British Airways rewards travellers with Avios and tier points through its loyalty scheme known as The British Airways Club. Members collect Avios for flights, upgrades to Club Europe or Club World, hotel stays, car hire and partner experiences across the oneworld network.
British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and other UK airports to destinations worldwide. In 2026 The British Airways Club remains free to join and uses a revenue-based model for earning Avios alongside tier points for status progression.
Cabin crew earn praise for their professionalism and attentiveness. Passengers often highlight comfortable seating in premium cabins, good meal options and reliable in-flight entertainment. Some note varying economy experiences and occasional baggage or customer service delays during busy periods.
What is The British Airways Club?
The British Airways Club serves as the airline’s loyalty programme. Members earn Avios on flights and partner activity, then redeem them for award tickets, seat upgrades and more. Separate tier points determine progression through the elite tiers — Blue, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Ways to earn Avios and tier points
Members earn Avios and tier points on British Airways and oneworld partner flights. Everyday earning comes through credit cards, hotels, car hire and shopping partners. Ancillary purchases such as extra baggage or seat selection also contribute in 2026.
Insider tip — add your British Airways Club number to every booking and link partner cards early to capture Avios and tier points automatically on non-flight spend.
How to spend Avios
Redeem Avios for reward flights on British Airways, oneworld partners and other airlines. Dynamic pricing applies, with options offering different availability and Avios levels. Cash plus Avios provides greater flexibility.
Use Avios for seat upgrades, including to Club World. Hotel stays, car hire and experiences through partners also accept Avios. Higher tiers receive priority reward availability and additional choice benefits.
Current flight offers from the UK
British Airways regularly promotes attractive fares from London and other UK airports. Examples for 2026 travel include:
- London to Amsterdam from £70
- Madrid flights from £47
- Milan flights from £56
- Paris flights from £59
- Nice flights from £58
- Boston flights from £493
- Tokyo flights from £987
- Mumbai flights from £600
Prices represent starting fares and vary by date and availability. Members can combine cash fares with Avios for further savings.
FAQs
How do I join The British Airways Club?
Register for free on the British Airways website or app. The account activates instantly and you can start earning Avios and tier points straight away.
How do I earn tier points on British Airways flights?
Tier points are based mainly on the amount spent on the base fare and carrier surcharges. From April 2026 extra tier points apply based on cabin and fare type, plus bonuses on seats, baggage and Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
What is the difference between Avios and tier points?
Avios serve as the reward currency for flights, upgrades, hotels and car hire. Tier points determine your membership level and reset each year on 31 March.
Do Avios expire?
Avios expire after three years of inactivity. Activity includes collecting, spending, sharing or buying Avios. Higher tiers and household accounts help maintain balances.
Can I upgrade my seat using Avios?
Yes. Use Avios or cash plus Avios for upgrades to Club Europe or Club World once a ticket is booked. Higher tiers receive priority upgrade availability.
Is lounge access included?
Silver members gain access to business lounges and Gold members to First lounges on eligible flights. Guest access varies by tier and route.
Do higher tiers receive extra baggage allowance?
Yes. Silver and Gold members receive an additional checked bag on many flights. The exact allowance increases at Gold level on long-haul routes.
How do I claim missing Avios or tier points?
Submit a claim online within six months of travel. Provide your booking reference and boarding pass details for British Airways flights.
Can I pool Avios with family?
Yes. Create a household account with up to six members to share and pool Avios. Each member must maintain activity every three years.
What are the current promotional fares?
British Airways offers competitive prices such as London to Amsterdam from £70, Madrid from £47 and long-haul routes including Boston from £493. Check the website for latest availability.
Editorial & Accuracy Standards
- Expert Review:
Ammara Azmat,
Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience) - Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
- Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.
