature card.
- American Express Qatar Airways privilege club card.
3. Transferring points from other programs.
Avios can be earned indirectly by transferring points from these flexible points programs:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards (1: 1 transfer to British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus)
- American Express Membership Rewards (1:1 transfer to British Airways and Iberia)
- Capital One Miles (1:1 transfer to British Airways and Qatar Airways)
- Citi thank you points (One: one transfer to Qatar Airways and British Airways)
- Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 transfer ratio to Avios programs, with a 5,000 Avios bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred.)
4. Shopping portals
British Airways and Iberia have online shopping portals where you can earn extra travel rewards by making everyday purchases that participate in retailers.
How to transfer Avios between airlines?
One of the best features of this travel reward is the ability to move them between British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Qatar Airways. Here’s how:
- British Airways to Iberia: use the “Combine My Avios” feature on either website. Both accounts must have been open for at least 90 days and have activity.
- British Airways to Aer Lingus: use the Avios website (Avios.com).
- British Airways to Qatar Airways: Link your British Airways and Qatar Airways accounts to freely transfer rewards between them.
Pro tip: Iberia has lower taxes and fees on award flights: so, it’s often better to book long haul flights through Iberia rather than British Airways.
Pro tip: all airline accounts must match your name on your passport. The last name also needs to match between all airlines for a smooth transfer of points between accounts.
Best Avios Redemptions
- Short-haul One World Flights
Avios are distance based, so short-haul flights are a great deal. Some of the best sweet spots include:
- New York to Miami on American Airlines (6,000 to 9,000 Avios + $5.60
- Madrid to Paris on Iberia (6000 Avios + low taxes)
2. Business class flights on Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways Q suites is one of the best business class products in the world. You can book:
- U.S. to Doha in business class for 70,000 Avios one way
- Doha to the Maldives for 35,0000 Avios one way
Since Qatar Airways uses Avios you can transfer points from British Airways or a credit card partner.
4. Iberia business class to Europe
Iberia offers some of the best deals for business class flights to Europe with low fees. Example routes:
- New York to Madrid 34,000 Avios + ~$100 in taxes
- Chicago to Madrid for 42,500 Avios + ~$100 in taxes
5. Aer Lingus Business Class to Ireland
Aer Lingus offers excellent business class availability with lower fees than British Airways. Routes Include:
- Boston to Dublin for 50,000 Avios in business class
- New York to Dublin for 60,000 Avios in business class
6. Off-peak economy to Europe
British Airways and Iberia offer off-peak pricing, making flights to Europe much cheaper.
Example: East Coast U.S. to Madrid for 13,000 Avios in economy.
Avios transfer bonuses
Occasionally, Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One offer transfer bonuses (e.g., A 30% bonus to British Airways). This is a great way to stretch your points further. Before transferring, check for promotions to get more Avios.
Avios Credit Cards
If you frequently use Avios, consider one of these credit cards:
- Chase British Airways visa signature card
- Welcome bonus: typically, 50,000 to 100,000 avios
- Earn 3x Avios on British Airways purchases
- 10% discount on British Airways flights when paying with the card
- Companion voucher after spending 30,000 annually allowing a companion to fly for just taxes and fees
2. Chase Iberia visa signature card
- Welcome bonus 50,000 to 100,000 Avios
- Earned 3x Avios on Iberia purchases
- Discounted Iberia redemptions
3. Chase Aer Lingus Visa signature card
- Welcome bonus: 50,000 to 100,000 Avios
- 3x Avios on Aer Lingus purchases
- Get a companion ticket after spending $30,000 annually
4. American Express Qatar Airways Privilege Club card
- Earn Avios directly with Qatar Airways
- 3x Avios on Qatar Airways purchases
- Priority boarding and lounge access benefits
Final Thoughts
Avios travel rewards are one of the most flexible airline currencies, allowing you to book flights on multiple carriers, transfer between programs, and take advantage of sweet spots like short haul redemptions and business class flights. By leveraging credit card bonuses, transfer bonuses, and strategic redemptions you can maximize your rewards for incredible travel experiences.
Are you a travel rewards user? What’s your favorite redemption? Let me know in the comments!
If you want to learn more about points and miles, we recommend reading this post next.