Why British Airways Avios are Awesome

The British Airways Avios program really took a lot of criticism back in 2011 when it changed to a distance based program. Over time though, the opinion has really changed once others have figured out how to maximize the use of British Airways Avios.  In fact, British Airways has really become one of my favorites, and I have certainly used it to get some amazing redemptions which would have cost a lot more if booked with miles from other airlines or cash.   Below are some of the reasons that make British Airways Avios awesome!

British Airways Avios are distance based

I know that everybody knows this already, but this is primarily the reason why Avios are so valuable.  The amount of Avios necessary for an award is dependent on the distance traveled.  Take a look at the chart below:

So, while other US Airlines would charge you 12,500 miles one way for an award ticket between Chicago and Toronto (a distance of only 436 flight miles), the same flight is bookable using only 4500 Avios.   Miami to Cancun, Mexico is only 4500 Avios vs. 17500 United miles.  You get the idea.  You can view some great redemption options on this table I created.

You can combine Avios between British Airways and Iberia

When you hear of Avios, you normally associate them with British Airways.  However, Iberia also uses Avios as their mileage currency, but has a separate loyalty program.  Best of all, you can freely transfer from British Airways to Iberia or vice versa.

One reason you might want to do this is that the same flight booked with the Iberia website may show lower fuel surcharges compared to booking it through the British Airways website.  You have to make sure that both Avios accounts have been open for at least 3 months before you are allowed to the transfer points between one another.

British Airways allows one-way awards

This may seem unimportant, but the fact of the matter is one way awards can be a huge benefit especially if you are using them to fill in the gap on an open jaw itinerary, or using them for positioning flights.  Of the major US carriers, only Delta and US Airways don’t allow one way awards.

British Airways allows a household account

Unlike US Airlines, British Airways allows a household account where up to 7 people (including children) living at the same address can pool their Avios.  This allows for easier redemption of awards out of one account vs. multiple accounts.  This is also great in that if one member is short a few miles for an award, the needed miles can essentially be contributed any another member.  You certainly cannot do this with United Airlines or American Airlines, not fee free anyway.

There are no close in ticketing fees

Again, in stark contrast to the major US carriers, British Airways does not charge a close in ticketing fee when you book an award.  So, it doesn’t matter if you are booking 1 day out, are non-elite etc.  This maybe one of the better reasons to love Avios.

There are no significant cancellation fees

United charges $150 to cancel your award and redeposit your miles.  Even though the British Airways website states that it charges $40 to cancel and redeposit your Avios, many have reported that this is not true, and that when you cancel on BA.com, you do not see this $40 cancellation fee.  You do however, lose taxes and other segment fees you may have paid.  For example, if you paid a $2.50 segment fee for a one-way on American Airlines, you will not get that back.

There are minimal change fees

British Airways charges $40 in change fees.  This is still much better than many of the major carriers.  However, as I just mentioned, since there are no significant cancellation fees, it maybe better to cancel the ticket first, and then rebook it.  That way, you won’t have to pay the $40.

You get priority access, boarding, and free checked bag on American Airlines

This is certainly not published anywhere, but for some reason, you get priority access through the security line, priority boarding, and a free checked bag when flying on American Airlines.

It’s the only program where you can transfer points from the three major points programs

British Airways is a transfer partner of Ultimate Rewards, Membership Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest.  As a result, you have extreme flexibility in transferring from any of these partners.

Membership rewards frequently run transfer bonuses

There are a multitude of credit cards by American Express which earn Membership Rewards points.  Quite often, Membership Rewards offers bonuses of 30-50% when transferred to Avios.  So, at a 50% bonus, 50,000 MR points would become 75,000 Avios, not bad at all!

Flying, credit cards, shopping all earn Avios

You have ample options to earn a wealth of Avios quickly and easily.  Flying Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, or any other British Airways partners, you can credit the miles to British Airways.  However, before doing that, check with British Airways to make sure you are not going to get fewer miles if you do credit to them.

Any credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards, Membership Rewards, Starwood Points, or the British Airways Signature Visa can all be used to accumulate Avios.

Finally, points earned through the Ultimate Rewards mall, the Membership Rewards mall can be transferred to Avios. Shopping through the British Airways shopping portal also directly earns Avios.

With all these reasons, it’s easy to understand why British Airways is one of my favorite programs.  What is your opinion of Avios?