Chase has launched four new transfer bonuses today, although three of them are – for all intents and purposes – a single type of bonus. That’s because you can get a 30% bonus when transferring to all three of Chase’s Avios partners: British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus.
The Deal
- Get a 30% bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the following Avios programs:
- British Airways
- Iberia
- Aer Lingus
Key Terms
- Expires October 31, 2025.
Quick Thoughts
If you have a good supply of Ultimate Rewards points and don’t intend to transfer them all to Hyatt for stays, getting a 30% bonus on Avios transfers can provide very good value.
Be aware that even though they all use the same rewards currency, British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus price awards differently, both in terms of how many Avios are required and how much you have to pay in taxes and fees.
One of the main sweet spots for Avios award booking is booking short flights, so being able to take advantage of a 30% transfer can make those awards even better value.
Booking flights to/from the UK can also end up being pretty good value, particularly on the UK to US leg. Off peak economy pricing from New York to London is 25,000 Avios + ~$83 in taxes when booked with BA Avios, so only 20,000 Ultimate Rewards points need to be transferred (or only 19,000 if you already have a few hundred Avios in your account). That’s not amazing, especially compared to the ability to book Virgin Atlantic from only 6,000 points + ~$110 in taxes and fees, but it’s not awful either; with the transfer bonus it’s more akin to Flying Blue Promo Rewards pricing.
As mentioned above though, it’s the UK to US leg that has more attractive pricing. One way cash flights from the UK to US tend to be very expensive; it’s usually cheaper to buy a round trip ticket originating in London than it is to buy a one way flight. An off peak one way economy award flight from London to New York can be booked for 25,000 Avios + $100 though, so only slightly more expensive taxes/fees-wise than the US to UK leg. Why is that more attractive though? It’s because of the higher taxes and fees you’d pay for an award booking with other programs. With American Airlines AAdvantage miles, you’re looking at ~$210; with Alaska Atmos it’s ~$220; with Virgin Atlantic it’s ~$245. For a family of four, booking with BA Avios would save you ~$600 in taxes and fees over Virgin Atlantic. That’s not to say that 25,000 Avios + $100 is a superb deal, but it can be a convenient one if you want to fly nonstop between the two countries. In fact, I’m currently sitting in NYC ready for the 100K Vacay challenge having flown back here from the UK on one of those economy awards.
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Any advice on getting iberia avios refunded (they were Iberia operated flights)? I paid the cancelation fees back in May but the points have still not posted to my account. I got emails from them after I paid the refund that it was successful but have never seen them in my account.
Any special email I should reach out to or phone number?
What’s the fourth? We’re on the edge of our seats!
lol, you needn’t be – it’s an IHG bonus!
*sad trombone*