Get a 30% transfer bonus when you transfer American Express Membership Rewards to British Airways Avios.

British Airways Avios used to be best for shorthaul flights on Oneworld carriers but recent changes have killed that. Where a flight from New York to Toronto (under 650 miles) used to be as little as 4,500 miles in years past, it’s now 12,000 miles. I mention this as some people may not realize this has all changed.

However, you can still transfer these miles over to Qatar Airways Avios where that same flight would be 6,000 miles as they price those like this: 0–650 miles: 6,000 Avios (Economy) / 12,500 Avios (Business). Note the new restrictions on booking Qatar awards beyond yourself.

And that’s the thing – you can transfer these Avios to any other Avios program airline.

Also – outside of the US, BA still prices flights under 650 miles (i.e. SYD-MEL on Qantas) at 6,000 miles in Economy and only 12,500 miles in Business – hello, sweet spot!

BA does have a very favorable lap infant policy – 10% of the miles paid for the adult fare.

Beware their draconian surcharges on long haul awards.

Advanced Mode: Transfer to Finnair’s Avios program which has sweet spots like 62,500 Avios and less than $200 from the US to Finland on Finnair and, (available only by phone or chat) amazing deals on AA transcons. If you can find JFK-LAX/SFO with an available Saver seat in 3-Cabin First (Z class), it’s yours for just 40,000 Finnair Avios. Traveling within the EU in business class (yes, the standard economy seat with the middle blocked, but premium services) is also a steal on Finnair. Note those AA three cabin transcontinental flights are being phased out.

This is a nearly 2 month long transfer bonus so you have time to decide…

Reminder: We now maintain an incredibly comprehensive Transfer Partner Matrix that tracks not just where every currency transfers but also notes any current transfer bonuses.