Flying for less—or even almost free—sounds like a dream, but with Avios points, it’s very achievable. Avios is a popular airline loyalty currency used by several major airlines, and when used smartly, it can significantly reduce your travel costs.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Avios points are, how to earn them, and how to spend them strategically to get the best value on flights.
✈️ What Are Avios Points?
Avios is a reward currency used by airlines such as:
- British Airways
- Iberia
- Aer Lingus
- Qatar Airways
- Vueling
Instead of being tied to just one airline, Avios can be earned, transferred, and redeemed across partner airlines, making it very flexible for travelers.
💰 How to Earn Avios Points
1. Fly with Avios Partner Airlines
Whenever you fly with airlines that use Avios, you earn points based on:
- Distance flown
- Ticket class (economy, business, first)
- Airline loyalty tier
Business and first-class tickets earn Avios much faster than economy.
2. Use Avios Credit Cards
One of the fastest ways to earn Avios is through co-branded credit cards:
- Earn points on everyday spending
- Get welcome bonuses (often enough for a free flight)
- Enjoy perks like companion vouchers and upgrades
Using these cards for groceries, bills, and travel expenses adds up quickly.
3. Shop Through Avios Partners
Many airlines offer online shopping portals where you earn Avios by shopping at popular retailers. You earn points without spending extra money—just by clicking through the portal.
4. Hotel Stays and Car Rentals
Booking hotels or rental cars through Avios partners lets you earn points even when you’re not flying.
5. Transfer Points from Other Programs
Avios can often be transferred from:
- Bank reward programs
- Hotel loyalty schemes
This makes it easier to combine points and reach your flight reward faster.
🎯 How to Use Avios Points
1. Book Reward Flights
The most popular use of Avios is reward flights, where you pay with points instead of cash. You still pay small taxes and fees—but the airfare itself can be almost free.
💡 Short-haul flights often offer the best value in Avios.
2. Upgrade Your Seat
You can use Avios to upgrade from economy to premium economy or business class. This is a great way to enjoy luxury travel without paying full price.
3. Part-Pay with Avios
Don’t have enough points for a full reward flight? Many airlines allow you to pay part cash, part Avios, reducing your ticket cost.
4. Book Flights with Partner Airlines
Avios can be used across airline partners, opening up more routes and better availability—especially useful for international travel.
🧠 How to Spend Avios Smartly (Best Tips)
1. Use Avios for Short Flights
Avios pricing is often distance-based, meaning short flights require fewer points and give better value.
2. Avoid High Taxes and Fees
Some long-haul flights have high surcharges. Look for routes or partner airlines with lower fees to maximize savings.
3. Be Flexible with Dates
Reward seats are limited. Being flexible with travel dates increases your chances of finding great deals.
4. Watch for Avios Sales
Airlines sometimes offer discounts on reward flights or bonus Avios promotions—perfect for stretching your points further.
🌍 Can You Really Fly for “Almost Free”?
Yes! While you usually pay taxes and fees, Avios can cover the majority of the ticket price. In some cases, especially short flights, you might pay only a small amount in cash.
✅ Pros and Cons of Using Avios
Pros
- Flexible across multiple airlines
- Great value for short-haul flights
- Easy to earn through everyday spending
- Can reduce travel costs significantly
Cons
- Taxes and fees still apply
- Reward seat availability can be limited
- Best value requires planning
✨ Final Thoughts
Avios points are one of the most powerful tools for budget-friendly travel. By earning points through flights, credit cards, and everyday spending—and redeeming them wisely—you can enjoy (almost) free flights, upgrades, and premium experiences.