Avios points are the reward currency used by British Airways and several partner airlines, giving passengers the opportunity to earn and redeem points on flights, hotels, car rentals, shopping and more. While frequent flyers are likely already collecting Avios without much thought, there’s a lot more to know about how to get the most value from them.
What Exactly Are Avios Points?
Avios are a type of digital currency used in the loyalty programmes of several major airlines, most notably the British Airways Executive Club. They’re also shared across other schemes, including Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus’ AerClub and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
Once you’re enrolled in one of these programmes, you can start collecting Avios and use them to book flights, reserve hotel rooms, hire cars, or access a range of other travel benefits. Unlike traditional cashback systems, Avios are designed specifically with travel perks in mind.
How to Start Earning Avios
To begin collecting Avios, you’ll need to sign up for a free British Airways Executive Club account. This account will track your points balance and give you access to a variety of offers to earn more Avios.
There are several key ways to accumulate points:
1. Flights
Booking flights with British Airways, Iberia, and other partner airlines is the most obvious way to earn Avios. The amount of points you receive depends on your fare type, the distance of your journey, and your tier within the loyalty programme. Naturally, premium seats on long-haul flights offer the most generous returns.
2. Hotel Stays
Chains like Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott allow you to earn Avios on bookings, either directly or by converting their own loyalty points. This can be especially rewarding if you’re already a frequent guest at these hotels.
3. Car Hire
Hiring a car through Avios-affiliated companies—such as Avis—can also boost your balance. As an example, Avis awards five Avios for every £1 you spend, and occasional promotions can significantly increase your earnings.
4. Retail Shopping
Over 800 UK and international retailers offer Avios when you shop through the British Airways Executive Club shopping portal. Well-known names like Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Holland & Barrett are included, and some promotions allow you to earn ten or more Avios per pound spent.
5. Special Offers
British Airways often runs limited-time promotions offering double or triple points for certain purchases or bookings. These deals can significantly boost your balance if timed right.
How Much Are Avios Points Worth?
The value of Avios is not fixed and can vary depending on how you redeem them. On average, one Avios point is worth about 1p, but in some cases, their value can range from 0.7p to as much as 1.5p.
You’ll typically get the best value when using Avios for long-haul business class flights or last-minute travel, where cash fares tend to be expensive. In contrast, redeeming for short economy flights may offer lower value.
How Many Avios Are Needed for a Flight?
The number of Avios required for a free flight depends on several factors, including your destination, travel class, and whether you’re booking during peak travel times. While Avios can be used to cover the ticket price, taxes, fees and carrier charges still need to be paid in cash.
For example:
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Short-haul flights within Europe start at 9,250 Avios plus a fee of 50p.
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Longer international flights typically start from 22,500 Avios plus £40 in fees.
Because fees must be paid on top of the points, it’s often worth calculating whether you’re getting good value compared to a regular cash fare.
Final Thoughts
Avios points offer a flexible and potentially valuable way to save money on travel if used wisely. By earning points through flights, accommodation, shopping and car hire, you can accumulate a balance fairly quickly. And with smart redemptions—particularly on premium long-haul flights—you can extract far more value than their average per-point worth might suggest.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just looking to make your holiday spending go further, understanding how to collect and spend Avios efficiently can make a real difference.
