Don’t Let Free Travel Slip Away: A Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Avios Points for Dream Trips

Ali A, a valued member of the Club Wanderlust team, is a seasoned travel writer with a passion for luxury travel and a knack for mastering travel points. His work, featured in renowned publications, offers practical travel tips and inspires memorable journeys.

Ladies and gentleman, let me let you in on one of my favorite travel secrets: Avios points. These little gems can turn your travel dreams into a reality—think free flights, fabulous hotel stays, and so much more. Whether you’re jet-setting across the world or planning a weekend getaway, this is the ultimate travel hack you need in your pocket to upgrade your travel experience.

New to the world of Avios? Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think, and you don’t even need to step foot on a plane to start stacking them. Let me break it down for you:

1. Sign Up for a British Airways Executive Club Account

   
   The first step is to join the British Airways Executive Club, which requires having an AMEX Credit Card account. To apply for one, simply visit the AMEX website, choose a card that suits your needs, complete the application process, and once approved, you'll be able to access the benefits of the Executive Club. It’s completely free, and this is where all your Avios will live. Plus, every time you fly with British Airways, you’ll collect not just Avios but Tier Points too, which can unlock exclusive perks.

   👉 Pro Tip: Sign up today, and you’re already one step closer to your dream getaway.

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2. Shop Online Through the British Airways Website or Avios App

   
   This is a crucial step in fast-tracking your points collection journey, Before you hit “buy now” on your favorite retailer’s website, stop! Shop smarter by going through the British Airways eStore or the Avios app. It’s like getting paid in points for purchases you were already planning to make. With more than 2,000 participating brands, you can earn Avios on everything from fashion and tech to everyday essentials. Imagine earning hundreds of points on items you were already buying anyway. It’s a no-brainer and a must if you want to fast-track your dream getaway. It’s as simple as:

   • Visiting the BA eStore or Avios app.

   • Clicking through to your favourite retailer.

   • Shopping as usual while earning points for every pound or dollar spent.

   • You’ll often find exclusive deals and bonus promotions to earn even more

Collect More on the High Street

Yes, you can collect Avios while shopping in-store too! Many high street retailers and restaurants are part of the Avios network. By linking your Avios account to your payment card or using partner programs, you can rack up points effortlessly while living your everyday life. Think about it: you’re grabbing a coffee, picking up groceries, or dining out with friends. All of these moments can contribute to your travel fund if you’re collecting Avios. Before you know it, you could be using those points for an exciting flight or a luxurious hotel stay!

Shopping.BA.com (estore)

In the example above, booking through the BA eStore lets you earn 6 Avios per £1 spent with Booking.com, compared to just 1 point per £1 when booking directly on their platform. All BA eStore does is redirect you to the retailer's website, but with the added benefit of earning more points. For instance, if you’re about to book a hotel room for £1,000, you’d collect a whopping 6,000 Avios through BA eStore—compared to just 1,000 if you paid directly with your Amex card on Booking.com or other retailers.

Treble Your Avios with the Booster Feature

Got your heart set on a specific destination but finding yourself a few points short? Enter the Avios Booster—your secret weapon for quickly amping up your balance. With this feature, you can triple your Avios earnings in just a few clicks.

Here’s how it works:

• Head to the Avios Booster section and select how many points you’d like to add to your account.

• Purchase the points directly, and voilà—your balance gets an instant upgrade.

• You can also subscribe to earn monthly recurring points.

It’s the ultimate hack for when you’re planning a special getaway and don’t want to wait months to collect points organically. Whether you’re booking a dream holiday, upgrading to premium seats, or reserving a luxe hotel stay, the Booster feature ensures that no destination feels out of reach. It’s a fast, fuss-free way to make your travel plans happen sooner.

Pro tip: Stack promotions with your regular shopping to maximise the points you collect. For example, a double-points weekend at your favourite retailer means your £200 spend could earn 800 points instead of 400.

Why Avios is a Game-Changer

Avios isn’t just about collecting points and saving money—it’s about opening the door to unforgettable experiences:

• Fly for Free: Use your points to book flights, even to bucket-list destinations.

• Luxury Hotels: Trade points for nights in top-tier accommodations.

• Upgrades: Elevate your travel experience with premium seats or exclusive experiences.

• Flexibility: Combine cash and points to make your travel budget stretch further.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be honest—leaving Avios points uncollected is like walking past free money for your next holiday. Whether you're grabbing groceries, shopping online, or dining out, every little thing can add up to something big: a flight upgrade, a hotel stay, or even that bucket-list trip you've been dreaming of. And with features like the Avios Booster and exclusive bonus promos, it's almost like Avios wants you to travel more.

So, don’t sleep on this. Start collecting today, explore all the easy ways to boost your points, and watch your dream holiday inch closer without even feeling the pinch. It's all about making everyday moments work for you—and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a clever travel hack?

Read 👉: Best Amex Credit Cards for Beginners in 2025

Frequently asked questions

What are Avios points, and how can I use them?

Avios points are a reward currency used by British Airways and its partners to help you save on flights, hotel stays, and more. You can redeem them for upgrades, dream holidays, and even everyday purchases like car rentals.

How do I start collecting Avios points?

First, sign up for a free British Airways Executive Club account. Then, collect points by shopping online through the BA eStore, linking your cards for in-store purchases, and even booking flights with British Airways or its partners.

What is the Avios Booster, and how does it work?

The Avios Booster is a feature that allows you to purchase extra points to quickly increase your balance. Perfect for when you're planning a special trip and need a little top-up, you can select how many points you want to add and buy them directly.

Can I collect Avios points without flying?

Absolutely! You can collect Avios by shopping online or in-store with partnered retailers, using the British Airways eStore or Avios app, and even by paying with registered debit and credit cards at participating locations.

Why should I start collecting Avios points now?

The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be on your way to free travel. With so many easy ways to collect points, like shopping and dining, and frequent bonus promotions, it’s a no-brainer. Start collecting today, and before you know it, you could be booking your next getaway using points instead of cash!

Can I use Avios points to book travel for someone else?

Yes, you can! Avios points can be used to book flights, hotels, and other rewards for family and friends. As long as you're managing the booking through your Executive Club account, you can share the benefits of your points with loved ones.

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