How to Transfer Avios Between Iberia, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, and Aer Lingus (And Why)

Iberia and British Airways are part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), which also includes Vueling and Aer Lingus. Their frequent flyer programs—Iberia Plus, British Airways Executive Club (soon British Airways Club), and AerClub—share a common currency, Avios, with two additional programs: Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Finnair Plus. Each program has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to earning and redeeming Avios. Fortunately, you can transfer Avios between these programs for free and without any loss!

Restrictions & Conditions

There are some restrictions and conditions to keep in mind:

1. Matching personal details: The first name, last name, address, and date of birth must match on both accounts.
2. Account linking limits: An account can only be linked with another account twice in its lifetime (within 50 years). After unlinking a second time, the same accounts cannot be re-linked.
3. Household accounts: Transfers from British Airways Executive Club household accounts are limited. Avios can only be transferred between a household account and an individual Iberia Plus account.
4. Account age: Your Iberia Plus account must be at least 90 days old to perform transfers.

Direct transfers between some programs may not be available. The British Airways Executive Club acts as the central hub, allowing transfers to or from any partner program.

	BA Executive Club	QR Privilege Club	Finnair Plus	Iberia Plus	Aer Lingus AerClub
BA Executive Club	–	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
QR Privilege Club	✔️	–	❌	❌	❌
Finnair Plus	✔️	❌	–	❌	❌
Iberia Plus	✔️	❌	❌	–	❌
Aer Lingus AerClub	✔️	❌	❌	✔️	–

Additionally, direct transfers between Iberia Plus and Aer Lingus AerClub are possible. If a direct transfer isn’t an option, you can transfer via the Executive Club as an intermediary.

Transferring Avios from British Airways Executive Club

You can transfer Avios from your British Airways Executive Club account to all partner programs. If a direct transfer between the desired programs isn’t possible, you can always transfer to the Executive Club first and then onward to your chosen program.

1. Log In to the British Airways Executive Club

Sign in to your Executive Club account and navigate to the “My Executive Club – Combine Avios” page.

2. Choose a Transfer Partner

You’ll be presented with three linked options for transfer partners:

• Iberia Plus & AerClub
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Finnair Plus

3. Log in to the Desired Frequent Flyer Account

After clicking the link for your desired partner, sign in to the corresponding account. Once the accounts are linked, you won’t need to sign in again for future transfers.

4. Transfer Avios

Enter the number of Avios you want to transfer. The transfer happens instantly, and you can transfer as many Avios as you need.

There are no minimum amounts or increments required, unlike some other reward programs.

5. Wait for Confirmation

You’ll receive a confirmation on the website and via email once the transfer is complete.

6. Verify Transferred Avios

The Avios should appear immediately in the target account. The process can also be reversed if needed.

Transferring Avios from Iberia Plus

1. Access the “Combine Avios” Page

Visit the Combine Avios page by logging in to Iberia Plus and navigating to My Iberia Plus → Combine Avios.

2. Select Desired Program

Choose your desired program and enter the necessary login details.

3. Specify the Amount of Avios

Decide on the direction of transfer (e.g., Iberia Plus to British Airways or vice versa) and the number of Avios to transfer.

4. Initiate Transfer

Confirm your details, and the transfer will be executed.

5. Wait for Confirmation

You’ll receive an email confirmation once the transfer is complete.

6. Verify Transferred Avios

The transferred Avios will appear in the new account within minutes, allowing you to book your desired reward flight.

Transferring Avios from Aer Lingus AerClub

To transfer Avios from Aer Lingus AerClub to Iberia Plus or the Executive Club (and onward to Finnair or Qatar Airways), log in to the Iberia Plus or British Airways Executive Club page using your AerClub credentials. Choose the transfer from AerClub to your desired program and follow the steps outlined earlier.

Transferring Avios from Qatar Privilege Club or Finnair Plus

Avios transfers from Qatar Privilege Club and Finnair Plus to other programs are done via the British Airways Executive Club.

1. Access the website for Qatar Privilege Club or Finnair Plus. This is the same site mentioned earlier for transferring Avios from the British Airways Executive Club to these programs.
2. Sign in to your account. If you haven’t already linked your accounts, do so at this stage.
3. Once linked, you can transfer Avios in real time to the Executive Club. You’ll receive confirmation via email and can see the update on the website.
4. If you wish to transfer these Avios further to another frequent flyer program, refer to the instructions provided earlier for the Executive Club.

When Does Each Avios Program Make Sense?

Iberia Plus, the British Airways Executive Club, and the Qatar Privilege Club use a distance-based award chart. Each program has its own award chart for its airline but has largely harmonized charts for partner airlines. Finnair Plus still maintains its own pricing structure for partner airlines (except for British Airways flights). The Aer Lingus AerClub, on the other hand, only allows redemption for flights operated by Aer Lingus.

British Airways Executive Club

• Economy flights within Europe: From 4,750 Avios + €23 (peak season: 5,250 Avios).
• Business flights: From 8,500 Avios (peak season: 9,750 Avios).
• First Class flights (e.g., Japan Airlines or Cathay Pacific within Asia): From 44,000 Avios + €61 (e.g., Hong Kong–Beijing).

Iberia Plus

• Business Class flights (e.g., Boston, New York, Washington, or San Juan): From 34,000 Avios + €110 (peak season: 50,000 Avios).

Aer Lingus AerClub

• Business Class flights to the US East Coast (excluding Miami and Orlando): From 50,000 Avios + €150 (off-peak) or 60,000 Avios (peak).
• Economy flights (from Ireland): From 4,000 Avios + €30 (peak: 4,500 Avios).

Qatar Privilege Club:

• Business Class flights (Qatar Airways to Oceania): From 90,000 Avios + €300 (peak season: 108,000 Avios).
• Intra-Asia Business Class flights: From 16,000 Avios + €40, with moderate surcharges.

Finnair Plus:

• Business Class flights (to/from North America or Asia): From 62,500 Avios + €155, including feeder flights from Northern Europe.
• Business Class flights with Cathay Pacific (Europe to Hong Kong): From 72,500 Avios + €220.

Translated by Ditmar