Avios Points: How They Work, Pros & Cons, and Whether They’re Worth It
If you’ve ever booked a flight with British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus, you may have come across Avios points. But how do they work, and is it worth collecting them? This guide will break it all down so you can decide if Avios is a smart move for your travel goals.
Written by Benjamin_ashley
What Are Avios Points?
Avios is a rewards currency used by airlines in the International Airlines Group (IAG), including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. You earn Avios through flights, credit card spending, hotel bookings, and shopping with Avios partners. These points can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel perks.
How to Earn Avios Points
There are several ways to earn Avios points:
Flying with Partner Airlines – You earn Avios when flying with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and other Oneworld alliance members.
Credit Cards – UK residents can earn Avios through the British Airways American Express credit card and Barclaycard Avios Mastercard.
Shopping Portals – The British Airways eStore allows you to collect Avios when shopping online at partner retailers.
Hotel Stays & Car Rentals – Booking hotels with partners like Marriott and Hilton, or renting cars with Avis, can earn you extra Avios.
Avios Subscription & Buying Points – You can subscribe to monthly Avios plans or purchase points outright to boost your balance.
Transferring Points from Other Programs – Some bank loyalty programs allow you to convert points into Avios.
How to Use Avios Points
Once you've collected Avios, here’s what you can do with them:
Redeem for Flights – Use Avios to book flights with British Airways, Iberia, and other partner airlines. Note that taxes and fees still apply.
Upgrade Flights – Upgrade an economy ticket to premium economy or business class using Avios.
Hotel Stays & Car Hire – Use Avios to book hotel stays and rental cars.
Avios Part Payment – Reduce the cash cost of your flight by part-paying with Avios.
Household Accounts – Combine points with family members for faster redemptions.
Pros & Cons of Avios Points
Pros:
Save Money on Travel – Avios can significantly cut flight costs, especially on short-haul European flights with low taxes. Flexibility – You can use them for flights, upgrades, hotels, and more. Good Value on Short-Haul Flights – Reward flights start at just 4,750 Avios for UK & European flights. Regular Bonus Offers – Frequent promotions allow you to earn Avios faster through special offers and credit card bonuses. Household Sharing – Pooling points with family members makes it easier to accumulate and redeem Avios.
Cons:
Taxes & Fees Still Apply – Even when using Avios, you still need to pay taxes and carrier charges, which can be high on long-haul flights. Limited Seat Availability – Reward seats are limited, especially for premium cabins on popular routes. Devaluation Over Time – The value of Avios can change, and redemption rates may increase without notice. Some Routes Offer Poor Value – On certain routes, the taxes and fees may make an Avios redemption less attractive than paying outright.
Is Collecting Avios Worth It?
Avios is worth collecting if: You travel frequently, especially within Europe or with Oneworld airlines. You can take advantage of credit card bonuses and shopping offers. You’re flexible with travel dates to find reward seat availability. You plan to use them for short-haul flights where the taxes and fees are low.
Avios may not be ideal if: You rarely fly or only travel on routes with high fees. You don’t want to manage points and track availability.
How to Get Started with Avios
Sign Up for a British Airways Executive Club Account – This is free and allows you to start earning Avios immediately.
Apply for an Avios-Earning Credit Card – If you’re eligible, an Amex or Barclays Avios card can help you build points faster.
Use the BA eStore for Shopping – Whenever you shop online, check if the retailer offers Avios through the BA eStore.
Book Flights with Avios Partners – Always enter your Executive Club number when flying with British Airways or partner airlines.
Track Bonus Offers – Watch out for promotions that allow you to earn Avios quickly.
Final Thoughts
Avios points can be a fantastic way to save money on flights and travel perks, but they require some planning to maximize value. If you regularly fly with British Airways or Oneworld airlines, use an Avios credit card, and take advantage of shopping bonuses, you can rack up points quickly. However, keep an eye on taxes and fees, and make sure you’re using Avios where they offer the best value.
If you travel often and enjoy reward schemes, Avios is worth considering. If not, it may not be the best loyalty program for you. Happy travels!
