AVIOS AGONY AUNT • November 2021
How I collect (and spend) my Avios
We love to see loyalty in action, which is why we so enjoy hearing the stories of how our frequent fliers collect and spend their Avios. This month, we dig into our archive of anecdotes to find those that’ll help you collect and spend more wisely before the year’s out
British Airways American Express® Cards
Besides actual flying, I collect the most Avios from my British Airways American Express Credit Card. Over the last few years the Avios I’ve collected from my Card has paid for upgrades to First, multiple transatlantic Reward Flights, plus a fantastic upgrade to Club World on my journey from London to Buenos Aires. I have used them for on-board purchases, but mostly I like being able to upgrade.
Says who? James Asquith, Guinness World Record-holding traveller and Founder & CEO of Holiday Swap
Online shopping
My favourite way to collect Avios from home is on shopping.ba.com, the British Airways online shopping portal. I use it all the time. Before you buy something online, just check the list of stores available on the platform and buy via there instead. You’ll collect Avios on every £1 you spend.
Says who? Claire Middleton, Silver Member
Reward Flights
Other than world peace, my one wish would be unlimited First or Club World tickets. As a Gold Member, I always fly British Airways if I can – the service is some of the best out there and the app is easy to use. How do I spend my Avios? On more flights, of course!
Says who? Gold Member and actress Gillian Anderson, OBE
Hotels, hotels, hotels
I booked accommodation for a trip to California through Booking.com after realising it was an Avios partner. It was on a crazy offer at the time, something like 12 Avios per £1 spent, so I ended up collecting a whopping 13,330 Avios.
Says who? Matt Richardson, High Life’s picture editor
Avios part-payment
I use my Avios to reduce the cost of short-haul trips. I often visit my husband Richard on tour with his band, The Feeling, and it makes those short European breaks a little easier to justify.
Says who? Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Avis car hire
We use Avios for Avis car hire. With four kids in tow, a rental car can make all the difference. I also use my Avios on upgrades when I’m travelling with my wife. We flew to Brazil in Club World a few years back and it made the journey so much smoother.
Says who? Simon Hooper of @father_of_daughters
To learn more about collecting Avios, click here. Want more ways to spend? Discover them here