The Power of Avios: Your Gateway to Global Travel

Avios, the loyalty currency used by several airlines including British Airways, Qatar Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Finnair, and Loganair, provides a fantastic opportunity to maximize your travel rewards. Understanding how to move these points between programs is crucial for unlocking the best redemption options and taking advantage of unique airline partnerships. As a RewardSmart user, mastering this skill will significantly enhance your travel hacking game.

Why Transfer Avios?

There are several compelling reasons to consider moving your Avios points:

  • Better Redemption Rates: One airline might offer a significantly better redemption rate for a specific flight or cabin class than another. For example, Qatar Airways might have lower award pricing for business class flights to certain destinations compared to British Airways.
  • Access to Different Award Inventory: Each airline has access to its own award inventory. If a flight you want isn't available through British Airways, it might be available through Iberia or Qatar Airways.
  • Combining Points: If you have small balances of Avios in multiple accounts, transferring them into a single account allows you to reach the required threshold for a valuable redemption.
  • Taking Advantage of Promotions: Airlines occasionally offer promotions for transferring Avios, providing a bonus on the transferred amount.

How to Transfer Avios: A Step-by-Step Guide

While the exact process may vary slightly between airlines, the general steps are as follows:

  1. Ensure Accounts are Active and Verified: Make sure you have active accounts with each airline you plan to transfer between. Verify that the names and dates of birth on each account match exactly. Discrepancies can prevent successful transfers.
  2. Log into Your Account: Start by logging into the account from which you want to transfer Avios. For example, if you want to move Avios from British Airways to Iberia, log into your British Airways Executive Club account.
  3. Find the "Combine My Avios" or "Transfer Avios" Option: Look for this option within your account dashboard. It's often found under sections like "Manage My Account" or "Executive Club".
  4. Link Your Accounts: You'll likely be prompted to link the accounts you wish to transfer between. This typically involves entering your membership details for the other airline's loyalty program.
  5. Specify the Transfer Amount: Enter the number of Avios you want to transfer. Be aware of any minimum or maximum transfer limits.
  6. Confirm and Complete the Transfer: Review the details carefully and confirm the transfer. Transfers are usually instant, but it may take up to 24 hours in some cases.

Maximizing Your Avios with Credit Card Rewards

Earning Avios through credit card spending is a great way to boost your balance. Consider these strategies:

  • Co-branded Credit Cards: Several banks offer credit cards that directly earn Avios with British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. These cards often come with welcome bonuses and ongoing spending rewards.
  • Transferable Points Programs: Credit cards that earn transferable points, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, often allow you to transfer points to Avios programs. Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses to get even more value.
  • Strategic Spending: Use your Avios-earning credit cards for everyday purchases and bonus category spending to maximize your points accumulation.

RewardSmart Recommendation

Before transferring Avios, always compare redemption options across all available airlines. A little research can save you thousands of points and unlock premium travel experiences. Furthermore, take advantage of credit card welcome bonuses and strategic spending to rapidly accumulate Avios and reach your travel goals faster.