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Avios is a very versatile airline points currency because you can redeem them for flights with multiple airlines through three different loyalty programs: Aer Lingus AerClub, British Airways Executive Club, and Iberia Plus.
Right now, the British Airways Visa Signature® Card, Iberia Visa Signature® Card, and Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card are all offering high welcome bonuses of 100,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, so it’s a good time to apply if you’re planning to book award flights.
The cost of an award flight can often be very dependent on which of those programs you use to redeem. More often than not, other than for a couple of specific occasions, using British Airways Executive Club will be your best bet, at least to get you started.
Read more: The best ways to use 100,000 British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus Avios points
The downside of redeeming Avios through ba.com for long-haul flights with British Airways is that this usually incurs the highest taxes and fees in addition to the Avios points required. Watch out for this when comparing the best program for your redemption.
In general, here’s when to use BA.com to redeem Avios:
- Domestic flights with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines (including Hawaii)
- American Airlines flights to South America
- British Airways short-haul European and UK domestic flights
- Qantas flights around Australia and between New Zealand and Australia
- Long-haul flights with other Oneworld airlines including Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines,…