British Airways Club
To Fly. To Serve.
At a Glance
British Airways Executive Club is the loyalty program of British Airways, using Avios as its currency. As a oneworld alliance member, Executive Club offers access to partner airlines including American Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways. The program uses distance-based award pricing, making it particularly valuable for short-haul redemptions. Avios earned with British Airways can be transferred to and from Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, providing flexibility across four programs. British Airways Executive Club takes 1:1 point transfers from American Express and Chase. Chase says most transfers process by the next business day; some take up to 7 business days.
Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book on Iberia instead of British for much lower taxes and surcharges. $32 in fees on Iberia vs. $170+ on British | 4,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 13,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| Short-haul AA domestic under 650 miles (e.g., MIA-Caribbean, NYC-BOS) | 8,250 | — | economy | united_states |
| Short-haul AA domestic 651-1,150 miles in economy | 11,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| BA short-haul Europe off-peak economy via Reward Flight Saver | 4,750 | — | economy | europe |
| BA short-haul Europe off-peak business via Reward Flight Saver | 8,500 | — | business | europe |
| Transfer to Finnair Plus for AA domestic at just 11,000 Avios | 11,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| Cathay Pacific short-haul Asia in economy | 6,000 | — | economy | asia |
| Qatar Airways short-haul Middle East in economy | 8,000 | — | economy | middle_east |
| Qantas short-haul Australia domestic in economy | 6,000 | — | economy | australia_nz |
| US to Europe off-peak business on BA via Reward Flight Saver | 50,000 | — | business | europe |
| Transfer to Iberia for off-peak Spain flights with minimal surcharges | 5,000 | — | economy | europe |
Transfer Partners
Earn via 5 bank points programs
| Source Program | Ratio | Transfer Time | Source Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | 1.3 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 1.45 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 1.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 7-10 days | 1.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 2 cpp |
Cards That Earn British Airways Club (1)
Program Ratings
FAQs
Which US airlines use Avios?
No US airlines use Avios. The seven airlines that do use Avios are British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Finnair, Qatar, Loganair, and Vueling. You can still book American Airlines and Alaska Airlines flights with Avios through these partners when award space exists.
Can I transfer British Airways Avios to American Airlines?
You cannot transfer Avios directly to American Airlines. You can redeem Avios for American flights through partner programs like British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, or [Qatar](https://pointsnav.com/reward-programs/qatar-qmiles). Only Saver awards are bookable with partners, so it helps to check American’s site first.
How to transfer Avios for free?
You can freely transfer Avios between the seven airlines that use Avios as their shared currency. You can also move points from select credit card partners into these programs. They vary from partner to partner and airline to airline, though.
Can I use BA Avios to upgrade on American Airlines?
Yes. But you must request the upgrade through British Airways. Upgrades apply only to a single cabin and only when upgrade award space exists in that next class. Check “Manage My Booking” to see if the “Upgrade this flight with Avios” option appears.
Can you use Avios for lounge access?
You cannot directly buy lounge access with Avios. However, booking a business or first class award ticket with Avios grants complimentary lounge access. British Airways Silver and Gold elite members also receive lounge access on qualifying itineraries.