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