What is Avios and why did I chose the program?

on a business class flight, you have to lose £5,500 on a return flight. This way you get to travel on a long-haul flight comfortably, without breaking the wallet. Another example is a London to Turin economy seat which would cost 12,500 Avios and £1 in tax, while if you book it and then pay by cash it’ll cost £200. That’s why people have been crazy about Avios recently. Let’s talk more about Avios.

What is Avios?

Avios is the frequent flyer currency of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Qatar Airways, and can be used with other Oneworld airlines with the likes of Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air (from 2024), Qantas, Royal Jordanian, Royal Air Maroc & Sri Lankan Airlines.

First things first, to take advantage of the Avios program you need to join. Signing up is free, and you'll start earning points right away. Once you're a member, you can earn points by flying with BA and partner airlines, staying at partner hotels, renting cars, and even by shopping with Avios credit cards. Join BA executive club here.

Why did I choose the Avios program?

I started years ago collecting Cathay Pacific’s Asiamiles but it was difficult for me to achieve my 500 thousand airmiles goal. Cathay Pacific is based in Hong Kong and as I'm not a Hong Kong resident I couldn't get a credit card that will reward me Asiamiles. So, I've decided to dump Asia miles and move to Avios. To make everything better, Avios doesn't have an expiry date unlike Asiamiles which expires after 3 years if not used. Since BA is part of the oneworld alliance airlines, I could collect and redeem a flight with BA and its partner airlines, so I'm not confined to flying with 1 airline.