British Airways is the largest full-service airline in the United Kingdom and flies to more destinations in the U.S. than any other European carrier. The airline’s loyalty program is called the Executive Club, and the program’s currency is called Avios. With a substantial global route network and a loyalty currency that is easy to earn and redeem, it is a program that should be on your radar, even if you aren’t traveling to the U.K.
Avios are the points currency used by various loyalty programs, including British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub, Vueling, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, and Finnair Plus. Avios can be transferred between any of these programs at a ratio of 1:1, so each Avios is theoretically worth the same in each program. However, there are different ways in which Avios can be redeemed in each program, allowing savvy travelers to achieve different values depending on which program they are used in.
In the British Airways Executive Club program, Avios can be earned through flights, credit card spending, and spending with partners through online shopping, hotel stays, and rental cars. Avios earned through flights are based on the price of the ticket and any additional add-ons when you fly, such as carrier charges, cabin upgrades, pre-booked seats, and additional bags. Additional Avios points are awarded based on your Tier status, with Gold Tier members earning the most points per British pound spent.
Tier Points count toward status in the Executive Club program, and there are four different status levels: Blue, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Blue is the starting level, with Bronze achieved after earning 300 Tier Points in a membership year, Silver achieved after 600 Tier Points, and Gold achieved after 1,500 Tier Points. There are also two additional levels of status that aren’t published: Gold Guest List and Premier, which are invitation-only elite statuses.
Each status level comes with its own set of benefits, including bonus Avios, priority check-in and boarding, free seat selection, lounge access, additional checked bags, and more. Gold members also have access to additional rewards, such as Gold upgrade vouchers and a lifetime Gold status after collecting 35,000 Tier Points.
To requalify for status with British Airways, members must earn the same amount of Tier Points as the previous year, with the exception of Gold Guest List. BA also has a “soft landing” policy for members who don’t retain the same status level, allowing them to slip to the level directly below.
Overall, British Airways Executive Club is a valuable loyalty program for frequent travelers, offering a range of benefits and rewards for earning and redeeming Avios. With a diverse range of partners and easy ways to earn Avios, it’s a program worth considering for anyone looking to maximize their travel experience.