British Airways’ Executive Club loyalty program is a treasure trove of value, even if you rarely fly with British Airways itself. The key to unlocking this value lies in understanding British Airways’ extensive network of partners. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about BA’s flying partners, empowering you to earn and redeem Avios like a pro and elevate your travel experiences.
British Airways’ Extensive Network of Airline Partners
British Airways boasts a comprehensive partnership portfolio, designed to connect you to destinations worldwide and reward you with Avios on your journeys. These partnerships fall into several key categories:
International Airlines Group (IAG) Partners: Your Extended Avios Family
As part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), British Airways shares close ties with several European carriers:
- Iberia: Spain’s flag carrier, offering a wide network across Europe and Latin America.
- Vueling: A low-cost Spanish airline, perfect for intra-European hops.
- Aer Lingus: Ireland’s national airline, connecting you across the Atlantic and within Europe.
- LEVEL: IAG’s low-cost long-haul airline, providing budget-friendly transatlantic options.
Qatar Airways 787 landing in blue skies in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The beauty of IAG partnerships is the shared Avios currency. You can seamlessly transfer Avios between accounts across British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, giving you incredible flexibility to pool your points for dream redemptions.
While you can earn Avios on Vueling and LEVEL flights, keep these nuances in mind:
- Vueling Avios: Historically, transferring Vueling Avios to Executive Club was possible via Avios.com. However, this method is currently unreliable. A more dependable approach is to merge your Vueling Avios with Iberia Avios and then transfer to British Airways. Note that you cannot directly redeem British Airways Avios for Vueling flights.
- LEVEL Avios: Avios earning on LEVEL flights is contingent on booking cash tickets through Iberia. These Avios can then be transferred to your Executive Club account.
Oneworld Alliance Partners: Global Reach and Elite Benefits
British Airways is a founding member of the prestigious Oneworld alliance, a collective of 13 world-class airlines. Oneworld is celebrated for its premium benefits and extensive global network, ranking as the third-largest alliance after Star Alliance and SkyTeam.
people hold a large Oneworld sign next to an Alaska Airlines plane
The Oneworld alliance members are:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Royal Jordanian
- SriLankan Airlines
- Fiji Airways (Oneworld Connect member, transitioning to full member in 2025)
- Oman Air (Expected to join Oneworld around 2025)
Flying with Oneworld partners not only expands your destination options but also unlocks valuable perks if you hold Oneworld elite status through British Airways Executive Club.
Non-Alliance and Codeshare Partners: Expanding Horizons
Beyond alliances, British Airways strategically partners with airlines outside of Oneworld to further enhance connectivity:
- Non-Alliance Partners: China Southern and LATAM
- Independent Partner: SUN-AIR (Scandinavian airline)
- Codeshare Partners: Aer Lingus, airBaltic, Airlink, Bangkok Airways, China Southern, Fiji Airways, IndiGo, JetBlue, Kenya Airways, Loganair, Vistara, Vueling
Codeshare agreements allow British Airways to place its flight code on flights operated by these partners, extending BA’s virtual route map and offering travelers more choices.
Fueling Your Avios Balance: Earning with Partner Airlines
One of the most straightforward methods to accumulate Avios is by flying with British Airways’ partner airlines. The earning structure varies depending on the airline; you’ll typically earn Avios based on:
- Distance flown: Common for most partners.
- Revenue-based earning: Avios earned per Great British Pound (GBP) spent, used by American Airlines and Iberia. This includes ticket price, cabin upgrades, and baggage fees.
Flying partner airlines can also earn you Tier Points, bringing you closer to Executive Club elite status and its associated benefits.
Qantas business class seat
Here’s a quick guide to earning with partner airlines:
| Airline | Earning Structure | Tier Points Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | Distance-based | Yes |
| Alaska Airlines | Distance-based | Yes |
| American Airlines | Revenue-based (6-9 Avios per GBP spent) | Yes |
| Cathay Pacific | Distance-based | Yes |
| China Southern | Distance-based | No |
| Fiji Airways | Distance-based | Yes |
| Finnair | Distance-based | Yes |
| Iberia | Revenue-based (5-8 Avios per GBP spent) | Yes |
| Japan Airlines | Distance-based | Yes |
| LATAM | Distance-based | No |
| Malaysia Airlines | Distance-based | Yes |
| Qantas | Distance-based | Yes |
| Qatar Airways | Distance-based | Yes |
| Royal Air Maroc | Distance-based | Yes |
| Royal Jordanian | Distance-based | Yes |
| SriLankan Airlines | Distance-based | Yes |
Always refer to the British Airways earning page before flying to confirm the exact Avios earning rates for your chosen partner and fare class to avoid any surprises.
Beyond Flying: Credit Cards and Transfer Partners for Avios Accumulation
Earning Avios isn’t limited to flying. A plethora of credit card options and point transfer partnerships provide alternative pathways to boost your Avios balance.
British Airways Visa Signature® Card: Direct Avios Earning Power
For US-based Avios enthusiasts, the British Airways Visa Signature® Card, issued by Chase, is a prime tool.
This card frequently offers substantial welcome bonuses, such as 100,000 bonus Avios after spending $7,500 within the first six months.
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 Avios after spending $7,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.
Why We Like It & Earning Rates:
The British Airways Visa Signature® Card is ideal for loyal British Airways and partner flyers. Cardholders earn:
- 3X Avios per $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL purchases.
- 2X Avios per $1 on hotel accommodations.
- 1X Avios per $1 on all other purchases.
A standout perk is the Travel Together Ticket, awarded annually after spending $30,000. This provides a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Avios bookings or a 50% discount for solo travelers. Additional benefits include up to $600 in reward flight statement credits annually and a 10% discount on British Airways flights originating from the US.
Avios-Earning Credit Cards: Expanding Your Portfolio
Beyond the branded British Airways card, you can also earn Avios with the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card and the Iberia Visa Signature® Card, both also issued by Chase and carrying a $95 annual fee.
You can effortlessly transfer Avios between these cards and your British Airways Executive Club account online, at no cost, consolidating your rewards in one place.
Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 Avios after you spend $7,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $95
Credit Score: Good/Excellent
- 3X Avios per $1 spent on purchases with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and LEVEL
- 2X Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations
- 1X Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Iberia Visa Signature® Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 Avios after you spend $7,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $95
Credit Score: Good/Excellent
- 3X Avios per $1 spent on purchases with Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL
- 2X Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations
- 1X Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
British Airways Point Transfer Partners: Unlock Major Transferable Currencies
British Airways stands out for its accessibility to major transferable point currencies. Partners like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Bilt Rewards offer favorable 1:1 transfer ratios to Executive Club. Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses that can further amplify your Avios haul.
| From | To | Transfer Ratio | Min. Transfer | Avg. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex (Membership Rewards) US | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 1,000:1,000 | – | Immediate |
| Amex (Membership Rewards) Canada | British Airways (Executive Club) US | – | – | 8 hours |
| Amex (Membership Rewards) UK | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 500:500 | 1,000 | Unknown |
| Capital One | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 100:100 | 1,000 | Immediate |
| Chase (Ultimate Rewards) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 1,000:1,000 | – | Immediate |
| Bilt Rewards | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 1,000:1,000 | 2,000 | Unknown |
| Diners Club (Club Rewards) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 11,000:10,000 | – | Unknown |
| HSBC Rewards US | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 1,250:1,000 | – | 2 days |
| HSBC Rewards Canada | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 10,000:4,000 | 25,000 | Immediate |
| HSBC Rewards UK | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 25% bonus | – | 2 hours |
| Livelo (Clube Livelo) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 1,750:500 | 35,000 | 2 days |
| RBC (Avion Rewards) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 1:1 | – | Unknown |
| RBC (Avion Rewards) Canada | British Airways (Executive Club) US | – | – | 18 hours |
| RBC Royal Bank Visa | British Airways (Executive Club) US | – | – | 1 day |
| Wells Fargo (Go Far Rewards) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 1:1 | – | Unknown |
This extensive partner network means numerous credit cards effectively become Avios-earning vehicles. Top consumer credit card options include:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Apply Now
Annual Fee: $695 Rates & Fees
Credit Score: Excellent, Good
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually).
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Apply Now
Annual Fee: $95
Credit Score: Excellent, Good
- 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining worldwide
- 3X points on eligible streaming services
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
How to Apply
Annual Fee: $395
Credit Score: Excellent
- 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
- 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
- 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
- 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases
For small business owners or side hustlers, business credit cards offer even more Avios-earning potential:
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
Apply Now
Annual Fee: $695 Rates & Fees
Credit Score: Excellent, Good
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
- 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more.
- 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on purchases with U.S. construction material and hardware, electronic goods retailers, software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers (capped at $2 million annually).
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Welcome Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Apply Now
Annual Fee: $95
Credit Score: Excellent, Good
- 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising on social media and search engines annually.
- 1X point per $1 on all other purchases
Capital One Venture X Business
Welcome Bonus: Earn 150,000 Miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
How to Apply
Annual Fee: $395
Credit Score: Excellent
- 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
- 5X miles per $1 on flights booked via Capital One Travel
- 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
- 2X miles per $1 on other eligible purchases
Hotel Partners: A Less Optimal but Available Route
While generally not the best value proposition, you can convert hotel points to Avios from partners like Marriott Bonvoy, Accor, Hilton, and IHG. Transfer ratios are typically unfavorable, making direct hotel award bookings a more rewarding use of hotel points.
| From | To | Transfer Ratio | Min. Transfer | Avg. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 3:1 | 3,000 | 10 hours |
| Accor Group (ALL – Accor Live Limitless) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 4,000:2,000 | – | Unknown |
| Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 1,000:200 | 5,000 | Unknown |
| Hilton (Honors) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 10,000:1,000 | – | Unknown |
| IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 10,000:2,000 | – | Unknown |
| Meliá (MeliáRewards) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 100:30 | – | Unknown |
| Radisson Hotels (Radisson Rewards) | British Airways (Executive Club) US | 2,000:200 | – | Unknown |
Diverse Earning Avenues
Beyond flights and credit cards, you can earn Avios through Airbnb stays, vacation packages, rental cars, Heathrow Rewards, and even shopping, providing a multitude of ways to boost your balance.
Related: The Complete Guide To Earning and Redeeming British Airways Avios
Unlock Award Flights: Redeeming Avios with Partner Airlines
A major advantage of Avios is their versatility in redemption, particularly for flights on partner airlines. You can redeem Avios online for flights with a wide range of partners:
- Aer Lingus
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Fiji Airways
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- LATAM
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Royal Jordanian
- SriLankan Airlines
- SUN-AIR of Scandinavia
Cathay Pacific aircraft at the gate
Navigating British Airways Partner Award Charts
British Airways no longer publishes a unified award chart for partner airlines. Instead, they employ a complex system of individual charts, with pricing varying significantly between partners and often subject to devaluation.
Here are examples of award charts for specific partners:
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines Award Chart:
| Distance/Zone | Economy | Premium Economy (Select Hawaii/Alaska Flights) | Business (Domestic First) | First (3-Cabin Flights) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 650 miles (Zone 1) | 12,000 | N/A | 24,000 | N/A |
| Up to 1,151 miles (Zone 2) | 16,000 | N/A | 32,000 | N/A |
| 1,152 to 2,000 miles (Zone 3) | 18,000 | N/A | 40,000 | N/A |
| 2,001 to 3,000 miles (Zone 4) | 20,000 | 40,000 | 50,000 | 80,000 |
| 3,001 to 4,000 miles (Zone 5) | 20,750 | 41,250 | 62,000 | 82,500 |
Cathay Pacific Award Chart:
| Flight distance (miles) | Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-650 | 9,750 | 14,300 | 20,800 |
| 651-1,151 | 12,000 | 21,600 | 30,000 |
| 1,152-2,000 | 14,300 | 23,400 | 32,500 |
| 2,001-3,000 | 15,600 | 30,900 | 46,500 |
| 3,001-4,000 | 20,750 | 41,250 | 77,250 |
LATAM Award Chart:
| Flight distance (miles) | Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-650 | 8,500 | 12,500 | N/A |
| 651-1,151 | 13,500 | N/A | 24,750 |
| 1,152-2,000 | 15,500 | 23,000 | 30,750 |
| 2,001-3,000 | 17,000 | N/A | 50,500 |
| 3,001-4,000 | 31,250 | 62,000 | 93,000 |
Qantas Award Chart:
| Flight distance (miles) | Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-650 | 6,000 | N/A | 12,500 |
| 651-1,151 | 9,000 | 16,500 | 16,500 |
| 1,152-2,000 | 11,000 | N/A | 22,000 |
| 2,001-3,000 | 13,000 | N/A | 38,750 |
| 3,001-4,000 | 20,750 | N/A | 62,000 |
Separate award charts exist for other partners like Qatar Airways. This fragmented system can be confusing, highlighting the importance of researching specific routes and partner airlines for optimal redemption value.
Related: How To Search and Book Award Flights Using British Airways Avios
Multi-Carrier Awards: Maximizing Complex Itineraries
For itineraries involving two or more Oneworld partners, British Airways uses a multi-carrier award chart. Redemption rates are based on the total trip distance, regardless of whether it’s one-way or round-trip.
| Trip Distance | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–1,500 | 30,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 | 90,000 |
| 1,501–4,000 | 35,000 | 52,500 | 70,000 | 105,000 |
| 4,001–9,000 | 60,000 | 90,000 | 120,000 | 180,000 |
| 9,001–10,000 | 70,000 | 105,000 | 140,000 | 210,000 |
| 10,001–14,000 | 90,000 | 135,000 | 180,000 | 270,000 |
| 14,001–20,000 | 100,000 | 150,000 | 200,000 | 300,000 |
| 20,001–25,000 | 120,000 | 180,000 | 240,000 | 360,000 |
Be aware that British Airways can impose substantial fuel surcharges on award tickets, potentially adding significant costs to your redemption.
Related: Which Credit Card Should You Use to Pay Award Taxes and Fees?
Final Thoughts: Unlock the Power of BA Partners
British Airways’ partner network is a powerful asset for Executive Club members. Even if British Airways isn’t your primary airline, Avios can be incredibly valuable thanks to these partnerships. By understanding how to earn and redeem Avios with BA’s flying partners, you can unlock exceptional travel experiences and maximize the value of the Executive Club program.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees)
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