If you’ve ever wondered how people manage to fly business class or stay in luxury hotels without spending a fortune, the answer is usually the same: Avios. This guide will explain what Avios are, how to collect them, and how to start using them to travel better for less.

What Are Avios?

Avios are the reward currency used by the IAG loyalty programme, which covers British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. Think of them as air miles — you collect them and then spend them on flights, upgrades, and more. For UK travellers, Avios are arguably the most useful and accessible travel reward currency available.

How Do You Collect Avios?

There are several ways to earn Avios, but the fastest by far is through credit card spending.

1. American Express Cards

American Express offers some of the best Avios-earning cards in the UK. The British Airways American Express card earns 1 Avios per £1 spent, with no annual fee. The premium British Airways American Express Premium Plus card earns 1.5 Avios per £1 spent and comes with a companion voucher when you spend £10,000 in a year — one of the most valuable perks in UK travel rewards.

Alternatively, the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold card earns Membership Rewards points, which can be converted directly into Avios at a 1:1 ratio.

2. Flying with British Airways or Partner Airlines

Every time you fly with British Airways or an oneworld alliance partner, you earn Avios based on the distance flown and your fare class. Make sure your Executive Club number is always added to your booking.

3. Everyday Shopping and Partners

You can also earn Avios through British Airways’ retail partners, including Avios.com shopping, car hire, and hotel stays. It won’t make you rich in points, but every little helps.

What Can You Do With Avios?

The most popular use of Avios is reward flights. You can book seats on British Airways flights using a combination of Avios and a small cash amount (known as an Avios + cash redemption). Short-haul flights within Europe can cost as little as 4,500 Avios + taxes, making them excellent value.

For the real sweet spot, many collectors save their Avios for long-haul business or first class redemptions — where you can get thousands of pounds worth of value from points that cost very little to accumulate.

Getting Started: Your First Steps

1. Sign up for a free British Airways Executive Club account at ba.com
2. Apply for a British Airways American Express card to start earning Avios on everyday spending
3. Add your Executive Club number to any upcoming flights
4. Start tracking your Avios balance and plan your first redemption

Collecting Avios doesn’t require a big budget or complicated strategies — just a little know-how and the right credit card in your wallet. Stay tuned to Boarding First for more guides on making the most of your points.