RBC Rewards points bonus conversion to Avios is back!

RBC Rewards points bonus conversion to Avios is back. Avios is the currency of the British Airways Executive Club (BAEC). It’s Canada’s 2nd largest frequent flyer program after Aeroplan. I wrote an extensive guide about the BAEC.

RBC Rewards 30% Transfer Bonus

RBC Avion cards holders can transfer a minimum of 10,000 RBC points from now until 24 September, 2021 and earn an extra 30% more Avios. Eligible RBC Avion cards are:

• RBC Avion Visa Infinite
• RBC Avion Visa Platinum
• RBC Avion Visa Business Infinite
• RBC Royal Bank Visa Business Platinum Avion
• RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
• RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege for Private Banking account
• RBC Commercial Avion Visa

Remember that names on the credit card and the British Airways Executive Club Avios account have to match. Otherwise the transfer won’t be possible.

Great Ways to Use Avios on Economy Reward Flights

British Airways Executive Club Avios points have great value on regional and some transcontinental flights in Economy class.

Qatar Airways network offers some great destination options. You can use Doha as a hub and fly to the Seychelles for 13,000 Avios and $110. This is a 5h long red eye flight with full service. Here are other great destinations out of DOH:

• Colombo (CMB) 13,000 Avios + $88
• Amman (AMM) 9,000 Avios + $ 72.90
• Beirut (BEY) 9,000 Avios + $133.80
• Istanbul (IST/SAW) 11,000 Avios + $ $104

Flying across the United States is one of the top value for your Avios points. Taxes are always below $8 and each flight seldom goes above 10,000 Avios. I wrote Tour the United States for less $35 and it shows in details how to use your Avios.

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Another way to use Avios points is on British Airways short haul flights in and out of London Heathrow. Also across Iberia and S7 Airlines networks.

Last year, I flew London Heathrow to Zagreb in Business class for only 15,000 Avios and $46. That one way trip gave me access to airport fastrack, lounge access, a full warm meal inflight and a large baggage allowance.

S7 Airlines St Petersburg to Moscow flights only cost 6,000 Avios and $21 in fees and taxes. You can read more in details in this post. Prices have gone up since then but they are still reasonable and the flight time will save you lots of time.

Although some may disagree, I’ve booked a one way Montreal to London ticket using only 13,000 Avios. The taxes and fees are hefty at $286. But think about it, it’s only 13,000 Avios instead of the usual 30-40,000 poins required. I believe it’s a decent trade-off particularly if you book a second free seat using the RBC Companion certificate.

Again it is a personal choice. I’ve used it because I booked a last minute trip to Europe on March break.

Conclusion

The RBC Avion transfer bonus of 30% to Avios is an interesting proposition. Avios can be used across the entire oneworld network and a 30% subsidy is always a welcome push towards smarter and budget-efficient travel.

RBC Rewards points bonus conversion to Avios is back, and you have up to the end of September to decide on it.