Another Avios Devaluation: Iberia Award Tickets up to 19% More Expensive

The rapid devaluation of frequent flyer miles has become a constant trend over the past three years. At least some programs like Miles&More announce devaluations in advance – even if the threat of legal action was necessary to get to that point.

The International Airlines Group, consisting of Iberia, British Airways and others, are not fans of such (forced) transparency. On the contrary, award prices have been adjusted overnight and without prior notice, once again. This time, flights operated by Iberia – one of the best Sweet Spots for Avios redemptions – are affected. Avios prices for business class flights are almost 20% more expensive.

The changes are effective immediately for all bookings made via Iberia Plus or the British Airways Executive Club.

Price Comparison – Old vs. New Award Chart

Unitl a couple of days ago, Iberia had an award chart table on its website, free to see for everybody. Currently, such a table is nowhere to be found. But when searching for flights, all prices are higher than before. For business and premium economy awards, all Avios prices are higher. Just like before, prices are categorized in peak season and off-peak season prices. You can find a calendar here.

Off-Peak Business Class Prices

These are fares for a oneway business class ticket from Madrid. You’d have to add taxes & surcharges (roughly €100) when booking.

Zone	Distance	Example	Avios (old)	Avios (new)	Increase
1	up to 650 mi	MAD – TLS	9,000	9,750	+ 8%
2	651 – 1,150 mi	MAD – FRA	15,000	16,500	+ 10%
3	1,151 – 2,000 mi	MAD – CPH	20,000	22,000	+ 10%
4	2,001 – 3,000 mi	MAD – TLV	21,250	23,000	+ 8%
5	3,001 – 4,000 mi	MAD – NYC	34,000	40,500	+ 19%
6	4,001 – 5,500 mi	MAD – DFW	42,500	50,500	+ 19%
7	5,501 – 6,500 mi	MAD – SCL	51,000	60,500	+ 19%
8	6,501 – 7,000 mi	MAD – NRT	59,500	70,500	+ 18%

Peak Season Business Class Prices

These are fares for a oneway business class ticket from Madrid. You’d have to add taxes & surcharges (roughly €100) when booking.

Zone	Distance	Example	Avios (old)	Avios (new)	Increase
1	up to 650 mi	MAD – TLS	10,000	11,500	+ 15%
2	651 – 1,150 mi	MAD – FRA	16,500	18.250	+ 11%
3	1,151 – 2,000 mi	MAD – CPH	22,000	24,000	+ 9%
4	2,001 – 3,000 mi	MAD – TLV	31.250	31,000	– 1%
5	3,001 – 4,000 mi	MAD – NYC	50,000	59,000	+ 18%
6	4,001 – 5,500 mi	MAD – DFW	62,500	74,000	+ 18%
7	5,501 – 6,500 mi	MAD – SCL	75,000	88,500	+ 18%
8	6,501 – 7,000 mi	MAD – NRT	87,500	103,500	+ 18%

Economy Class awards actually got a little cheaper. However, the price decrease comes days after Iberia Plus abolished free checked bags and cancellation options for economy awards. If you book via the British Airways Club, you can benefit from decreased prices and still check a bag for free.

On the other hand, Premium Economy award prices increased just as much as business class prices. For example, tickets to New York increased from 25,500 to 29,500 Avios during the off-peak period (+16%).

Bottom Line

Until the price increase, Iberia non-stops from Madrid were one of the best ways to redeem Avios. Especially if you booked a cash ticket to Madrid as a feeder. After the devaluation, at least off-peak are still reasonable – given that you find availabilities.

However, it is distinctly unreasonable to devalue Avios several times each year, without any prior warnings or press releases. This is especially frustrating for tenured members that have a lot of Avios in their account – which can be redeemed for less time and time again. It gets even more ridiculous in the light of offers like Avios subscriptions – where you purchase Avios a year in advance. Only to see the value decrease instantly after buying them. With measures like this, IAG is basically begging to get sued.

Translated by Felix

Thanks to our sources, FlyerTalk and LoyaltyLobby!

Cover Picture: © Iberia