Business-class flights to Europe from 27K points: How to maximize Amex's 30% transfer bonus with Avios

06.08.2024 - 14:32 / thepointsguy.com

American Express and Avios have teamed up to make Membership Rewards even more rewarding.

Amex cardholders will receive a 30% bonus when transferring Membership Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus and Aer Lingus AerClub by Sept. 30.

While Membership Rewards points typically transfer at a 1:1 ratio, the new Avios offer has a transfer rate of 1:1.3. Therefore, when transferring 1,000 Membership Rewards points, you'll get 1,300 British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus Avios.

So, is this a good deal, and what are the best ways to maximize this promotion?

Related: Current credit card transfer bonuses

With three different Avios programs to choose from to receive a 30% Avios bonus when transferring Membership Rewards points — and now the ability to transfer those Avios to two additional programs (Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Finnair Plus) — there are many ways to redeem your Avios.

Here are some of the best options to maximize this transfer bonus.

Booking premium-cabin award flights to Europe can be complicated and expensive, but Amex's transfer partners, British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus, use a distance-based award chart. This is one of the best options for nonstop flights to Spain.

Off-peak business-class flights offer the best deal. You can fly from the following airports to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) for just 14,000 Avios in economy, 25,000 in premium economy and 34,000 in business class each way:

Related: A review of Iberia's new business-class suite on the A350-900

You'll need just 27,000 Amex points to book an off-peak business-class flight to Spain through British Airways or Iberia using the current Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonus.

This is an excellent price because most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class flight to Europe.

This option requires an additional step, but we promise it will be worth it.

British Airways used to be a great way to book short-haul domestic flights within the United States, flying Oneworld partners American Airlines or Alaska Airlines in economy. Unfortunately, British Airways devalued this sweet spot in July, and with increased prices, it's no longer a great deal.

Fortunately, you can transfer your Avios from any of the three participating Amex transfer bonus partner programs to Qatar Airways Privilege Club at a 1:1 rate, so 1,000 Amex points would become 1,300 British Airways/Iberia/Aer Lingus Avios. Then, you can transfer these 1,300 Avios to Qatar Airways.

Qatar still has excellent pricing for short-haul flights on partner airlines, including:

Of particularly great value are flights up to 650 miles in length; you will need just 5,000 Amex points transferred to British