Iberia’s loyalty programme got a major update in April 2025, with a new name and a structure that rewards how much you spend instead of how far you fly. What was previously called Iberia Plus is now Club Iberia Plus, and while the name change brings it in line with the updated British Airways Club, there are even bigger differences under the hood that frequent flyers will want to understand.
If you regularly fly Iberia or credit British Airways flights to Iberia Plus, this new system could work in your favour. There are generous Elite Point bonuses for premium cabins and partner activity, new elite tiers, and clearer ways to answer the question, "How many Avios will I earn?"
In this blog, we’ll discuss the new tiers and how best to use them, so the next time you fly Iberia, the experience is rewarding for both you and your wallet.
The New Earning Model
Club Iberia Plus now runs on a revenue-based structure. You earn 1 Elite Point for every €1 you spend on Iberia flights and flights operated by British Airways and American Airlines. Bear in mind that while taxes and fees don't count, the base fare does.
You also earn bonus Elite Points per flight segment based on distance and cabin. So, long-haul Iberia Business Class flights can net you up to 600 extra points per leg. Premium Economy typically earns around 275 – 325, while Economy ranges from 75 – 250, depending on the route and fare class. For those wondering "how many Avios will I earn," the answer now depends more on the cash price of your ticket than the miles you cover.
You'll still earn Iberia Avios on flights. The earning rate increases as you move up the elite tiers, starting at 5 Avios per €1 for Clásica members and going up to 9 Avios per €1 at the top. More on that later.
Want to boost your Elite Points without stepping on a plane? Iberia's 90+ non-airline partners, including the Iberia eStore, provide a different route. You'll receive 1 Elite Point for every 10 Avios you earn through qualifying partner activity. That can cover up to 30% of the points needed for any tier, though this doesn't apply to credit card transfers, bonuses, or gifted Avios. Long story short, if you're strategic about it, you can make serious progress toward elite status through a mix of Iberia flights and smart Avios collecting.
Club Iberia Plus Tier Statuses
Club Iberia Plus now features seven membership tiers. You'll start at Clásica when you sign up, with the opportunity to climb the ladder all the way to Infinita Prime, which grants lifetime elite perks. Here's a breakdown of each level and what it takes to get there:
Clásica (entry-level):
This is the beginner-level status, which doesn’t require any prior flying. You’re automatically placed in the Clasica when you join. You'll earn 5 Iberia Avios per €1 spent and get access to the basics: Avios-only seats, upgrades up to Iberia Business Class, and priority waitlisting. You can use your Avios to book flights for yourself or others and enjoy free in-flight messaging over WhatsApp or Telegram.
Who it's for: It's an ideal tier if you're learning how to use Avios points and starting to build up your balance.
Plata (Oneworld Ruby):
You can reach Plata status with 3,500 Elite Points or 20 Iberia segments. Plata members earn 6 Avios per €1 and enjoy Business Class check-in, Group 2 priority boarding, one extra checked bag, and waived fees on certain sports or music gear. You'll also get access to Iberia's dedicated support line and enjoy oneworld Ruby perks such as preferred seating across the alliance.
Who it's for: Perfect for short-haul regulars, especially those who often take Iberia flights within Europe.
Oro (Oneworld Sapphire):
You qualify for Oro status with 7,500 Elite Points or 40 flights. Oro earns you 7 Avios per €1 and unlocks Iberia lounge access, Fast Track security, Group 1 boarding, free seat selection, and extra baggage allowance. You also get guaranteed seats on full Economy flights up to 24 hours before departure and premium call centre access.
Who it's for: This is where the real perks start, especially if you regularly fly Iberia Business Class or book long-haul trips with partners like Qatar Airways or British Airways.
Platino (Oneworld Emerald):
You'll need 20,000 Elite Points or 90 flights to achieve Platino status. Members earn 8 Avios per €1 and enjoy two free upgrades yearly, Fast Track lanes, better lounge access (even with a child or guest), and a baggage collection service. You also get access to up to 25,000 Avios as a personal credit line, handy if you want to lock in redemptions before your next payday.
Who it's for: It's a solid tier for regulars who want flexibility, especially if you split time between business and personal travel.
Platino Prime (2-year tier):
The Platino Prime unlocks at 30,000 Elite Points and is valid for two years. This tier boosts your earnings to 9 Avios per €1. It adds four upgrades annually, guaranteed Avios availability for four people annually, even when flights are "sold out", and Fast Track for companions. Lounge access extends to kids and guests, even on some Vueling routes.
Who it's for: This tier can be great if you're wondering how to use Avios points for family travel or want to share your elite perks with others.
Infinita (Lifetime Emerald):
The Infinita lifetime tier requires 400,000 Elite Points over your Iberia career. It includes all Platino Prime perks but with permanent status, four annual upgrades, Avios that never expire, and one gifted Oro membership per year.
Who it's for: If you've racked up serious hours in the air, this tier means you never have to start from scratch again.
Infinita Prime (Top-tier Lifetime)
The Infinita Prime is the most exclusive tier, which you can reach after earning 640,000 lifetime Elite Points. You get everything from Infinita, plus eight upgrades a year, lounge and Fast Track access for up to four companions, and guaranteed Avios redemptions annually for four passengers, even on full flights and waived booking fees. You can also gift two Oro memberships annually.
Who it's for: If the Iberia Business Class is your usual cabin, this is where your loyalty lands.
How Club Iberia Plus Compares to British Airways Club
While both Iberia and BA now follow revenue-based models, Iberia's version gives you more flexibility, especially if you fly in premium cabins. For example, both BA Silver and Iberia Oro require 7,500 points. But Iberia gives generous bonus Elite Points on British Airways flights credited to Iberia Plus. You'll earn up to +450 extra points in First Class, +350 in Business, and +175 in Club Europe. Even Economy flights on BA can earn +75 – 150 extra points if credited to Iberia. Those bonuses don't exist in the BA Club model.
Please note that if you're qualifying by flight segments, only Iberia-coded flights count. So, if you fly mostly Vueling or BA short-haul, stick with the Elite Points method instead.
How to Maximise Your Iberia Plus Status
While there’s no such thing as a free lunch, there are a few ways you can move up the ranks without flying every week. Here's how to make the most of the new Club Iberia Plus structure:
- Shop through Iberia partners. Earn 10 Avios for every qualifying euro spent through Iberia's eStore or other partners, which converts to 1 Elite Point. You can rack up to 30% of your required tier total without flying at all.
- Book higher-fare classes. Flexible tickets and Iberia Business Class earn you the biggest Elite Point bonuses. Even Premium Economy can deliver 275 – 325 extra points per segment, and short-haul Business fares punch well above their price tag.
- Credit BA flights to Iberia. You'll pick up more Elite Points per segment than with BA. That's especially valuable if you regularly fly Club Europe or long-haul Business.
- You can freely move Avios between your Iberia and BA accounts. So, if you're focusing on Iberia status, consider crediting your flights and spending to Iberia Plus, even if you're flying BA. This way, you're still earning Avios, but now you're climbing faster toward elite perks.
Final Take
Club Iberia Plus now fits more neatly with how loyalty programmes work across IAG, but that doesn’t mean it’s lost its uniqueness, especially if you know how to use Avios points strategically. The new model rewards informed flyers who know how to work the system, so there's still plenty of value in flying Iberia, and doing it smartly.
This is also a rare case where a loyalty programme redesign hasn’t punished the traveller; it’s just raised the bar for how intentional you need to be. If you’re willing to shift your habits slightly, diversify your point-earning channels, and think in terms of Elite Points as well as Avios, you could extract real value from Club Iberia Plus.
