What is Avios?
Avios is a loyalty program of which several Oneworld partner airlines are members. The following airlines make up the loyalty program:
- Aer Lingus
- British Airways
- Iberia
- Air Italy
- Vueling
The term “Avios” also refers to the point system that makes up this loyalty program; Avios are the shared reward currency that the above airlines use. Collecting points is easy – you’ll earn points from flights, hotels, car hires, retail purchases and more. Avios can be redeemed towards flights on any of these partner airlines, connecting you to hundreds of destinations around the world.
Earning Points
Frequent flyers with airlines that are part of the Avios network earn points when flying with their preferred carrier or any other partner member of the Avios program. All you’ll need to do is join one of the airlines’ loyalty reward programs:
Once you’ve signed up for an airline’s loyalty program, you’re ready to begin collecting points with any of hundreds of partners, on a variety of products and services.
Read on to explore your options!
Earning Avios with Flights
Earning points with Avios is dependent on the carrier operating the flight. Points are typically earned either for euros spent on flights, miles flown, or flights purchased – or a combination of the three. To ensure that points are earned, it is important that passengers check that their flight is marketed by one of the 5 listed airlines – this can be done by checking the 2-letter airline code before the flight number.
Earning miles with Avios flights is based on the airline you are booking with. The breakdown is as follows:
- When you purchase Aer Lingus flights to and from Ireland, and on to North America, you’ll earn at least 3 points for every euro you spend.
- When booking flights with British Airways, you’ll earn up to 3 points for every mile you fly on flights to hundreds of destinations, worldwide.
- Collect up to 2.5 points for every mile flown with Iberia on flights within Europe, to North and South America, Africa, and the Middle east.
- Explore destinations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East as you book with Vueling and collect at least 3 points per euro spent.
- Members who purchase flights with Air Italy will collect at least 125 points for every flight booked to and from Italy and Sardinia.
As these rates vary based on carrier, before booking any travel, it is advised that you check with your carrier to see if your flight is eligible to earn points.
Earning Avios with Partners
Earning points is easy; just browse their list of partner brands and choose your favorites from among over 100 different retailers.
Hotels:
Program members who would like to enjoy hotel stays with spacious rooms, to-quality food, high speed internet and other amenities can also earn points when booking hotels directly through the Avios portal; You’ll earn 15 points for every £1 spent when you book a hotel through Avios. You can also earn points directly with hotel partners, or when you book a hotel through Expedia.com. Highlights include:
- Best Western® Hotels & Resorts: Earn 500 miles each time you book via bestwestern.co.uk; additionally, if you’re a Best Western Rewards® member, you can change your existing points into Avios at a rate of 1,000 points for every 5,000 Best Western Rewards® points transferred.
- Meliá Hotel & Resorts: Guests can enjoy stays at over 360 hotels and resorts in more than 40 countries, and you’ll earn points with each stay at a rate of 3 Avios for every 1 euro spent. Additionally, MeliáRewards points can be transferred to Avios.
- com: Collect 4 points for every £1 spent with hotels.com and choose from over 280,000 hotels in more than 60 countries.
- Agoda: When booked via agoda.com/avios, you’ll collect up to 10,000 points per night on over 875,000 hotels, villas and apartments across the globe.
Car Rentals:
Avis: Program members can collect 3 points for every £1 spent to hire a rental car at any Avis location worldwide.
Avios can also be earned with a variety of retail partners; highlights include:
- Nike: Earn 6 points per $1 spent at Nike’s US website.
- Bed Bath & Beyond: Collect 4 points per $1 spent with Bed Bath & Beyond.
- Macy’s: Earn 7 points per $1 spent on your favorite clothing and gifts from Macy’s.
- Bloomingdales: Collect 7 points for every $1 spent at Bloomingdale’s.
To explore more partners, please visit their site: Avios Partners
Redeeming Miles
Avios members may redeem points accrued for flight awards, seat upgrades and even airport lounge access. Points can also be applied to hotel bookings, car hires, and even activities and experiences at your destination.
Redeeming Points for Air Travel
Avios rewards can easily be used to book flights on Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Iberia. Simply go to Avios.com, use their airline search engine, and select the flight(s) you’d like. You’ll be prompted to sign in to your Avios account, where you’ll see how many points you have at your disposal. If you find yourself short, you do have the option to purchase more Avios so you can redeem those points towards a dream vacation (or business trip).
Other Ways to Redeem Avios
Using the Avios portal, program members can redeem points towards more than just airfare:
Hotels:
Just as Avios members can collect Avios points through booking hotels with Avios partners, you can also redeem those points towards stays at hotel properties across the world. There are thousands of offers each day, with deals available at over 100,000 hotels and resorts across the globe; from B&Bs to unique boutiques, major chains to full-service resorts, your points can be used to book your accommodation no matter your destination.
Car Hire:
Exploring your vacation destination is always easier with a car rental; points can be utilized to hire a quality car from international airport car hires across the globe, so you’ll save money as you get out and explore the world.
Activities and Experiences:
Once you’ve checked into your hotel, it’s time to get out and have a look around; every destination is unique and offers different experiences. No matter where you are, you’ll have the option to redeem points towards an unforgettable adventure. Explore your options by logging into your Avios portal.