Checking oneworld availability via Iberia Plus instead of ba.com
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I will, at some point, do a full post about seeing full oneworld availability using websites other than BA’s.
For a moment, though, take a look at a couple of screenshots that I did whilst researching yesterday’s article on redeeming Avios points via Iberia Plus.
These show London to Bangkok redemptions, first screen is 28 May 2013 outbound, second screen is 11 June 2013 inbound (click to enlarge)
As you can see, there are some substantial benefits here over the ba.com booking screen:
1. Iberia shows availability across all classes at the same time – no need (unlike BA) to do separate searches for First and Club World
2. Because of 1., you can mix and match classes with no problem
3. You see a number of decent OneWorld alternatives, involving Finnair, Cathay and a BA / Cathay mix (via Delhi, interestingly!). And, again, you can mix and match classes on each leg at the click of a mouse.
What you CANNOT do with the Iberia website tool, unlike ba.com, is see a month-by-month view of when seats are available. However, if you are tied down to specific dates, the Iberia website is easier to use than BA’s.
Please note that I am NOT recommending booking such redemptions on the Iberia website because their cancellation policies on OneWorld awards, including BA, are far stricter than BA. However, you can use the Iberia site to see what is available for Avios redemption and then either try to force the same result on ba.com or call BAEC.
At some point I will do a fuller post exploring the same functionality across Qantas and other oneworld partners.
How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (April 2024)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!
In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.
You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:
Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
Get 25,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £10,000 Read our full review
Barclaycard Avios Mastercard
5,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £20,000 Read our full review
There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:
British Airways American Express Premium Plus
25,000 Avios and the famous annual 2-4-1 voucher Read our full review
British Airways American Express
5,000 Avios for signing up and an Economy 2-4-1 voucher for spending £15,000 Read our full review
You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points. These points convert at 1:1 into Avios.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express
40,000 bonus points and a huge range of valuable benefits – for a fee Read our full review
Run your own business?
We recommend Capital on Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, along with a sign-up bonus worth 10,500 Avios.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 12th May 2024, the Capital on Tap Business Rewards Visa card is offering a bonus of 30,000 points, convertible into 30,000 Avios. You must have a Limited Company to apply. Click here to learn more and click here to apply.
Capital on Tap Business Rewards Visa
Huge 30,000 points bonus until 12th May 2024 Read our full review
You should also consider the British Airways Accelerating Business credit card. This is open to sole traders as well as limited companies and has a 30,000 Avios sign-up bonus.
British Airways Accelerating Business American Express
30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review
There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.
American Express Business Platinum
40,000 points sign-up bonus and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review
Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.
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