For frequent flyers, keeping track of your loyalty points is crucial. British Airways’ Avios, the reward currency for the British Airways Executive Club, are no exception. Understanding when and how Avios expires can help you maximize their value and avoid losing your hard-earned points.
Avios Expiry Rules
British Airways Avios won’t expire as long as you collect, spend, buy, or share at least one Avios every 36 months. If you don’t collect or use your Avios at all for three years, your Avios will expire and be removed from your account. This policy ensures that active members keep their points, but it requires some diligence to maintain your balance.
What Counts as Activity?
Several actions can reset the expiration clock on your Avios. Here are some ways to ensure your Avios stay active:
- Earning Avios: Book flights with British Airways or partner airlines, stay at partner hotels, rent cars, or make purchases through the Avios eStore.
- Spending Avios: Redeem Avios for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, or experiences.
- Buying or Sharing Avios: Purchase additional Avios for yourself or share them with another Executive Club member.
Note that moving miles across from Iberia, Qatar Airways, or avios.com does not reset the expiry.
Household Accounts
In a Household Account, if at least one member holds Gold, Silver, or Bronze Tier status and has earned or redeemed Avios within the last 36 consecutive months, the Avios points balance for all members of the Household Account will not expire. If the Household Account no longer includes a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Tier member, standard expiration rules will apply to the Avios balance of all members.
Here’s the specific clause from the Executive Club Terms and Conditions:
Clause 18.1.18: Notwithstanding Clause 18.1.16, in the event a Household Account has a Gold, Silver or Bronze Tier Member who has earned or redeemed Avios points within the last 36 consecutive months then the Avios points balance of the other Household Account Members shall not be subject to expiry in accordance with Clause 14.4. In the event a Household Account ceases to have as a Household Account Member any such Gold, Silver or Bronze Tier Member then the provisions of Clause 18.1.16 shall apply.
How to Check Your Avios Expiration Date
To check when your Avios are set to expire, log in to your British Airways Executive Club account and view your Avios activity statement. This will show your latest transactions and help you identify any upcoming expiration dates.
Tips to Keep Your Avios Active
- Regular Flying: Booking even short-haul flights can keep your account active.
- Credit Card Use: Utilize a co-branded British Airways credit card for everyday purchases to earn Avios regularly.
- Shopping Online: Use the Avios eStore for online shopping to earn points from your favourite retailers.
- Avios for Upgrades: Use Avios to upgrade flights you’ve already booked.
Conclusion
Keeping your British Airways Avios active is straightforward if you maintain regular activity on your Executive Club account. With a variety of ways to earn and spend Avios, there’s no reason to let them expire. Regularly check your account and take advantage of earning opportunities to ensure your Avios are always ready for your next adventure.
Remember, a little planning goes a long way in keeping your travel rewards intact. Safe travels and happy collecting!
For more details, check the British Airways Executive Club Avios page and the Executive Club Terms and Conditions.
If you want to view the expiry periods for other Oneworld member airlines, click here.
