01 Avios Points
Avios points are the currency of the BAEC and other frequent flyer and consumer loyalty programmes that operate under the IAG umbrella. The other two IAG linked schemes are Iberia's Iberia Plus, and Avios Travel Rewards Programme, which runs a separate loyalty programme via
avios.com. Avios points can be exchanged between schemes.
It is also recommended that BAEC members open both Iberia Plus and Avios Travel Reward accounts to ensure that you are ready for any deals that come up. Iberia Plus needs 90 days after activity to enable transfers, but they often have different, lower rates to BAEC and a different peak calendar.
You may also be aware of Aer Lingus AerClub. It also uses the Avios currency and transfer mechanism to/from BA, Iberia, exist via Avios Travel Rewards.
You collect Avios when you fly with BA, its partner airlines and other
oneworld airlines. You can also collect Avios on hotel stays, holidays and car rental, and when you're shopping, through deals with a wide range of partners. You can then spend them on flights and upgrades, on holidays and car rental depending on your location.
Your Avios stay with you as long as your account remains active so make sure to collect, spend, purchase or share some Avios at least once every 36 months. This can be done either by flying, staying at a partner hotel, or even by buying a low value item from an online merchant linked to Avios.
02 Tier Points
Most airline programmes work on the principle that if you fly a certain number of miles or fly in excess of a minimum number of flights in a twelve-month period, you’ll get elite status. Whilst the BAEC doesn’t work exactly like that, the principles are very similar.
Tier points are separate and different from the Avios points.
The BAEC was traditionally a reward programme principally aimed towards customers flying in premium cabins and on flexible tickets, rather than purely from accruing miles from flying. The emphasis has changed in recent years and the BAEC now offers value to a broader range of customers than ever before.
Each flown segment, with the exception of certain non-BA flights, will earn a certain number of Tier Points. Get enough Tier Points within the span of your membership year, and you get promoted to the next tier.
Introduction and overview of the Executive Club | Avios and Tier Points explained | Membership Tiers | Earning Avios on flights | Earning Avios on hotel stays | Credit card partners | Earning through everyday spending | Exchanging other points for Avios