Can I earn Avios and BA tier points if I fly with Air Italy?

In this article we’ll look at how you can earn Avios and British Airways tier points by flying with Air Italy and whether it’s worth it compared to flying British Airways.

It is possible to earn Avios and BA tier points on Air Italy instead of their own mileage reward currency.  This is because the airlines have a partnership, even though Air Italy is not a member of the oneworld alliance.

When you book or manage your flights with Air Italy, you will be able to add your British Airways Executive Club number.  Upon completion of your flights you will automatically be credited with the correct number of Avios.

However, you will earn a different amount of Avios on Air Italy compared to a similar flight with British Airways. This is because they have different earning rates. On Air Italy, you will earn Avios at a maximum of 125% of miles flown if you fly business class. On British Airways flights, however, business class fares can come with up to 250% of miles flown.

Here is the full chart of earning rates, sourced from the British Airways website. We are comparing the earnings when you take a flight on Air Italy compared to taking a similar length flight on British Airways.

Economy lowest – 25% on both airlines

Economy low – 50% on both airlines

Economy flexible – 100% on both airlines

Premium Economy – not available on Air Italy vs 100%-150% on British Airways

Business – 125% vs 150%-250% on British Airways

First – not available on Air Italy vs 250%-300% on British Airways

As you can see, economy earning rates are the same for both airlines.  For flights in business class you will earn less than you might expect. You earn at least 25%-125% fewer Avios than you would on a British Airways flight of the same length.

You will NOT get a status bonus when you fly with Air Italy.  This means that Bronze, Silver and Gold members of the Executive Club will do even worse compared to flying British Airways.

You WILL earn tier points in British Airways Executive Club when you fly with Air Italy.

When it comes to tier points, you are better off flying with Air Italy than British Airways to the same destination if your Air Italy trip would involve a connection.  This is because tier points are earned per flight, so connecting in Milan to your final destination will earn more tier points than taking a direct flight on British Airways from London.  You can work out how many tier points you will earn on the BA tier point calculator here.  Remember to search leg by leg if you are connecting.

(This article is part of our ‘BA Q&A’ series which explains how British Airways Executive Club works.  You can see all of our ‘BA Q&A’ articles here. )

(Head for Points is the UK’s biggest frequent flyer website with 1.8 million monthly page views.  Want to learn more about earning and spending Avios?  Click here to read our latest news stories, click here to join our email list and click here to read our ‘Avios Redemption University’ series.)

How to get 20,000 Avios from Amex Gold or 30,000 Avios from Amex Platinum (December 2021 offer)

The sign-up bonus on American Express Preferred Rewards Gold converts to 20,000 Avios and the card is free for the first year. You can apply here.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & two airport lounge passes Read our full review

You don’t qualify for the Amex Gold bonus if you have a British Airways American Express card. You DO qualify for the bonus on The Platinum Card, which converts into 30,000 Avios. You can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

30,000 points and an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee Read our full review

If you have your own small business, the best way of earning Avios is via the Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa. It has a sign-up bonus which converts to 10,000 Avios:

Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa

The most generous Avios Visa or Mastercard for a limited company Read our full review

You should also look at the British Airways Accelerating Business card, because it currently has a limited time offer of 60,000 Avios when you sign up by 14th November. You can apply here.

British Airways Accelerating Business American Express

30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review

You can find out more about ALL UK credit cards which offer travel rewards in this article, updated monthly.