AlmostBritish

So simply said, is there a way to transfer AVIOS from BA to IB when your account is less than 90 days old? I moved to Madrid, and it seems to be worthwhile to use AVIOS on IB rather than BA.

I am Gold on BA, would that make a difference? Just wondering, as I am sure there might be a way.

neuromancer

Simply, no. You'll have to wait. That's why it's a good idea to register to IB+ asap, even if you don't intend to use it

David-A

I strongly advise you to keep both accounts 'active'. In the future you can move the Avios points back and forward as you need.

Why do I suggest keeping both active? - Each programme has its own pluses and minuses.
- When crediting a partner transaction (e.g. hire car, hotel stay, etc) sometimes the rates you will earn are different between the two schemes, or one of them will have a promo running.
- they both have earning partners that the other doesn't have.
- their peak and off peak dates for redemptions (this is a new thing being brought in) are actually different

When it comes to making redemptions:
- BAEC has much better refund rules than IB+ if you need to make any changes.
So I would do everything you can redemptions wise (apart from IB) from BAEC.
- BAEC has 'reward flight saver' rates, but IB+ doesn't. (so if you book a BA flight LON-MAD from BAEC it will be cheaper than if the same flight from IB+) And to enjoy reward flight saver prices, you need to have earned an Avios point in the BAEC account in the last year.
- IB+ has lower surcharges for booking IB flights than BAEC

What you can NOT move is Tier Points / Status points. So it is wise to pick a single scheme for crediting too - to ensure you get status.

If you are now based in Spain, IB+ might make sense as the scheme to choose as you can earn status points directly from Vueling bookings, etc, they don't need to be booked under the IB codeshare. And IB+ high status members can use the arrivals lounge on appropriate flights, people from other OW programmes (e.g. BAEC) can not.

The only hesitation I would have about suggesting you switch crediting flights to IB+ would be how close are you life time Gold in BAEC?

LupineChemist

Welcome to Madrid. I hope you understand of why I never left after coming here for a temporary stint years ago. Your easiest way to activate will be by using a partner in the city. Go see a movie at a Cinesa (There are VOS at the one in Sanchinarro), buy a couple € worth of something at a Repsol (plenty in the city itself).

There are lots of great partners for accumulating avios with IB+. If you need car insurance, Mutua gives you 9000 for a policy with them. I recommend just reading through the partner sites for a bit.

AlmostBritish

Thank you so much for the clear answer. I am far far off from lifetime Gold (unfortunately). This is my first year of being Gold.

I do not wish to deactivate either account, because of the benefits you mentioned. I was merely trying to activate my IB account.

Just to get it clear:

By purchasing something that will give me Avios in my IB account, my account is activated and thus I may transfer Avios from my BA to my IB account? Even when my account is younger than 90 days?

neuromancer

It will activate the account, but just after the 90 days. BOTH conditions must be fulfilled (account 90 days old AND active).

AlmostBritish

Disappointing Well then I will have to wait

wiivile

Does anyone have an updated way to activate Iberia Plus account? I have an iPhone (not Android), so I can't use the Hailo app. I don't have an AMEX, so I can't transfer points directly into my IB+ account...

LupineChemist

Avis rental cars work. Also some hotels. Obviously crediting an AA flight.

Just have a look at the partners page.

wiivile

I meant like promotional ways...

TyAdCo

Apologies if this has already been discussed, but I have a household account with my wife and son at BA, but would like to move avios from that account into my iberia plus account. BA website doesn't seem to allow it. Has anybody had this problem? Is there a solution or a thread that I can't seem to find? Thanks.

Yllanes

You cannot combine avios online with a HHA. I believe that you have two options:

- Create an avios.com account as an intermediary for avios transfers
- Call

EsherFlyer

Maybe you have this sorted now, maybe not - so here's a set of options that work in UK, and potentially further away.

Wandrlst88

Very helpful, thanks EsherFlyer!

Innocent Abroad

It seems that now a journey on the Heathrow Express would give 100 Avios (or 200 if traveling in Business First). See here.