40 Percent AMEX Transfer Bonus to British Airways Avios

There's a 40% AMEX transfer bonus to British Airways Avios through January 31, 2015. To put this in context, there have been very few good AMEX transfer bonuses in the past year, and the last time an AMEX Membership Rewards transfer bonus to British Airways Avios was more lucrative was in 2012, when there was a 50% AMEX transfer bonus to British Airways miles. 

Hence, this is a good time to transfer Membership Rewards points to Avios if you have a lot of Membership Rewards points and are likely to want to redeem for Avios awards in the next year that you wouldn't have enough Avios for otherwise.

Here's how to see the transfer bonus, followed by the best uses of British Airways Avios.

1. Log Into Your American Express Account and Go to Membership Rewards

If you don't see a direct link to Membership Rewards, click on the “More Ways to Use Points” link.

2. Click on the Travel Link on the Left

Yes, AMEX does bury its transfer points option a bit, no doubt since it costs them more money. Click on “Travel” on the left to get to the transfer points option.

3. Click on the Transfer Points Option on the Right 

Don't bother with the “Book Your Trip with Points” since AMEX's Pay with Points option is terrible value. Transferring points to airline frequent flyer programs offers the best value.

4. Click on British Airways to See the 40% Transfer Bonus

Finally, you'll see transfer partners, including British Airways. Once you click on British Airways, you'll be able to see the first image of the post, noting the 40% transfer bonus.

Best Ways to Use British Airways Avios

1. Short Nonstop Flights on British Airways Partners: American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas

One of the best uses of British Airways Avios is for short nonstop economy flights within a given region, since Avios offers a distance based award chart.

For example:

• American Airlines flights within the U.S. (including Hawaii), U.S. to Canada, Miami to the Caribbean
• Japan Airlines flights within Japan 
• Cathay Pacific flights within Asia
• Qantas flights within Australia
• Short LAN flights within South America

British Airways New First Class on 787-9: How It Should Improve