How partner flights work
British Airways is part of oneworld, an alliance of airlines that let members use their points across each other's flights. On top of that, BA and the other Avios airlines have their own extra partners.
That means one Avios balance can get you to almost anywhere in the world. There are three types of partner:
- Airlines that use Avios themselves: Qatar Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Finnair. You can move Avios to them at 1:1.
- oneworld airlines: such as American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific, which you book with your BA Avios.
- Extra partners of BA or Qatar, such as LATAM and Virgin Australia.
New to Avios? Start with Avios explained.
Airlines that use Avios
These airlines have their own Avios programmes. You can move Avios between your accounts for free, and sometimes the same flight costs less, or has lower charges, when you book it through the airline's own programme.
| Airline | Best for from the UK | Book through |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar Airways | Qsuite business class to Doha, the Maldives, Asia and Australia | Qatar Privilege Club, often with lower charges |
| Iberia | Madrid, Spain and South America | Iberia Club or BA |
| Aer Lingus | The US via Dublin, where you clear US immigration before you fly | Aer Lingus AerClub or BA |
| Finnair | The Nordics and Asia via Helsinki | Finnair Plus or BA |
oneworld partners you can book with Avios
| Airline | Best for |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | The US, the Caribbean and connections across America |
| Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines | The US West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii |
| Japan Airlines | Direct flights from Heathrow to Tokyo, and onward in Asia |
| Cathay Pacific | Hong Kong and onward flights across Asia and Australia |
| Qantas | Australia and flights within Australia |
| Malaysia Airlines | Kuala Lumpur and Southeast Asia |
| SriLankan Airlines | Sri Lanka and the Maldives |
| Oman Air | Muscat and the Middle East |
| Royal Jordanian | Amman and the Middle East |
| Royal Air Maroc | Morocco and Africa |
| Fiji Airways | Fiji and the South Pacific |
Other partners
- British Airways partners: LATAM for South America, and China Southern for China.
- Qatar Airways partners: including Virgin Australia, JetBlue, Bangkok Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Middle East Airlines and RwandAir. These are booked with Avios in your Qatar Privilege Club account.
How partner prices work
British Airways prices most partner flights by distance. The further each flight goes, the more Avios it costs. There are a few important things to know:
- Each flight is priced on its own. If your trip has a connection, you pay for each leg separately, so direct flights are usually cheaper.
- Short flights are cheap. Partner flights of a few hundred miles can cost very few Avios, which is great for island hopping or short connections.
- Charges vary by airline. Some partners, like Japan Airlines and American Airlines, add relatively low charges. Others add more. Qatar Airways is often cheaper to book through Qatar Privilege Club than through BA.
The best partner redemptions from the UK
- Qatar Airways Qsuite. One of the best business class seats in the world. Book through Qatar Privilege Club for Doha, the Maldives, Asia and Australia. See our guide to the best business class seats.
- Japan Airlines to Tokyo. Direct from Heathrow, with an excellent business class and relatively low charges.
- Iberia to Madrid and South America. Iberia's own programme often has lower charges than BA for its flights.
- Aer Lingus to the US. Fly from Dublin and clear US immigration before you leave, so you arrive like a domestic passenger.
- Short partner hops. Cathay Pacific around Asia, American Airlines to the Caribbean, or Alaska Airlines on the West Coast, for very few Avios.
For more ideas on getting the best value, read the smartest ways to spend Avios.
How to book a partner flight
- Search for the seat first. Most partners can be searched on the British Airways website. For Qatar, also search on the Qatar Airways website.
- Compare programmes. Check the Avios and cash charges with BA, Qatar and Iberia where they fly the route.
- Move your Avios. If another programme is cheaper, move your Avios across. It's free between your own accounts.
- Book straight away. Partner reward seats can disappear quickly.
- Call for tricky trips. Itineraries with several partner airlines may need a phone booking.
Need more Avios first? Here are the best ways to earn Avios.
Tips and traps
- Companion Vouchers don't work on most partners. The BA Amex voucher only works on British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus. Read how to use Avios vouchers correctly.
- Watch the connections. Two short flights can cost more Avios than one long direct flight.
- Check the charges. A low Avios price isn't a deal if the cash part is high.
- Seat availability differs. Partners decide how many reward seats to release, and it's not always the same as on BA.
- Moving Avios to Qatar first? Iberia and Aer Lingus accounts can't send Avios straight to Qatar. Move them through your BA account.
Start with the basics
Our step-by-step guide to booking your first business class flight with points.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use British Airways Avios on Qatar Airways?
Yes. You can book Qatar flights with your BA Avios, or move your Avios to Qatar Privilege Club at 1:1 and book there, which is often cheaper.
Do I earn Avios on partner flights?
Usually, yes. Add your British Airways Club or other Avios programme number when you book, and you'll earn Avios on most partner fares.
Can I book partner flights online?
Most single-airline partner flights can be booked on the British Airways website. Complicated trips with several airlines may need a phone call.
Is it cheaper to fly a partner than British Airways?
Often, yes, especially on cash charges. Partners like Japan Airlines and American Airlines usually add less than BA does on long-haul flights from the UK.