Many of us will remember Airmiles, the iconic travel rewards programme launched in the late 80s.
Many of us will have stories of the free flights we were able to claim, the perks we were able to access and the feeling of sophistication that came with being a member!
Airmiles, in the UK, become known as Avios in 2011 after it was combined with the BA Miles and Iberia Plus points schemes… and now it’s changing again!
Whilst the brand is going, the name will still be with us.
Avios will now be the name of the ‘currency’ for its successor reward programmes, which members are being moved across to.
An internal restructuring in 2015 led to International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG – which owns the British Airways and Iberia airlines along with a number of others) merging all the loyalty programmes into one subsidiary company called Avios Group.
This included: Avios Travel Reward Programme, British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus.
Now Avios is undergoing a rebrand to become the British Airways Executive Club (AerClub for Aer Lingus customers, Iberia Plus for Iberia customers, Vueling Club for Vueling customers).
FlyBe will also be creating their own loyalty rewards programme, where you’ll be able to collect and spend Avios (currency). Flybe will honour your Avios balance when the Avios Travel Rewards Programme closes. There will be more details about this change available soon.
The firm says you will able to move your Avios (currency) between accounts in order to spend them where you wish.
You will also still be able to collect Avios (currency) with your Lloyds Avios credit card or TSB Avios credit card.
Existing bookings using your Avios (currency) will be completely safe, and you will still be able to buy and gift Avios (currency) with the British Airways Executive Club.
What you’ll still be able to do:
- Collect Avios (currency) on flights, hotels, car hire and shopping at the British Airways Avios eStore
- Spend your Avios (currency) on flights, hotels, car hire and other travel rewards
- Set up a household account to pool your Avios (currency) with up to six people in your household
What you’ll also be able to do:
- Use Avios (currency) to make a part payment and save money on flights
- Be part of the Oneworld alliance and access all its benefits
- Collect tier points when you fly with British Airways and partner airlines
- Manage your account and future bookings online
For current British Airways Executive Club members who do not also have an Avios Travel Rewards Programme account, everything will remain the same.
If you don’t currently have a British Airways Executive Club membership, you will be supplied with an account shortly.
British Airways says the change is coming about to simplify its rewards programme and to improve collection and spending opportunities for its customers.
For more details, and FAQs, please click here.
