How to Transfer Avios Points Between BA, Qatar, Iberia, and Finnair

The Avios loyalty currency now allows members to move points between seven different airlines, creating a flexible and interconnected rewards network. This system enables travelers to consolidate their balances from carriers including British Airways (BA), Iberia, Qatar Airways, and Finnair to maximize redemption value across the oneworld Alliance and other partners. The ability to transfer Avios points between airlines at a 1:1 ratio is a key feature of the program managed by International Airlines Group (IAG) Loyalty.

This integration of loyalty programs provides significant advantages for frequent flyers. By pooling Avios from different accounts, members can access award availability and redemption options that might otherwise be out of reach. For example, a member could combine Avios earned on a British Airways flight with points from an Iberia credit card to book an award ticket on Qatar Airways. This interchangeability transforms Avios from a collection of separate airline-specific points into a single, more powerful travel currency. The process is designed to be seamless, primarily facilitated through online portals on airline websites, such as the Combine My Avios tool offered by British Airways.

The Expanding Avios Network

According to IAG Loyalty, seven airlines currently use Avios as their primary loyalty currency. The core partners are IAG-owned carriers: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling. The network has expanded significantly in recent years to include major international and regional partners.

Qatar Airways officially adopted Avios as its frequent flyer currency in March 2022, a major development that integrated one of the world's premier carriers into the ecosystem. More recently, fellow oneworld member Finnair completed its transition to Avios for the Finnair Plus program in March 2024. The network also includes UK regional carrier Loganair, which adopted Avios for its Clan Loganair program in 2025. This expansion reflects a broader industry trend toward the consolidation of loyalty currencies to enhance their appeal and utility for a global customer base.

How to Transfer Avios Points

Transferring Avios between participating airline programs is a straightforward process designed to be completed online instantly. The transfer ratio is a consistent 1:1, meaning one Avios in a British Airways Executive Club account is equivalent to one Avios in a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account.

To initiate a transfer, members typically log into their account with one of the airlines, such as British Airways, and navigate to the section for managing Avios. The 'Combine My Avios' feature allows users to link their accounts from other participating programs. Once linked, transfers can be executed in either direction. For example, a user can move Avios from Iberia Plus to the British Airways Executive Club or from the BA Executive Club to Qatar Airways Privilege Club. The central Avios.com platform, operated by IAG Loyalty, also provides tools for managing and moving points.

It is important for members to be aware of the program rules. According to data from Uswitch, Avios points expire if an account has no activity—earning or spending at least one point—for a period of 36 months. Combining points from an active program into a dormant one can reset this expiration clock.

Strategic Context and Industry Trends

The growth of the Avios platform is indicative of a strategic shift in airline loyalty. Rather than operating siloed frequent flyer programs, airlines are forming currency-based partnerships to create a more attractive and versatile rewards ecosystem. This approach, managed by entities like IAG Loyalty, benefits both airlines and consumers. Airlines gain access to a wider pool of engaged customers and valuable data, while consumers enjoy greater flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards.

The Avios program itself has a long history, originating as Airmiles in 1988 before being rebranded as Avios in 2011. Its continued expansion beyond the original IAG carriers demonstrates the success of this consolidated model. The platform has also diversified its earning opportunities beyond flights, allowing members to collect Avios through co-branded credit cards, hotel bookings, car rentals, and online shopping portals.

Why This Matters

This unified currency system transforms disparate frequent flyer programs into a powerful, interchangeable travel asset. For passengers, it provides unprecedented flexibility to pool rewards and unlock high-value redemptions across a global network. For the industry, it represents a successful model for loyalty program consolidation that increases customer engagement and creates a competitive advantage beyond a single airline's route network.

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