Last Updated: 21 Aug 2024
If you've been keeping an ear to the airport ground, you've probably heard the buzz: 2023 has been a landmark year for the British Airways Avios reward flights program. Qatar Airways came aboard, and Iberia and Finnair have announced joining the Avios family in 2024.
With all this action, it's easy to get a smidge overwhelmed. In this post, we’re breaking down the details of which airlines you can collect and use your Avios points on — and in some cases, British Airways tier points too.
Aer Lingus
This Irish flag carrier has been around since 1936 and is the second-largest airline in Ireland after Ryanair. The company is part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), making it a sibling to British Airways.
With Aer Lingus, you can earn Avios in two ways: either directly through the British Airways Executive Club or via Aer Lingus' own AerClub program. If you opt for the BA route, just add your Executive Club number when booking your flight, and you'll earn Avios at rates almost identical to British Airways flights. Keep in mind, though, that you won't get any extra tier bonuses that you might enjoy with BA.
Alternatively, AerClub allows you to earn Avios based on the money you spend — 3 Avios per €1 to be exact — which you can then transfer to your BA Executive Club account. Now, for the small print: no British Airways tier points will be earned on Aer Lingus flights as they're not part of the Oneworld alliance. So, you'll gain points for more opportunities to book flights with Avios but miss out on climbing the BA Executive Club ladder.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines, a key player especially on the U.S. West Coast, is an Oneworld alliance member that allows you to earn Avios and British Airways tier points. To rack up those Avios, simply add your British Airways Executive Club number during booking, and your account will get credited post-flight. However, the Avios earning rates differ from British Airways, especially in First Class, where you'll earn a maximum of 150% of miles flown compared to British Airways' up to 300% for flexible tickets.
Also, tier bonuses are off the table with Alaska Airlines. So, if you have Bronze, Silver, or Gold status with British Airways Executive Club, you won't get those extra perks. However, Alaska's inclusion in the Oneworld alliance means you can also earn British Airways tier points, making it easier to climb that coveted Executive Club ladder.
American Airlines
If you're cruising the skies with American Airlines, the good news is you can collect both Avios and British Airways tier points. All you need to do is add your British Airways Executive Club number during booking and your Avios will land in your account after the flight. But a heads-up — don't expect a straight-up Avios match with British Airways. American Airlines offers a max of 150% of miles flown in First Class, in contrast to British Airways' 300%. Economy fares have similar earning rates on both carriers, but you might feel the pinch in premium economy, business, and first classes where American offers significantly fewer points.
That said, if you're a Bronze, Silver, or Gold British Airways Executive Club member, you'll still bag your typical Avios tier bonus ranging from 25% to 100%. While you might earn fewer Avios than you would on a comparable British Airways flight, the tier bonus helps soften the blow.
Cathay Pacific
You can earn both Avios and British Airways tier points with Cathay Pacific. But, as with the previous two airlines, Cathay is not as Avios-generous as British Airways. While you'll score a max of 150% of miles flown in First Class with Cathay Pacific, British Airways gives you 300% for the same class. Economy fares offer similar Avios yields across the board but brace yourself for less Avios oomph in premium economy, business, and first classes.
Moreover, no love for your British Airways Executive Club status on this airline, we’re afraid. Unlike some other Oneworld partners, Cathay Pacific won't be giving you that sweet 25%, 50%, or 100% tier bonus if you hold a Bronze, Silver, or Gold card. So, if you're looking to max out those Avios and tier points, be prepared for a bit of a downgrade when flying Cathay Pacific.
Finnair
As discussed in our recent article, Finnair is switching its loyalty currency to Avios starting in early 2024. Your existing Finnair Plus points will automatically convert to Finnair Avios at a 3:2 ratio while retaining the same value for awards or upgrades. Plus, the earning process remains unchanged; you'll collect Avios not just on Finnair flights, but also on travel extras like checked baggage and meals.
Perhaps the cherry on top is the 1:1 transfer ratio between Finnair Plus and British Airways Executive Club. If you're a member of both loyalty programs, this makes shuffling points between the two a breeze.
Iberia
Travellers can earn Avios when flying with Iberia starting from December 11, 2023. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, these Avios can be used on British Airways or even transferred between your Iberia Plus and British Airways Executive Club accounts to top up your balance for Avios reward flights.
In addition to this, Iberia is launching a daily service connecting Madrid's Barajas International Airport to Hamad International Airport in Qatar. This is part of a broader alliance between Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Iberia. The partnership aims to enhance overall travel convenience by offering passengers a wider variety of destinations to choose from, varied flight schedules, and competitive fares. Up to three flights daily on key routes will be available, providing travellers with more options and flexibility.
Japan Airlines
You can earn both Avios and BA tier points when flying with Japan Airlines, thanks to their shared membership in the Oneworld alliance. However, the Avios accrual rates differ between the two carriers. While you'll earn a maximum of 150% of miles flown if you fly First Class on Japan Airlines, the equivalent British Airways flight could offer up to 300% of miles flown. For other classes, the earnings vary as well, with Japan Airlines generally offering fewer Avios than British Airways, particularly for flexible economy and business-class fares.
Despite the lower earning potential, there are some silver linings. Unlike with certain other Oneworld partners, if you hold a Bronze, Silver, or Gold BA Executive Club status card, you're still eligible to receive your usual tier bonuses ranging from 25% to 100%. This can slightly offset the otherwise lower accrual rates, making JAL an option worth considering for travellers looking to diversify their flight options while still earning rewards for Avios award flights.
LATAM
Although LATAM has exited the Oneworld alliance, making it no longer possible to earn British Airways tier points on their flights, you can still earn Avios when flying with various LATAM subsidiaries including LATAM Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brasil Airlines. However, the Avios earning rates on LATAM are generally lower than those on British Airways; for example, business class on LATAM will earn you a maximum of 125% of miles flown, as compared to British Airways' 150-250%. Moreover, you cannot earn Avios on LATAM's domestic flights within Peru, Chile, Argentina, or Ecuador.
The differences in Avios earning rates between LATAM and British Airways extend across other fare classes as well. While economy fares offer the same earning potential on both airlines, you could earn significantly less in premium economy or business class when flying LATAM. Moreover, Unlike on British Airways, LATAM flights don't qualify for a status tier bonus.
Malaysia Airlines
When flying with Malaysia Airlines, it's possible to earn Avios and British Airways tier points, thanks to their shared membership in the Oneworld alliance. This provides an alternative to Malaysia Airlines' own Enrich Miles reward program. While both airlines offer the same Avios earning rates in their lowest, low, and flexible economy categories, there are significant differences in premium classes. Malaysia Airlines doesn't operate a premium economy cabin, and its business and first class earning rates are lower — up to 50% fewer Avios — than you would earn on British Airways. For example, a first-class flight on Malaysia Airlines will earn you a maximum of 150% of miles flown, as opposed to British Airways' 300%.
However, Malaysia Airlines still honours the standard Avios tier bonuses for British Airways Executive Club members. Depending on your BA Executive Club status — Bronze, Silver, or Gold — you can still earn your usual bonus of 25%, 50%, or 100% additional points.
Qantas
Qantas also allows you to earn Avios and BA tier points, courtesy of both airlines' membership in the Oneworld alliance. However, while the Avios earning rates for the lowest and flexible economy categories are identical for both Qantas and British Airways, discrepancies arise in premium classes. For example, flying first class on Qantas will earn you a maximum of 150% of miles flown in Avios, which is only half of the 300% you could earn on a British Airways flight in the same class.
The same kind of reduction applies to premium economy and business classes, potentially cutting your earnings in half compared to British Airways. Moreover, the standard Avios tier bonuses of 25%, 50%, or 100% are not applicable when flying with Qantas.
Qatar Airways
If you're a member of Qatar Airways' loyalty program, you have a multitude of ways to earn Avios. Beyond just flights with Qatar and its oneworld alliance partners, you can rake in points through Qatar’s various partnerships, which include options in the hotel, car rental, banking, and retail sectors. While some of these partners overlap with those of British Airways, it's worth comparing to maximise Avios earnings across both programs. For instance, you can earn Avios through unique accommodation partners like Booking.com, trip.com, and various Hilton brands, which aren't available through BA's program. Similarly, car rental partnerships with companies like Europcar and Sixt offer additional avenues for Avios collection.
But the earning opportunities don't stop there. Qatar Airways has gone beyond the Oneworld alliance to establish individual partnerships with airlines like Bangkok Airways, JetBlue, MEA, Oman Air, RwandAir, and Virgin Australia. So even if you find yourself flying with one of these airlines, you can continue to accumulate points and book flights with Avios.
Royal Air Maroc
Flying with Royal Air Maroc offers another avenue for earning Avios and British Airways tier points, thanks to both airlines being part of the Oneworld alliance. However, Royal Air Maroc also has different earning rates compared to British Airways. While you'll accrue Avios at similar rates for economy flights on both airlines, business class fares with Royal Air Maroc cap at 125% of miles flown. Premium Economy and First Class cabins are not available on Royal Air Maroc. It's also worth noting that you won't receive a status tier bonus when flying with Royal Air Maroc.
Royal Jordanian
If you're a Royal Jordanian flyer, you can still earn Avios and BA tier points due to the airline's affiliation with the Oneworld alliance. However, you won't earn Avios at the same rate as you would with British Airways. For example, Royal Jordanian's earning rate caps at 125% of miles flown for business class, compared to British Airways' more generous rate of up to 250% for the same class.
The two airlines offer similar Avios earning rates for economy flights, but Premium Economy and First Class are not available options on Royal Jordanian. You also won't receive a status tier bonus with Royal Jordanian.
S7 Airlines
You can earn both Avios and BA tier points with S7 Airlines thanks to the airline's membership in the Oneworld alliance. However, the rate at which you accumulate Avios will be less favourable. For instance, business class flights on S7 offer a maximum Avios earning rate of 125% of miles flown, less than British Airways' top rate of 250%. S7 also doesn't offer Premium Economy or First Class, which are more lucrative Avios-earning options on British Airways. Both airlines provide the same Avios earning rates for their lowest and flexible Economy fares.
In addition, you won't receive the usual status tier bonuses available to members of the British Airways Executive Club. This means that Executive Club Bronze, Silver, and Gold members will earn even fewer Avios on S7 compared to British Airways, especially on competing routes.
Sri Lankan Airlines
Flying with SriLankan Airlines also allows you to earn Avios and BA tier points. However, if you're aiming to maximise your Avios earnings, SriLankan falls short when compared to British Airways, especially in business class. While both airlines offer the same Avios earning rates for their lowest and most flexible economy fares (25% and 100%, respectively), business class on SriLankan will only get you a maximum of 125% of miles flown, far less than British Airways' potential 250%. Additionally, Sri Lankan Airlines doesn't offer Premium Economy or First Class cabins.
The usual Avios status tier bonuses are also not applicable when flying with SriLankan Airlines. So, if you're a Bronze, Silver, or Gold member of the BA Executive Club, you'll earn even fewer Avios compared to what you'd get with British Airways. However, this limitation is somewhat theoretical, given that British Airways does not currently operate flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Vueling
A low-cost Spanish airline owned by the International Airlines Group (IAG), Vueling offers three ways to earn Avios. The first and most straightforward method is through Vueling Club, where you earn Avios based on the amount spent in euros, rather than miles flown. With a revenue-based system, you can earn 2 Avios per €1 on Basic fares and 4 Avios per €1 on other fare classes. Alternatively, if you book Vueling's codeshare flights through British Airways' website, you'll earn Avios directly in your Executive Club account, though fares are likely to be higher. The third option involves booking Optima fares and earning Avios via Iberia Plus using a traditional miles-based system, with rates ranging from 0.25 to 1 Avios per mile flown, depending on the class and carrier code of the flight.
Choosing the best method for accruing Avios with Vueling can be a bit complex and requires some calculation for each specific flight. While Vueling Club’s revenue-based system may favour more expensive flights, the Iberia Plus miles-based option could be more lucrative for longer, less expensive routes. Regardless of the method chosen, you will not earn British Airways tier points when flying with Vueling.
If you're flying out of London, your options for earning Avios through different airlines may be somewhat limited compared to other global hubs. The airlines you're most likely to encounter for direct flights include British Airways, Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Iberia, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. Other Avios-earning airlines would typically require starting from a different point or connecting outside the UK.