How to Earn Avios
Avios are one of the most accessible airline currencies in the world, thanks to a huge network of bank and travel partners.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Credit Card Transfers | Super easy to earn. Avios is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles. |
| Co-branded Credit Cards | Earn Avios directly with the Chase British Airways Visa Signature® Card, which also offers its own unique perks. |
| Flying oneworld | Earn Avios when you fly British Airways or any oneworld alliance partner like American Airlines, Alaska, or Qatar Airways. |
| Shopping & Travel Portals | Earn through hotel stays, car rentals, and the British Airways Avios eStore. |
How to Use Avios
British Airways uses a distance-based award chart, and here's the key rule: **each flight is priced separately**. This makes direct flights the best deal.
- Per-Segment Pricing: An itinerary with a connection will cost more Avios than a direct flight covering the same total distance.
- Watch Out for High Fees: This is the program's biggest downside. Be prepared for very high taxes and fuel surcharges, especially when flying in premium cabins on British Airways' own planes through London.
- Combine Your Avios: Instantly transfer Avios at a 1:1 ratio between your British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and Aer Lingus accounts to find the best deal.
Pro Tip: Avoid London!
The Best Deals (Sweet Spots)
Master these high-value redemptions to become an Avios expert:
This is the #1 use for Avios. The distance-based chart makes short, non-stop flights a fantastic deal. Think domestic hops on American Airlines, flights within Europe, or exploring Japan on JAL.
Use Avios to fly on partner Aer Lingus from East Coast cities like Boston or NYC to Dublin. You'll pay significantly lower taxes and fees than if you flew on British Airways.
The 'Reward Flight Saver' feature lets you pay a flat cash co-pay to cap the otherwise high taxes and fees, making off-peak business class awards to London much more affordable.
A great way to get a taste of luxury. Use a reasonable amount of Avios to upgrade a paid premium economy ticket to a lie-flat business class seat.
Partners & Rules
As a key member of the oneworld alliance, you can use Avios to fly on many of the world's best airlines.
- Key oneworld Partners: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines (JAL), Qatar Airways, Iberia.
- Key Non-Alliance Partner: Aer Lingus.
- The Main Rule: Each flight is priced on its own. A stopover isn't really a 'feature' because you're just booking separate one-way flights anyway.