If you missed out on the just-ended 30% transfer bonuses from Amex Membership Rewards to Avios programs, there’s now a similar offer available when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards.
The Deal
- Get a 30% bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to the following Avios programs:
- British Airways
- Aer Lingus
- Iberia
Key Terms
- Expires October 31, 2024.
Best Uses for Avios
- Business class to Europe from 34K one-way via Iberia. This is probably my favorite Avios redemption and have one booked this year already. Iberia charges as few as 34K miles off-peak for one-way in business class on its own flights from New York, Boston, Chicago, or DC to Madrid during off-peak season. The fuel surcharges are quite reasonable and they also run seasonal promotions (usually during the Winter) where the prices drop down even further.
- Business class South America from 22K one-way via British Airways. I've used this once and availability can be tricky to find. But when you can find it, BA has excellent pricing for shorter distance non-stop American Airlines award flights.
- Long Haul Business Class on Qatar Airways. After Qatar's addition to Avios, BA lowered many of their award prices on Qatar. It's now possible to travel between the United States and Doha in business for only 70,000 Avios with minimal surcharges.
Things to Know
- Avios Purchases are processed by Points.com and DO NOT count as airfare.
- Avios can be easily transferred between Aer Lingus, Iberia, Finnair, Qatar and British Airways
- Avios expire after 36 months of no activity
- British Airways has near-extortionate fuel surcharges when flying on BA metal. It's best to keep Avios for use with partners or the Iberia Plus
Would a transfer from chase to BA avios reset the 36 month of no activity? I have miles that will expire 5/25 and wont be able to travel before then.
Would you recommend doing this for domestic American Airlines flights? I don’t fly internationally.
Anyone else having trouble getting instant transfers?
Yup. Transferred 60K. Got the transfer in progress email from chase, but the typical transfer complete that comes a minute later never came. Don’t see the points in my BA account either. Good thing I don’t need to use these right away
Doesn’t make sense, I transferred again today and was immediate. The offer might’ve made the BA website a bit laggy yesterday when I logged on in the morning.
And yeah, still no points. What should I do?
Per the email from chase, COULD take up to 7 biz days for the transfer. I have a reminder to send a SM middle of the week next week if I don’t see them in my BA account.
Can you put a Qatar award on hold before transferring in miles?