When it comes to British Airways’ loyalty program, Avios and Tier Points are two distinct currencies that often confuse travellers. Let’s clarify whether you can swap Avios for Tier Points and explore the possibilities of purchasing these points.
Avios vs. Tier Points: Understanding the Difference
Avios: This is the currency of British Airways’ Executive Club. You can use Avios for free flights (redemptions), upgrades, car rentals, hotels, and various travel experiences with British Airways and its partners.
Tier Points: These points determine your elite status within the Executive Club. Earning Tier Points is exclusive to flying with British Airways and its partners. Your Tier Points accumulate within a membership year and reset annually.
Swapping Avios for Tier Points
Can you swap Avios for Tier Points? Unfortunately, no. Avios and Tier Points are entirely separate in their functions and cannot be exchanged for one another. This separation ensures that loyalty status is awarded based on actual travel rather than simply accumulating and spending points.
Key points:
- Avios can be earned through various activities and spent on rewards.
- Tier Points are earned solely through flying and determine your membership status.
Buying Avios
While you can’t swap Avios for Tier Points, purchasing Avios is possible and can be very useful.
Steps to buy Avios:
- Log in to your British Airways Executive Club account.
- Go to the ‘Buy Avios’ section on the BA website.
- Select the amount of Avios you need.
- Complete the purchase using your preferred payment method.
Considerations:
- Cost: Avios are sold in various amounts, with prices per point depending on the quantity.
- Promotions: Look out for special deals offering bonus Avios or discounts.
- Annual limits: There are caps on how many Avios you can buy each year.
Buying Tier Points
Can you buy Tier Points? No, British Airways does not allow the purchase of Tier Points. Your Tier Points must be earned through flying. Unlike some other airlines, such as American Airlines, which allow you to buy elite status through co-branded credit cards, British Airways requires you to earn your status through actual travel.
However, you can maximize your Tier Points by:
- Flying premium classes: Business and First-class flights earn more Tier Points.
- Choosing long-haul flights: These generally yield higher Tier Points.
- Utilizing partner airlines: Flights with Oneworld alliance members also count towards your Tier Points.
Maximizing Your Points Strategy
To optimize both Avios and Tier Points:
- Plan your flights: Select routes and classes that maximize Tier Points.
- Use a co-branded credit card: Earn Avios on daily spending.
- Leverage promotions: Take advantage of bonus Avios offers and Tier Point promotions.
- Fly strategically: Short-haul business class flights often provide a good Tier Point-to-cost ratio.
Example: European return flights in Club Europe can sometimes be found for under £300 and earn 160 Tier Points, a cost-effective way to maintain or upgrade your status.
