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The 8 Best Ways to Redeem Iberia Plus Avios for Max Value

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Alex Miller

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Key Takeaways

  • Some of the best redemptions for Iberia Plus Avios include Chicago to Madrid in Business Class and short U.S. trips with American Airlines.
  • Avios can also be transferred from British Airways or Aer Lingus, giving more flexibility in booking Iberia flights or using them on Oneworld partners.

Along with British Airways and Aer Lingus, Spanish airline Iberia is owned by IAG. Though all 3 of these airlines use Avios as their points currency, the Iberia Plus frequent flyer program is distinct. Recently, Qatar Airways joined the Avios club, which means you have plenty of options when it comes to combing points.

Avios is complicated — the points are all “Avios,” but each airline’s version of Avios has its own award ticket availability, options, prices, and booking method. That means the same flight can get 4 different Avios prices and fees, while some flights may be bookable with 1 airline but not the other.

Now, U.S.-based travelers have reason to celebrate: Iberia Plus and Aer Lingus AerClub are Chase transfer partners, in addition to previously available British Airways Executive Club transfers. These direct transfers are simple and instant. You can also transfer Citi ThankYou points to Qatar Airways at a 1:1 ratio.

We’ve previously showcased the best ways to redeem British Airways Avios as well as Aer Lingus AerClub Avios. Now, let’s find the gems in Iberia Plus Avios!

Iberia Credit Card Partners

Iberia Visa Signature® Card

Chase has launched the Iberia Visa Signature card.

Iberia Visa Signature® Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Iberia Visa Signature card is a great option for those who travel often with Iberia and its Avios partner airlines.

The Iberia Visa Signature card is a great option for those who travel often with Iberia and its Avios partner airlines.
Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
75,000 Avios
$938
$95
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Iberia Visa Signature® Card can be a great option for those who are frequent flyers of the Spanish flag carrier thanks to its combination of benefits and discounts on flight tickets. Plus, your rewards can be redeemed with any of the family of Avios partners including Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Qatar Airways.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x Avios per $1 on Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL flight purchases
  • 2x Avios per $1 on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel
  • 1x Avios per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
  • Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL.
  • Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
  • Save 10% on Iberia flights purchased on iberia.com/Chase10
  • Earn a discount voucher of $1,000 to use toward two tickets on the same flight for each calendar year you make purchases of $30,000 on your card
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
  • Simply tap to pay with your contactless Iberia Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure!
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Using the card on the Chase Iberia portal, you get a 10% discount on Iberia flights. Also, $30,000 in annual spending earns a $1,000 companion discount voucher.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards

Collecting Chase points by using Chase credit cards is one of the best ways to earn Iberia Plus Avios because Chase points are:

BEST BEGINNER CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 bonus points
$1,200
$95
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
21.74% - 28.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
Cons
  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Business owner? See our list of the best Chase business credit cards.

The 8 Best Ways to Redeem Your Iberia Plus Avios

Off-Peak Chicago to Madrid in Business Class for 42,500 Avios (Iberia)

Iberia A350 business class seat in fully lie flat position
Iberia business class. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Going by the tape measure, Chicago (ORD) to Madrid (MAD) should price as a higher Band 6 award. Instead, it is Band 5 just like the U.S. East Coast. That means you can book this route in business class for only 42,500 Avios one-way.

2. Short Round-Trips/Multi-City Awards That Price Like One-Ways (Iberia and All Oneworld Airlines)

Iberia Plus awards are distance-based for total distance flown, not priced by segment like British Airways Executive Club.

First, this means you won’t be penalized for making connections. And second, you can fit a short round-trip or multi-city destination into an award that would be a one-way in other programs.

3. Short U.S. Trips for 11,000 Avios (American Airlines)

Trips under 600 miles price at 11,000 Avios in economy. You can fly round-trip from New York (JFK) to Boston (BOS) in that distance, and many other major U.S. city pairs work the same way.

If you can find award space, you can string together several flights on 1 award:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Distance in Miles

Economy

Full Fare Economy

Business

First

1 – 600

11,000

19,250

22,000

33,000

601 – 1,000

12,000

21,000

24,000

36,000

1,001 – 2,000

17,000

29,750

34,000

51,000

2,001 – 4,000

23,000

40,250

46,000

69,000

4,001 – 5,000

28,000

53,000

64,000

96,000

5,001 – 8,000

42,000

81,500

100,000

150,000

8,001 – 12,400

65,000

123,750

150,000

225,000

12,401 – 14,000

75,000

143,750

175,000

262,500

14,001 – 18,000

100,000

200,000

250,000

375,000

18,001 – 25,000

120,000

225,000

270,000

405,000

25,001 – 30,000

132,000

244,000

290,000

435,000

30,001 – 35,000

143,000

265,750

315,000

472,500

35,001 – 40,000

166,000

299,500

350,000

525,000

40,001 – 50,000

190,000

332,500

380,000

570,000

4. Off-Peak U.S. East Coast to Madrid in Business Class for 34,000 Avios (Iberia)

Most airlines charge a minimum of 30,000 miles one-way to get from the U.S. to Europe in economy.

With Iberia Plus, though, you can get from the U.S. East Coast to Madrid (MAD) nonstop in business class for just 34,000 Avios one-way.

Routes include year-round service to New York (JFK) and seasonal Boston (BOS) service. Miami (MIA) service is a bit farther, so it prices at 42,500.

Note that onward connections will increase the distance traveled and likely increase the Avios required, but can still be a great deal.

5. Off-Peak Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami to Madrid in Business Class (Iberia)

Iberia’s seasonal Madrid-U.S. West Coast flights from San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX) give travelers more options.

Because these flights are a longer distance, the off-peak price is 51,000 Avios one-way and 102,000 Avios round-trip. It’s not quite the screaming deal of the U.S. East Coast… and make sure you watch out for fuel surcharges on the return.

6. Transcontinental Flagship First Class between San Francisco/Los Angeles and New York (American Airlines)

Flying on American Airlines’ A321 transcontinental first class, known as one of the Flagship First Class products, is the best way to fly from coast to coast in the U.S.

For 96,000 Iberia Avios plus around $20 in taxes and fees, you can book round-trip first class on this product!

7. Off-Peak Madrid to Shanghai in Business for 51,000 Avios (Iberia)

Madrid (MAD) to Shanghai (PVG) is a Band 7 award, pricing in at 51,000 Avios one-way in business. Quite a solid deal for a long flight!

8. Off-Peak Madrid to Tokyo in Business for 59,500 Avios (Iberia)

Madrid (MAD) to Tokyo (NRT) jumps into Band 8 distance, but we still think 59,500 Avios is a good option for a nonstop Europe to Japan flight.

Hot Tip: For more ways to fly to Tokyo, read our post on flying to Japan using points and miles. We’ve also got a great Ultimate Travel Guide for Tokyo!

Advertisement

Guide to Spending Iberia Plus Avios

Traditional airline award charts are priced by geographic region (U.S., Europe, etc.)

In contrast, Iberia Plus prices awards on 3 criteria:

  • Distance (total distance traveled, rather than adding up segments like British Airways Executive Club)
  • Peak or off-peak date
  • Fare class

Peak or Off-Peak Dates:

Traditional airline award charts are priced by geographic region (U.S., Europe, etc.)

In contrast, Iberia Plus prices awards on 3 criteria:

  • Distance (total distance traveled, rather than adding up segments like British Airways Executive Club)
  • Peak or off-peak date
  • Fare class

Peak or Off-Peak Dates:

Traditional airline award charts are priced by geographic region (U.S., Europe, etc.)

In contrast, Iberia Plus prices awards on 3 criteria:

  • Distance (total distance traveled, rather than adding up segments like British Airways Executive Club)
  • Peak or off-peak date
  • Fare class

Peak or Off-Peak Dates:

Iberia Plus has peak and off-peak dates published every year. Check out its peak calendar.

2021 peak dates:

  • January 1-13
  • April 2-3
  • April 8-13
  • April 30
  • May 1
  • May 3
  • May 14-15
  • May 17
  • June 10-11
  • June 14
  • June 19-September 13
  • October 8-9
  • October 12
  • October 22-23
  • October 30-November 1
  • December 4-5
  • December 8
  • December 16-20
  • December 23-31

How Much Do Iberia Plus Avios Award Flights Cost?

Iberia Plus has separate award charts for every partner airline — you can view them airline by airline here.

For Iberia, British Airways, and Vueling flights, you can save time by using the Iberia Plus Avios Calculator here.

To give you a sense of the complexity, here are just the tables for Iberia flights:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Band

Blue Class

Full Fare Economy

Premium Economy

Business

1 (0 – 650)

5,000

7,500

10,000

2 (651 – 1,151)

8,250

12,500

16,500

3 (1,151 – 2,000)

11,000

16,500

22,000

4 (2,001 – 3,000)

12,500

18,750

31,250

5 (3,001 – 4,000)

20,000

28,000

35,000

50,000

6 (4,001 – 5,500)

25,000

35,000

43,750

62,500

7 (5,501 – 6,500)

30,000

42,000

52,500

75,000

8 (6,501 – 7,000)

35,000

49,000

61,250

87,500

9 (over 7,000)

50,000

70,000

87,500

125,000

Exceptions

Madrid-Barecelona Shuttle

4.500

9,000

Madrid-London

7,500

11.250

15,000

What Airlines Can You Book With Iberia Plus Avios?

The Iberia website shows a number of its airline partners for online award searches, though there are a few you still need to call in order to search and book.

Oneworld partner airlines:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Oneworld Partners

Alaska Airlines

Malaysia Airlines

American Airlines

Oman Air (joining in 2024)

British Airways

Qantas

Cathay Pacific

Qatar Airways

Fiji Airways (Oneworld Connect Partner)

Royal Air Maroc

Finnair

Royal Jordanian

Iberia

S7 Airlines (temporarily suspended)

Japan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines

Non-alliance partners:

  • Aer Lingus (not an official partner, however you can transfer Avios to British Airways or Aer Lingus)
  • Avianca (search on a Star Alliance airline website like united.com)
  • Binter
  • Interjet
  • LEVEL
  • Vueling

Awards on some of these airlines add fuel surcharges — the highest are typically British Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Qatar.

HOT TIP:Iberia non-Oneworld partner awards are limited by unpublished rules. For instance, you typically must start or end the trip in Spain or have an Iberia flight on the ticket. This means it is not possible to book solely domestic or regional flights on a number of these airlines.

Combining Airlines on Awards

When you mix Iberia and a Oneworld partner airline (or mix 2 Oneworld partner airlines), there is an entirely different award chart that is not subject to peak and off-peak dates (see here).

SCROLL FOR MORE

Iberia Plus Oneworld Multi-Partner Awards

Distance in Miles

Economy

Full Fare Economy

Business

First

1 – 600

11,000

19,250

22,000

33,000

601 – 1,000

12,000

21,000

24,000

36,000

1,001 – 2,000

17,000

29,750

34,000

51,000

2,001 – 4,000

23,000

40,250

46,000

69,000

4,001 – 5,000

28,000

53,000

64,000

96,000

5,001 – 8,000

42,000

81,500

100,000

150,000

8,001 – 12,400

65,000

123,750

150,000

225,000

12,401 – 14,000

75,000

143,750

175,000

262,500

14,001 – 18,000

100,000

200,000

250,000

375,000

18,001 – 25,000

120,000

225,000

270,000

405,000

25,001 – 30,000

132,000

244,000

290,000

435,000

30,001 – 35,000

143,000

265,750

315,000

472,500

35,001 – 40,000

166,000

299,500

350,000

525,000

40,001 – 50,000

190,000

332,500

380,000

570,000

Final Thoughts

Though Iberia Plus is often overshadowed by British Airways Executive Club, smart travelers can move Avios between programs for the best value.

The ability to take advantage of cheaper U.S. to Europe transatlantic awards using Iberia instead of British Airways is reason alone for U.S. travelers to pay attention to Iberia Plus.

And direct point transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Iberia Plus make it easy to earn Avios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Iberia affiliated with?

Iberia is affiliated with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Flybe, and Vueling, which are collectively members of IAG. All share Avios as their points currency, though each airline has its own Avios earning and spending options.

Iberia is also a member of the Oneworld Alliance. Among the 15 other member airlines are American, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines.

Iberia even has a few extra partners of its own, including Avianca and Binter (Canary Islands).

Do Iberia Plus Avios points expire?

Iberia Plus Avios expire without earning or spending activity in 36 months.

Can I transfer my Iberia Plus Avios to a different program like British Airways Avios?

You can transfer Avios between Iberia, British Airways, and Aer Lingus using the Avios.com website. You’ll need to register accounts in both the sending and receiving program.

Depending on your country of registration, you may not be allowed to use Avios.com to combine points, and instead might have to use the BritishAirways.com Combine My Avios tool. This tool is subject to certain qualification requirements, such as both accounts needing to have been open for 90 days and have previous points activity.

How much are Iberia Plus Avios worth?

Iberia Plus Avios do not have a fixed value. Depending on your use, you may see between 1 cent and 2 cents of value per Avios point. Check out the latest Upgraded Points valuations to see our calculation.

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About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome Offer: 60,000 bonus points

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
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