- British Airways ran two Avios sales from January 2025 to October 2026, both 40% bonus flash sales of about a week.
- You can buy up to 200,000 Avios a year before the bonus.
- Amex Membership Rewards and RBC Avion points both transfer to British Airways at 1:1.
- Qatar Airways sells Avios more often and with bigger bonuses, and Avios move between the two programs.
British Airways rarely puts Avios on sale. From January 2025 to October 2026, it ran just two sales that I know of: a 40% bonus, for about a week each time.
For Canadians, that's fine, because there's a better way in. Amex and RBC points both go to British Airways at 1:1.
| What | British Airways' usual sale |
|---|---|
| Offer | 40% more Avios |
| How often | Twice: September 2025 and July 2026 |
| Length | About a week (flash sales) |
| Limit | 200,000 Avios a year before the bonus |
Transfer instead
Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to British Airways at 1:1, usually within 30 minutes. RBC Avion points also go at 1:1 but can take up to four weeks, and RBC sometimes adds a transfer bonus.
British Airways Club is also the hub for Avios. From there, Avios move 1:1, free and instantly, to Qatar Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus, Vueling and Loganair. My transfer partners page has the details.
When buying makes sense
If you're a few thousand Avios short and have no Amex or RBC points, buying can work. Check Qatar Airways first, though.
Qatar sells Avios every two to three months, with bonuses of 50% to 65%, and its Avios can move to British Airways. Both programs' sales are on my buy points page.
How to buy
- Sign in to your British Airways Club account and open the buy Avios page.
- Choose the amount. During a sale, the bonus shows before you pay.
- Check the total and the currency, then pay.
Purchases are final, so find the award first.
Past British Airways sales
| Dates | Bonus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 12 to 17, 2026 | 40% | Flash sale, 200,000 a year |
| Sep 11 to 17, 2025 | 40% | Flash sale, 200,000 a year |
These come from LoyaltyLobby's reports, so the start dates are approximate.
Final Thoughts
For most Canadians, buying British Airways Avios isn't worth it. Move Amex or RBC points instead, and wait for a transfer bonus if you can.
Where do you use your Avios? Let me know in the comments.
Buy points sales
Every buy points sale on now, checked every day. British Airways' next one will show up there.
Written by
Jason
Jason is a Toronto-based points-and-miles writer who sleeps in hostels and redeems for suites: honest, frugal, lightly funny.
