British Airways launches Avios points "subscription" sale: the price is right, but is it worth it?
The Executive Club, British Airways' loyalty program, has just launched a new subscription program: in exchange for a [...]
British Airways
Oneworld
The Executive Club, British Airways' loyalty program., has just launched a new subscription program: In exchange for a monthly fee you will get a credit of Avios points.
In this article:
The 4 subscriptions are called Voyager, Traveller, Explorer and Adventurer . It is nothing new in the landscape of loyalty programs to sell points in the form of a subscription, what is new, however, is that a leading airline such as British Airways is doing it.
How does the Avios subscription work?
There are 4 types of subscriptions and two payment methods: monthly or annual in advance. In case of annual subscription you get the discount of two monthly payments. Even if you opt for annual prepayment, Avios will still be credited monthly.
The first two floors offer:
- Voyager: 20,000 Avios per year at a discounted cost of £185 per year / £19 per month
- Traveller: 50,000 Avios per year at a discounted cost of £455 per year / £45 per month.
The most interesting promotions are definitely Explorer and Adventurer:
- Explorer promises upon spending £899 (or £89/month) a credit of 100,000 Avios per year
- Adventurer gets to load 200,000 Avios per year for 1,789 pounds per year (£179 per month)
Is it worthwhile to subscribe at this price?
Without mincing words, we can say. Adventurer subscription is undoubtedly very convenient, if you then choose prepayment is even better. 1789 pounds is about 2038 euros, at the current exchange rate, means being able to buy Avios points at 1 cent, a price never seen before. If we add to this the favorable euro/sterling exchange rate, it is a really low value.
Of course the offer is interesting even with the other 3 options, but the advantage drops depending on the level.
Lacks the supply you can't give up
The price is right, but something more interesting is needed to convince a skeptic. This is a different product from Emirates Skywards+ and instead similar to TAP's program.
I would like to see "optional extras" to subscriptions in addition to points. Depending on the level of subscription you could add Tier points for renewing the card, vouchers for class upgrade on a paid ticket, or more simply a discount or miles back on booking award tickets.
With a mix of these benefits I might be tempted to subscribe.
Please read the terms and conditions carefully
I always remind you to read the rules, exclusions and obligations carefully:
- If you subscribe to the annual plan, you cannot cancel your subscription during the year and get a prorated refund
- If you sign up for the monthly payment plan, you commit yourself for at least three months.
- After one year, the subscription will automatically renew, unless cancelled
- You can purchase a maximum of 200,000 Avios in a calendar year through Avios Subscription. This is in addition To the deductible of 200,000 Avios via "Buy Avios."
In conclusion
What BA is proposing is nothing revolutionary, on balance, the carrier is guaranteed certain revenue from discounted point sales. This promo is not for everyone, but it could be for many even in the Voyager version. Just get the math right on what we need.
For the minimum subscription of less than 23€/month, one can forget about the expiration of Avios points and accumulate them for life without worrying about having to use the points.
It is not good if you urgently need points to book a ticket, because Avios come month after month, even if you pay in advance for an annual plan.
Instead, it is okay to take the annual If you plan to book a ticket (or two) each year to travel business class with BA or Qatar paying with points and spending less than you would by paying cash.
