For travelers trying to stretch rewards farther, transfer bonuses can be one of the most useful tools in the points world. They are not easy to predict, which is why a return of a bonus that has been absent for about a year stands out. According to the report, American Express Membership Rewards points can now be transferred with a 30% bonus to British Airways Club, Iberia Club, or Aer Lingus AerClub through Sept. 27.
That extra value can make some awards noticeably cheaper in Amex points. The report notes that travelers can again book East Coast-to-Dublin business-class flights for 39,000 transferred Amex points, plus $144 in taxes and fees, and West Coast-to-Hawaii flights for 17,000 transferred Amex points, plus $5.60 in taxes and fees, through British Airways. The article also points out that Avios can be useful beyond British Airways itself, since they can be used for flights on other Oneworld airlines such as American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Why Avios can be a smart budget option
One reason Avios are attractive is that many of their award charts are based on distance. In general, shorter flights require fewer Avios, while longer itineraries and those with more connections cost more. That can make East Coast departures to Europe especially good value. The report says flights from New York to London on British Airways can start around 88,000 Avios plus taxes and fees, while departures from Houston are closer to 99,000 Avios plus taxes and fees, before accounting for the current transfer bonus.
The article also emphasizes that each Avios program prices awards differently, so the same flight may cost different amounts depending on where it is booked. One example given is Hawaii flights on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines from West Coast cities: British Airways Club starts at least 22,000 Avios plus taxes and fees, while Finnair Plus can price the same trip at 17,500 Avios plus taxes and fees, though booking that way requires a phone call. Because Avios can be moved between several airline programs online, the report says this flexibility can create extra ways to find a lower-cost redemption.
Travelers looking to make the most of the bonus are advised in the report to compare options across Avios programs and search broadly before transferring. Tools that filter by Avios programs can help identify which airline loyalty program offers the best price for the same route, especially when planning short domestic flights or longer international trips.
Source: thepointsguy.com