Avios Rewards customers to be moved to British Airways Executive Club
The Avios Rewards scheme is closing down and existing customers are being moved to the British Airways Executive Club. Here's what you need to know.
Avios Rewards is closing down this summer, with member points moved onto the existing BA Executive Club scheme.
If you’re an Avios Rewards customer, the firm will contact you with your new BA account details and how to activate it in the coming weeks.
Your Avios balance will be moved by the end of July 2018.
Those that already have a British Airways Executive Club account can transfer their existing points through the Avios website.
What if I don't want to switch?
If you don’t want to move to the BA account then you can opt out, but you must do so by 20 May.
From there, you have six months to spend your Avios or they'll become worthless.
Will I be better or worse off?
Chris Treadwell, commercial director of Avios, said that ‘outwardly’ there would be ‘very little change’.
The firm says the switch will give customers 11 additional collection and redemption airline partners, including American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Finnair, Qatar and Japan Airlines.
You can also continue to collect and spend with British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus.
What if I collect Avios in other ways?
Those who collect Avios with a Lloyds Avios credit card or TSB Avios credit card will still be able to use it. Your Avios will go to your new BA account instead. It’s the same story with Tesco Clubcard.
If you have a Lloyds/TSB upgrade or companion voucher you can still use it when you book online until the programme closes, as long as it’s in date. After that you’ll need to ring Avios on 0344 49 333 49 to book.
Of course, if it's airmiles you're after, the above accounts can be beaten. Take a look at our roundup of the most generous airline and airmiles credit cards.
Why is this happening?
Avios says that this move simplifies the scheme and gives customers more ways to collect.
Avios has been under pressure for some time now, according to Rob Burgess, who runs airline rewards specialist blog Head for Points.
“With Tesco reducing the role of Clubcard – which was a major driver of Avios, as Clubcard points can be transferred over – and the closure of the Lloyds Avios Rewards credit cards to new applicants following the caps on the fees card companies can charge shops, Avios was likely to struggle to grow going forward," he says.
“By returning it to its original airmiles roots as a frequent flyer programme first and foremost it can consolidate its strongest relationship as the reward scheme for British Airways passengers."
Find out more about the changes at the Avios website.
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