British Airways Executive Club guide: The best ways to earn and use British Airways Avios

Summary

The frequent flyer program of one of the largest airlines in the U.K., British Airways Executive Club can be valuable if you don’t mind digging for great deals.

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One of the largest airlines in the U.K. and a member of the far-reaching oneworld alliance, British Airways is a great option for frequent travelers of destinations around the globe. The airline’s rewards currency – Avios – are some of the more valuable among airline rewards programs, especially when used strategically.

What is British Airways Executive Club?

British Airways Executive Club is the frequent flyer program of British Airways. Member collect Avios by taking qualifying flights on British Airways or a oneworld alliance airline partner, spending on a co-branded credit card, staying at a partner hotel and more. Once you’ve racked up Avios, you can redeem them for reward flights, cabin upgrades, car rentals and several other redemption options.

British Airways Avios have the best value when redeemed strategically for flights, so the Executive Club is best for frequent flyers who don’t mind hunting for a great deal.

Executive Club program overview

Type of currencyAvios
Average point value1.4 cents
Credit cardBritish Airways Visa Signature® Card
Redemption optionsRewards flights, cabin upgrades, seat reservations, in-flight food purchases, hotel stays, car rentals, experiences
Minimum required to redeem8,000 Avios for rewards flights
Do rewards expire?No – as long as you earn or redeem Avios every 36 months.
Airline partners13 oneworld® alliance partners
Flight coverageGood – Flies to more than 200 destinations in 75 countries around the world.
Booking restrictions
  • Expensive taxes and fees on rewards flights – especially overseas itineraries
  • Limited award seat availability
  • $25 phone booking fee and $80 fee for changing date or time of reward flights
Best for
  • Frequent British Airways flyers
  • World travelers
  • Travelers willing to hunt for the best value for their Avios
  • Travelers with flexible scheduling

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