British Airways Avios program: how to save money on travel

This year you are planning a trip with friends, a romantic trip to your dream city or a family vacation. To make your plans come true, you need to buy plane tickets.

British Airways offers many destinations around the world that are waiting for you. And also a wonderful British Airways Avios program that will help you save money," writes Huffpost.

Travelers can sign up for the British Airways Executive Club for free, and it's worth it because members can use the loyalty currency known as Avios to pay for their next trip.

The customer loyalty program is not to be confused with British Airways' American Express credit card program, which can also earn Avios points, although it is helpful to accumulate more points.

Members can also collect Avios points for purchases at more than 1,500 retailers through the British Airways Avios eStore, the British Airways website, Sainsburys or Argos using the Nectar card, and when traveling with Uber.

When making purchases at these outlets, customers can expect to receive one Avios point for every £1 spent.

The travel company offers other incentives to help customers top up their Avios balance. Those who sign up for the British Airways American Express credit card can earn an additional 5,000 bonus Avios miles if they spend £1,000 within the first three months of receiving the card.

When British Airways Executive Club members collect Avios miles, they can be redeemed for purchases on British Airways in nine different ways

Customers can redeem their Avios points in full, as an alternative payment method in lieu of a cash or card deposit, or as a partial payment with a minimum of £1 paid in cash.

Members can also use their Avios points as a deposit and pay the full amount later to secure their dream vacation.

If you choose this option, the remaining balance must be paid four to five weeks prior to your short-haul flight or seven weeks prior to your long-haul flight.

Avios miles can also be redeemed for seat selection, upgrades, and food and beverages on board.