Last Updated: 20 Feb 2024
In a significant move, Finnair will adopt Avios as its new loyalty currency beginning in early 2024, phasing out the current Finnair Plus points. This change is expected to open a whole new world of travel perks and rewards for Finnair Plus members as Avios is the loyalty currency for some of the world's leading airlines and has more than 13 million members worldwide.
Already in use by British Airways through its Executive Club, Qatar Airways via its Privilege Club, and Spain's Iberia through Iberia Plus, Avios has a track record of making travel more rewarding for millions of passengers worldwide. By joining this elite group, Finnair is not just changing how you earn points but exponentially increasing what you can do with them.
Keep reading to find out how this mega switch can make your globe-trotting adventures even more rewarding and how you can collect Finnair Avios.
Impact on Current Finnair Customers
First off, if you're a current Finnair Plus member, you might be wondering how this switch will affect your hard-earned points. Don’t worry — your Finnair Plus award points will automatically convert to Avios at a 3:2 ratio. So if you have 3,000 Finnair Plus points, for example, these will turn into 2,000 Finnair Avios automatically, without you having to do anything.
But here's the best part: the value of your points remains the same. You're not losing out in this transition, the prices in Avios will also update in that same 3:2 ratio. So if an award or upgrade previously cost you 3,000 Finnair Plus points, it will now cost 2,000 Avios. And you don't have to do a thing to make this happen. The process is entirely automatic, meaning you won't need to submit forms or make calls. Your points will automatically transition into Avios.
How to Earn and Spend Avios with Finnair
Wondering how you can rack up those British Airways Avios with Finnair? It's basically the same process as collecting Finnair Plus points. Every time you fly with Finnair or any of their partner airlines, you'll be adding Avios to your account. And it's not just flights; you'll earn points on travel extras like checked baggage, meals, and seat selection.
If you're a Finnair Plus credit card holder, your credit card spending will also help you accumulate points. Plus, Finnair's extensive network of partners means you can earn points even when you're not flying. Everything from your daily coffee to your monthly bills can get you closer to your next dream vacation.
Now, let's talk about the fun part: spending those Avios. Naturally, you can redeem them for flights, either in part or in full, depending on your point balance. But flights are just the beginning. Got a heavy suitcase or two? You can use your points to cover pesky baggage fees. If you enjoy a bit more luxury while flying, your points can snag you some in-flight amenities. Think Wi-Fi to scroll through your social media feed 35,000 feet above ground, or gourmet meals that'll make you forget you're not in a five-star restaurant.
And if you really want to elevate your flying experience, why not use your Avios to upgrade your seat? Perhaps you've been eyeing that first-class cabin every time you shuffle down the economy aisle. Use your points to bump yourself up a travel class and enjoy the plush seats, extra legroom, and superior service. Accumulating Avios doesn't just give you miles, it gives you choices.
New Opportunities for Finnair Customers
With Avios as a loyalty currency, Finnair customers gain entry into an expansive network of partners. One of the standout features of this transition is the transfer options between Finnair Plus and British Airways Executive Club accounts. This means if you're a member of both programs, transferring points between the two accounts will be a breeze. No complicated math, no hidden fees—just pure, straightforward flexibility.
But it's not just about amassing points; it's about what you can do with them. As a Finnair Plus member using Avios, you gain access to the British Airways Executive Club network’s extensive rewards and partnerships. And we're not just talking about BA reward flights and hotel stays, which are obviously great perks in their own right. But the British Airways Executive Club rewards program also extends to other amazing travel experiences, like exclusive tours and gourmet dining opportunities, as well as plenty of online shopping brands. From high fashion to high-tech gadgets, there's a wide variety of perks waiting for you to explore. In essence, the move to Avios offers Finnair customers more choices and flexibility, enhancing not just how you fly, but how you live and experience the world.
Transferring Avios Between Accounts
You can link your Finnair Plus and British Airways Executive Club accounts and transfer your British Airways Avios points seamlessly between them from spring 2024. You can also link your BA account with Qatar Airways Privilege Club or Iberia Plus if you're a member there.
The beauty of this is not just in the ease of transferring points but in the variety of opportunities to use them. Being part of multiple loyalty programs means you'll be able to collect and spend points across a wider range of services, partners, and destinations, and you’ll be able to redeem your points on free BA reward flights. Whether it's a flight upgrade, a hotel booking, or a shopping spree, your Avios will now take you further than ever.