What Are Avios? Credit Cards, Airlines and How to Earn Explained

Over February and March, we’re taking a proper deep dive into Avios.

This will be a great article to send to anyone you know who might be Avios-curious!

Avios is one of the most talked-about rewards currencies in the UK, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. It’s often associated with frequent flyers and travelling in premium cabins, but in reality Avios can be just as useful for occasional travellers and everyday spending. The challenge isn’t Avios itself, it’s understanding how to use it well.

Over the next couple of months, we’ll be breaking Avios down step by step. We’ll explain how it works, where the best earning opportunities really are, and how to turn points into genuine value rather than confusing “points maths”.

We have also produced a full Avios Guide which we thoroughly recommend downloading. This is completely free, there is no catch, there is no payment. We don't believe in hiding this information behind a paywall!

This article is the starting point. Before we get into strategies, shortcuts and sweet spots, it’s worth understanding exactly what Avios are, why so many UK travellers collect it, and whether it makes sense for you.

What Are Avios?

Avios is the reward currency used by British Airways and a number of partner airlines. It allows members to earn points through flying and everyday spending, then redeem those points for flights, upgrades and other travel-related rewards.

Unlike some airline loyalty schemes that lock you into a single carrier, Avios operates as a shared currency. This means Avios earned in one place can be spent across a wider network of airlines and partners, offering far more flexibility than many people expect.

Avios launched in 2011 following the consolidation of several earlier loyalty schemes, including BA Miles, Air Miles and Iberia Plus Points. The goal was to create a single, unified rewards currency that could work across multiple airlines and regions. More than a decade on, it has become one of the most versatile loyalty currencies available, not just to Brits, but to travellers the world over.

Which Airlines Use Avios?

Avios is now the shared reward currency across several major airlines, including:

• British Airways

• Iberia

• Aer Lingus

• Finnair

• Qatar Airways

• Vueling

• LEVEL

• Loganair

One of the benefits of multiple airlines using Avios is that you can transfer your Avios instantly, so if you see a flight that suits your needs, just slide them across, and you're away!

Always wanted to try Qatar Airways? Well you can book a flight with Avios with them. Or you are flying Finnair? Not to worry, you can earn Avios with them!

Many of these airlines are also members of the oneworld alliance. This is essentially a club for a group of airlines where they agree to cooperate. This means that Avios can also be redeemed on a wide range of additional partner airlines worldwide. This gives Avios a genuinely global reach, covering destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, Africa and beyond.

If you're collecting Avios, this matters. It means Avios isn’t just about British Airways flights from London, it’s a currency that can support complex itineraries, regional routes and long-haul travel across the world.

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How Can You Earn Avios?

Flying (But It’s Rarely the Best Way)

The most obvious way to earn Avios is by flying with British Airways or its partner airlines. How many Avios you earn depends on factors such as your how much you spend, fare type, cabin, airline and frequent flyer status. While flying does earn Avios, it is often one of the slowest ways to build a meaningful balance, particularly if you mostly travel in economy.

Everyday Spending and Credit Cards

For most UK collectors, everyday spending is where Avios really comes into its own. Credit cards, particularly the two British Airways American Express cards, allow you to earn Avios on daily purchases such as food shopping, fuel and online spending. Sign-up bonuses can provide a substantial head start. This is why so many people who collect Avios rarely fly. They’re earning the bulk of their points simply by redirecting spending they were already doing anyway.

Hotels, Car Hire and Travel Partners

Avios can also be earned through hotel bookings, car hire and holiday packages when booked with participating partners. This allows you to earn Avios on almost every element of a trip, not just the flight. In some cases, choosing Avios over hotel loyalty points can make sense, as there are even ways to spend your Avios on hotel stays!

Retail and Loyalty Programme Conversions

One of the reasons Avios works so well for beginners is its integration with everyday UK loyalty schemes such as Nectar or BPme Rewards conversions. These partnerships allow you to grow your Avios balance through completely normal spending, even if you rarely travel. It also makes it easy to keep your account active, which matters for expiry. You can also earn Avios on a lot of the online shopping you're already doing!

I know what you're thinking. Where is the detail in this article? Well, in the comings weeks we are going to be deep diving into everything Avios. So keep an eye out!

How Can You Spend Avios?

Reward Flights

The most popular use of Avios is for reward flights. These can be booked on British Airways and partner airlines, with Avios covering all or part of the fare. Taxes and charges usually still apply, but Avios can significantly reduce the overall cost, especially when used strategically.

Upgrading Flights

Avios can also be used to upgrade paid flights to a higher cabin, depending on availability and fare type. For many people, this is one of the most satisfying ways to use Avios, turning a relatively affordable ticket into a far more comfortable or even luxurious journey.

Hotels, Car Hire and Experiences

Avios can be redeemed for hotels, car hire and experiences, offering flexibility if flights aren’t available. However, these redemptions don’t always offer the best value per point, and many collectors prefer to save Avios for flights and upgrades where the returns are often higher.

Is Avios Worth It?

Avios is not just a frequent flyer perk, it’s a practical travel currency that rewards everyday behaviour.

With multiple ways to earn, broad redemption options, global airline coverage and a generous expiry policy, Avios works for a wide range of travellers. Whether you fly every month or once a year, it offers a way to reduce travel costs and unlock experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach.

Used thoughtfully, Avios turns routine spending into future travel. And over the coming weeks, we’ll be showing you exactly how to make the most of it.

However, if you want a head start on all of this, check out our Avios Guide which is completely free.

Helena

Points Well Made is a passion project of Sam and Helena with a loyal following. If you like what we do, and wish to help us continue to create the content you love, please consider buying us a Kofi, or subscribing monthly. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.