In October 2022, the British Airways Executive Club program began offering Avios subscriptions to its members. These subscriptions enable members to purchase the reward currency of the program on a monthly basis, at a reduced cost. Avios is popular among Australian frequent flyers due to its good value for Qantas domestic flights and Qatar Airways business class redemptions from Australia to Europe. Additionally, British Airways Executive Club members can access Qatar Airways award availability before Velocity Frequent Flyer members and Qantas members.
An Avios subscription is currently the most cost-effective way to purchase Avios directly from British Airways Executive Club. While individual Avios purchases are also available, British Airways often offers a 50% bonus on these purchases. However, the rates available through an Avios subscription are even better than those offered with a 50% bonus.
Avios subscription prices vary depending on the country in which the member's British Airways Executive Club account is registered and the currency used for payment. The subscription prices for Australian accounts are charged in US Dollars, which are currently more expensive than Euros or British Pounds. However, the cost of some USD subscriptions will be reduced starting next month.
Starting May 1, 2023, British Airways will raise the prices of most Avios subscriptions. Nevertheless, those paying in USD may actually be able to get a better rate under the new pricing structure. Members who subscribe before May 1, 2023, will be able to lock in the old pricing until their current subscription period ends.
The cost of one-time Avios purchases in Euros and British Pounds will also increase starting May 1, 2023, while the USD cost will decrease, bringing it more in line with current exchange rates.
Avios is the shared currency of the British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and Qatar Airways frequent flyer programs. The price changes also apply to the cost of buying, gifting, and sharing Avios in these programs. However, the price increases are not too significant, with the cost of purchasing 10,000 British Airways Avios in GBP increasing from £175 to £195, while the Euro price rises from €201 to €235. The cost of buying 10,000 Avios in USD will decrease from $300 to $255. The new rates for British Airways Avios can be found on the BA website.