Step aside, British Airways — Finnair Plus now boasts some fantastic Avios opportunities

The Finnair Plus loyalty program has fully embraced Avios as its currency. You can now transfer Avios between Finnair Plus and British Airways Executive Club, unlocking a wealth of new earning and redemption possibilities.

Finnair now joins the ranks of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways in utilizing this popular loyalty currency.

Although Finnair Plus has aligned some of its redemption rates with British Airways Executive Club (which largely mirrors Iberia Plus and Qatar Airways Privilege Club), there are still fresh sweet spots to discover.

In contrast to other Avios programs that utilize a distance-based award chart, Finnair Plus employs a zone-based chart.

Here are some prime opportunities where using Finnair Plus Avios proves advantageous.

Finnair flights from the U.S. to Helsinki

One-way flights operated by Finnair from the U.S. to Helsinki Airport (HEL) are priced as follows:

• 30,000 Avios for economy class
• 43,500 Avios for premium economy
• 62,500 Avios for business class

These rates match those set by British Airways Executive Club. However, because British Airways imposes surcharges, booking Finnair-operated flights across the Atlantic through Finnair Plus will be more economical.

Keep in mind that any connecting flight on Finnair beyond Helsinki will incur an additional charge unless it's a domestic flight within Finland.

Domestic economy flights operated by American Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Redeeming Avios for short-haul flights with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines used to be a fantastic option for those using British Airways or Qatar Airways Avios. However, due to recent devaluations, prices now start at 9,500 Qatar Avios or 12,000 British Airways Avios for the shortest domestic routes.

Luckily, domestic flights within the continental U.S. (and Canada) are only 11,000 Finnair Plus Avios each way in economy class. For short flights up to 650 miles, it’s more cost-effective to use Avios through Qatar Airways, which charges just 9,500 Avios for these routes.

For all domestic flights exceeding 650 miles, Finnair Plus has a flat fee of just 11,000 Avios, making it a smart way to utilize your Finnair Avios. You can also connect within the region for the same rate; for instance, if nonstop flights aren’t available, you can fly from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) via Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). British Airways would charge separately for each leg, making connecting itineraries through British Airways Executive Club even pricier than booking with Finnair Plus.

Cathay Pacific business-class flights

Another key sweet spot is flights operated by Cathay Pacific from various locations in North America to Asia.

While finding award availability in premium cabins can be challenging, British Airways Executive Club demands a hefty 108,250 Avios plus £118.50 (approximately $151) for the long-haul journey in Cathay Pacific's business class from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

In contrast, you can book the same flight through Finnair Plus for only 75,000 Avios along with the same minimal fees, taxes, and surcharges — saving you over 30,000 Avios.

Regrettably, premium economy redemptions on Cathay Pacific — including the exciting new premium economy seat that Cathay plans to introduce later this year — are not available through Finnair Plus.

Economy seats from North America to Asia are priced at just 35,000 Finnair Plus Avios. If you happen to find first-class award availability on Cathay, it will set you back 120,000 Finnair Plus Avios.

Finnair Plus pricing for flights from Europe and South America to Asia aligns closely with British Airways pricing, though it remains slightly lower at 31,000 Avios for economy, 72,500 Avios for business class, and 110,000 Avios for first class.

Domestic flights to Hawaii

Another sweet spot with Finnair Plus is itineraries on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines traveling from the East Coast to Hawaii. With British Airways now charging 20,000 Avios just from the West Coast, it's wiser to use Avios through Finnair.

Thanks to its region-based award chart, Finnair Plus applies a flat rate for all flights from the continental U.S. to Hawaii, though the cost varies based on your chosen airline. For instance, an American Airlines flight from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) with a connection at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will only set you back 15,000 Avios.

For Alaska Airlines itineraries, you’ll need just 13,500 Avios to reach Hawaii from anywhere in the U.S. This is a fantastic deal, especially if you're flying from the East Coast and connecting through an Alaska hub like San Diego International Airport (SAN) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

You'll need to fly the same airline for both legs, as combining carriers on a single award is unfortunately not permitted (unless one of the carriers is Finnair).

When should you steer clear of using Finnair Plus Avios?

Finnair Plus' region-based award chart offers distinct benefits compared to other programs' distance-based charts, but it also comes with its own drawbacks.

For shorter flights between zones — such as the relatively quick American Airlines route from New York to London — booking through British Airways Executive Club or Iberia Plus will be more economical.

Finnair has aligned many of its pricing for British Airways-operated flights with that of British Airways Executive Club. Therefore, there's no need to complicate your travel plans by incorporating another Avios program if your goal is to fly British Airways.

Qatar Airways Qsuite flights are also more affordable through British Airways Executive Club or Qatar Airways Privilege Club, as are the Iberia business-class sweet spots to Spain available via Iberia Plus or British Airways Executive Club.

How to accumulate Finnair Plus Avios

The simplest method to earn Finnair Avios without flying is by applying for a Capital One credit card, as Capital One miles can be directly transferred to Finnair Plus.

Here’s a list of some current consumer cards that earn transferable Capital One miles:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 10 miles for every dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar for flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. Additionally, earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening. The card carries a $395 annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. Plus, receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening. This card has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1.25 miles per dollar on other purchases. You can also earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 within the first three months from account opening. This card has no annual fee (see rates and fees).

If you’re interested in a business card, here are some options that earn Capital One miles:

• Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Additionally, earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening. The card has a $395 annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. Plus, receive a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 thereafter (see rates and fees).
• Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business: Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases. Additionally, earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 within the first three months from account opening. This card has no annual fee.

The information for the Capital One Spark Miles Select has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details of the card on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

Avios is a well-regarded and valuable loyalty currency, which is why it's no surprise that Finnair has incorporated it.

The ability to transfer Avios freely between various programs at a 1:1 rate creates numerous excellent options for travelers. While much of the pricing is consistent between Finnair Plus and British Airways Executive Club (the largest Avios-using program), there are some unique sweet spots currently available within the Finnair program. Therefore, if you have Avios in any program, it might be worth considering transferring them to Finnair Plus if you have a specific redemption in mind.