Business-class travel to Europe starts at just 27K points: Maximize Amex's 30% transfer bonus with Avios

American Express and Avios have partnered to enhance the value of Membership Rewards.

Amex cardholders can earn a 30% bonus when converting Membership Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Aer Lingus AerClub until September 30.

Membership Rewards points usually convert at a 1:1 ratio, but this new Avios offer increases that to 1:1.3. Thus, transferring 1,000 Membership Rewards points yields 1,300 Avios for British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus.

Is this promotion worth it, and what are the top strategies to make the most of it?

Tips for maximizing Amex's 30% transfer bonus to Avios programs

With three Avios programs available for a 30% bonus on Membership Rewards point transfers—and the added option to transfer those Avios to two more programs (Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Finnair Plus)—there are numerous ways to utilize your Avios effectively.

Here are some top strategies to make the most of this transfer bonus.

Travel in business class to Spain starting from just 27,000 Amex points

Securing premium-cabin award flights to Europe can be tricky and costly, but Amex's partners, British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus, offer a distance-based award chart, making them excellent choices for direct flights to Spain.

Off-peak business-class fares provide exceptional value. You can fly to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) from these airports for only 14,000 Avios in economy, 25,000 in premium economy, and 34,000 in business class each way:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

With just 27,000 Amex points, you can secure an off-peak business-class flight to Spain through British Airways or Iberia, taking advantage of the current Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonus.

This is a fantastic deal, as most airlines typically require a minimum of 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class ticket to Europe.

Book domestic flights on American and Alaska for as low as 5,000 Amex points

This method involves an extra step, but we assure you it's worth it.

British Airways was once an excellent option for booking short domestic flights within the U.S. on Oneworld partners like American Airlines or Alaska Airlines in economy. However, British Airways devalued this option in July, and with higher prices, it has lost its appeal.

You can easily transfer your Avios from any of the three participating Amex transfer partners to Qatar Airways Privilege Club at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Amex points can convert into 1,300 British Airways/Iberia/Aer Lingus Avios. You can then transfer those 1,300 Avios to Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways still offers great pricing for short-haul flights with partner airlines, including:

• Flights up to 650 miles: 6,000 Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios for Main Cabin economy or 12,500 Avios for business class
• Flights 650-1,151 miles: 9,000 Qatar Avios in economy or 16,500 in business class
• Flights 1,152-2,000 miles: 11,000 Qatar Avios in economy or 22,200 in business class
• Flights 2,001-3,000 miles: 13,000 Qatar Avios in economy or 38,750 in business class

One of the best values is for flights up to 650 miles; you’ll only need to transfer 5,000 Amex points to British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus and then to Qatar Airways to book a 6,000-Avios domestic flight, leaving you with some Avios for future redemptions.

Travel to Hawaii for just 10,000 Amex points

Previously, British Airways offered a great deal for domestic flights from the West Coast to Hawaii. However, due to recent devaluations, your best option is to transfer your Avios from British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus to Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

This allows you to book nonstop flights from the West Coast on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines to Hawaii for only 10,000 Amex points (which convert to 13,000 Qatar Avios with the transfer bonus) each way in economy.

Take short-haul flights within Europe starting at 4,000 Amex points

British Airways Executive Club charges just 4,750 Avios each way for off-peak flights from London to European destinations up to 650 miles away (peak-date flights are 5,250 Avios), plus fees and taxes of 17.50 British pounds. This covers destinations in Ireland, the UK, Denmark, France, Germany, Austria, and Italy.

With the Amex 30% transfer bonus, you only need to transfer 4,000 Membership Rewards points for off-peak dates (or 5,000 points for peak dates) to book short-haul flights across Europe.

Top cards for earning Amex points

The most effective way to accumulate Membership Rewards points is by taking advantage of the attractive welcome offers on Amex cards. Here are some of our top picks:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Receive 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of membership. Some applicants have reported being targeted for a bonus of up to 100,000 points via the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change). Terms apply.
• American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months. Plus, get 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100) during the first six months.
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months.
• American Express® Business Gold Card: Gain 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of membership.

Is it worthwhile to convert Amex points to Avios?

When you combine the versatility of Avios with the generous 30% transfer bonus from American Express, it creates an excellent opportunity to enhance your travel rewards.

Although there have been instances of 40% transfer bonuses for Avios in the past (the most recent was in 2021), the current 30% bonus remains a solid offer.

In conclusion

Earning Avios is straightforward since at least one Avios program partners with each major credit card provider. Additionally, there are numerous ways to redeem Avios.

If you hold an American Express card that accumulates Membership Rewards points, be sure to take advantage of the 30% bonus when transferring Amex points to British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, or Aer Lingus AerClub by September 30.