With 5 airline loyalty programs using Avios, here's why I focus on British Airways Executive Club

12.12.2024 - 23:15 / thepointsguy.com

Avios is quickly becoming one of the most widely used loyalty currencies. Long used by British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways and Finnair have recently joined the party and adopted Avios.

A neat feature of the five airline programs is the ability to transfer Avios between them in any direction at a 1:1 rate at no additional cost. This means a balance in Iberia Plus can easily become a balance in Qatar Airways Privilege Club and vice versa. This offers travelers enormous flexibility to choose the Avios program that is best for them, and move their Avios balance into their program of choice.

I'm based in the United Kingdom, so you may assume I would default to the largest and most popular Avios program, British Airways Executive Club. While it was initially my go-to loyalty program, with so many ways to earn and redeem Avios, with two new programs joining the Avios family in 2024, I've kept a keen eye on the benefits of each program to decide if I should jump ship.

While all five programs have unique and rewarding benefits, as someone who analyzes loyalty programs for a living, here is why I'm continuing to focus on British Airways Executive Club as the overall best Avios loyalty program for 2025.

Related: 5 versions of Avios: When to use Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Qatar Airways

How you earn elite status in any Avios program depends greatly on your personal travel and spending habits. If you're consistently flying long-haul, business- and first-class products on paid tickets, you'll likely quickly climb the elite status tiers in any of the five programs.

I've held either mid-tier Silver or top-tier Gold status with British Airways for the past six years. Oneworld Emerald status sure is nice, with first-class lounge access even when flying economy and additional redemption seats made available for Gold members, but I haven't found the benefits significant enough to reach for Gold every year.

Overall, I'm happy to reach Silver status (Oneworld Sapphire) for the foreseeable future. BA Silver status comes with all sorts of perks like priority check-in, security and boarding; additional checked baggage; free seat selection; and worldwide lounge access when flying Oneworld airlines, which I've found very valuable when flying in economy.

Related: A review of British Airways World Traveller economy on the Airbus A380 from London to Miami

Plus, I have found this elite status has benefited me on Oneworld partners, especially when flying on American Airlines, which generously gives Sapphire status members Flagship Lounge access and allows them to select Main Cabin Extra seats.

Because Aer Lingus is not a member of a major alliance, I do not value earning elite status in the