British Airways Executive Club

Program overview 

British Airways Executive Club is one of the best Oneworld frequent flyer programs. This program is good for those who are looking for short domestic flights within the US and internationally. 

Miles earned under British Airways’ program are called Avios.

Point/Miles Conversion Chart

Pros 

• Ideal program for short domestic flights on American Airlines 
• Accessible through all major credit card and hotel partners
• Family account (households can pool their miles in one account)
• Good website and solid customer service infrastructure
• Best program to upgrade British Airways operated flights (best for Premium to Business and Business to First)
• American Express runs a 25-40% transfer bonus offer 2 times per year. Chase runs a 30% bonus offer from time to time
• Oneworld Emerald members can assign their seats for free. All others have to pay extra for seat assignments in all classes, except First
• Ability to transfer to Aer Lingus and Iberia at 1:1 ratio to expand redemption opportunities

Cons 

• High taxes/surcharges, generally this is not the best way to book British Airways flights
• Need to cancel award bookings no later than 24 hours before departure 
• Only saver award availability is offered. If saver is not available, no other options are offered

Excellent for  

• US short domestic direct flights on American Airlines - 9,000 Avios in Economy and 16,500 Avios in First (For example: New York - Chicago).
• US West to Hawaii for 13,000 Avios in Economy and 38,750 Avios in Business. (For example: Los Angeles - Honolulu). 
• Miami to Latin America for 13,000 in Economy (For example: Miami - Lima). 
• Los Angeles to Tokyo for 38,750 Avios in Business. 

Insider Tips

• If you are looking to get an award on British Airways flights by transferring points from a credit card, British Airways Avios is not usually the best deal due to very high taxes. If you see the flight is available it will also be available on Cathay Pacific Asia Miles. The miles required can sometimes be slightly higher, but you save hundreds of dollars in taxes, especially in premium cabins.
• Compared to British Airways Avios, Iberia Avios often comes out with lower taxes for the same rewards. You can instantly transfer points between programs as long as you have both accounts open for 90 days. Sign up for both accounts even if you don’t have immediate need so that you can satisfy the 90-day rule if you need it later.
• Think of the Executive Club for travel on American Airlines: American Airlines AAdvantage program does not have direct card transfer partners (unless you get AA co-branded credit card). When you see the American AAdvantage Saver reward available, it is likely an even better deal on British Airways executive club for the same flight/reward.
• The extremely high taxes make this program worthwhile in premium cabins only for British Airways operated flights.
• This is likely a must for those based in London but best combined with the Homebase Stopover strategy.

Do you use this program? Share your experience and tips in the comments below. Your thoughts would be very valuable to us!