British Airways Avios is one of our favourite frequent flyer programs in Canada because it’s super valuable for international travel.
With a strong partner network, it’s easy to redeem Avios for trips to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. As well as many other popular long-haul destinations thanks to British Airways and their partner airlines, Qatar Airways, Iberia and Finnair.
You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards and RBC Avion Rewards to British Airways Avios at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Plus, stretch your points further by taking advantage of periodic American Express MR and RBC Avion transfer bonuses to Avios. Making it a great program in Canada for turning everyday spending into flights.
Here’s how to make the most of the British Airways Avios program.
Why Is Avios One of Our Favourites
British Airways Avios is one of our favourite programs because it offers great value for long-haul flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia from major Canadian airports like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
You can earn Avios points in Canada by transferring American Express Membership Rewards or RBC Avion Rewards at a 1-to-1 ratio. It’s an easy way to collect plenty of points with a great lineup of cards from Amex and RBC Avion Visa.
Plus, there are transfer bonuses from both Amex and RBC from time to time.
The British Airways Household Account lets you pool Avios with up to six other members. That makes it easier for families to combine points and redeem together.
You can redeem Avios for flights with British Airways, Qatar Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Fiji Airways, and Philippine Airlines. You can fly in business class to places like London, Doha, Manila and Fiji.
With a partner network and frequent transfer bonuses, Avios is a valuable loyalty program for Canadians flying long-haul.
Award Concierge
Want personalized guidance, or want us to find the best award seats for your next business-class flight? Check out our Award Concierge services.
Have a business? Book a complimentary call to see how our done-for-you Business Award Concierge can turn your business expenses into $50K luxury travel.
Limited spots available.
Award Concierge
Want personalized guidance, or want us to find the best award seats for your next business-class flight? Check out our Award Concierge services.
Have a business? Book a complimentary call to see how our done-for-you Business Award Concierge can turn your business expenses into $50K luxury travel.
Limited spots available.
Best American Express Membership Rewards Cards
Best Luxury Business Travel Card
Annual Value: $2,385
Annual Fee: $799
Best mid-range Amex MR business card
Annual Value: $420
Annual Fee: $199
Best for occasional lounge access
Annual Value: $832
Annual Fee: $250
Best Everyday Card
Annual Value: $260
Annual Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
How to Earn British Airways Avios
It’s easy to earn plenty of British Airways Avios in Canada by transferring American Express Rewards or RBC Avion Rewards.
Many American Express cards come with generous welcome bonuses, like the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum. With the American Express Cobalt, you can earn points fast on everyday spending like groceries.
RBC Avion cards, like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite and RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege, also offer generous welcome bonuses. You’ll earn points on every dollar you spend with your Avion Visa.
Transfers are fast and flexible, so you can transfer your points whenever you’re ready to book your flights with British Airways Avios.
Best RBC Avion Cards
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $2,000
Annual Fee: $399
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
Buy British Airways Avios Points
You can also buy Avios points directly from British Airways if you need to top up your account.
Sometimes there’re bonus offers when you purchase Avios. However, it’s usually only worth doing when you have a confirmed redemption in mind, and your out-of-pocket cost is lower than the cash value.
Read more about when it’s worth buying points and check out the latest points purchase promotions.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
How to Redeem British Airways Avios for Flights
British Airways Avios can provide Canadians great value when it comes to redeeming points for flights on British Airways and partner airlines.
At Adventures With Points (AWP), we value British Airways Avios points at 1.5 cents each.
The major drawback for redeeming on British Airways flights is that they tend to have higher taxes and fees, especially when flying through London Heathrow. Redeeming your Avios during off-peak dates and being flexible with your travel plans will give you the most value.
The sweet spot is redeeming points on flights operated by Avios partners, like Iberia, Finnair, Qatar Airways and Air Lingues. Plus oneword airlines, like Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Fiji Airways and Qantas among others.
Before you transfer any points, log in to your British Airways Avios account to search award space.
You don’t need any Avios in your account to look for award flight availability, which makes it easy to plan your next redemption.
Check out our full guide on how to redeem Avios for flights for more redemption tips and booking strategies.
You can also let us do all the work of finding award seats with your Avios points.
One of our favourite British Airways Avios redemptions is the nonstop flight from Vancouver to Fiji in business class with Fiji Airways.
Our Award Concierge client redeemed 102,500 Avios plus only $60.67 in taxes.
They enjoyed a comfortable lie-flat seat, attentive service, and a full meal service for the 12-hour 20-minute flight.
British Airways Avios Household Account
The British Airways Avios program allows up to six members, who live in the same address, to pool their Avios together in a Household Account.
Everyone in the household keeps earning Avios and tier points individually. When you redeem, Avios come out of the shared household total instead of just your own account.
How to Set Up Your British Airways Household Account
You can set up a household account by logging into your British Airways Club account and going to the Household Account section.
One member becomes the head of the household, and they can add or remove members or manage the account.
Keep in mind that once someone joins, they’ll need to stay in the British Airways Household Account for at least six months.
The AWP Community
Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
The AWP Community
Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
Bottom Line
British Airways Avios is a valuable frequent flyer program for Canadians who fly internationally, giving you access to some of the best airlines in the world.
You can earn British Airways Avios points in Canada by transferring points from American Express Membership Rewards cards and RBC Avion at a 1-to-1 ratio. Cards like the Amex Cobalt, Amex Platinum, RBC Avion Visa Infinite and RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege make it easy to earn plenty of points from welcome offers and everyday spending.
When it’s time to redeem, you can use British Airways Avios points for flights with British Airways and partners like Iberia, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways and Qantas. Taking you worldwide from major Canadian cities for nearly free.
