How to Convert Your Avion Points to Other Airline Loyalty Programs

Key Takeaway Box

• Avion points are flexible rewards that can be exchanged for flights, hotels, car rentals, gift cards, and more.
• You can also transfer your Avion points to other airline loyalty programs, such as WestJet Rewards, American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific, and enjoy more travel options and benefits.
• The conversion rate and process vary depending on the airline partner you choose. Some partners require a minimum number of points to transfer, while others charge a fee or impose restrictions.
• To transfer your Avion points to other airline programs, you need to log in to your RBC Rewards account, select the airline partner, enter the number of points you want to transfer, and confirm the transaction.
• Transferring your Avion points to other airline programs can help you save money, access more destinations, and take advantage of promotions and perks.

Introduction

If you are a frequent flyer, you probably know the value of collecting and redeeming points for your travel plans. But did you know that you can also convert your points to other airline loyalty programs and enjoy more flexibility and choice?

One of the most popular travel rewards programs in Canada is the RBC Avion program, which allows you to earn and redeem points for flights, hotels, car rentals, gift cards, and more. Avion points are flexible and easy to use, as you can book any flight on any airline, any time, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.

But what if you want to fly with a different airline or take advantage of another loyalty program’s benefits? Well, you can do that too, as Avion points can be transferred to other airline programs, such as WestJet Rewards, American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific.

In this article, we will show you how to transfer your Avion points to other airline loyalty programs, what are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, and what are the best practices to maximize your rewards. Let’s get started, Hustlers!

Why Transfer Your Avion Points to Other Airline Programs?

There are many reasons why you might want to transfer your Avion points to other airline programs, depending on your travel goals and preferences. Here are some of the main benefits of doing so:

• Save money: Transferring your Avion points to other airline programs can help you save money on your flights, as some partners offer lower redemption rates or better value for your points. For example, you can transfer your Avion points to British Airways and book a short-haul flight within North America for as low as 9,000 Avios (the currency of British Airways) one-way, which is equivalent to 10,000 Avion points. This can be a great deal, especially if you are flying to a popular or expensive destination, such as New York, Los Angeles, or Vancouver.
• Access more destinations: Transferring your Avion points to other airline programs can also help you access more destinations, as some partners have a wider network or more flight options than others. For example, you can transfer your Avion points to Cathay Pacific and book a flight to Asia, Africa, or Australia, using their extensive route map and partner airlines. This can be a great way to explore new places or visit your family and friends abroad.
• Take advantage of promotions and perks: Transferring your Avion points to other airline programs can also help you take advantage of promotions and perks, as some partners offer bonuses, discounts, or special offers for their members. For example, you can transfer your Avion points to WestJet Rewards and earn WestJet dollars, which can be used to pay for taxes, fees, and charges on WestJet flights or vacation packages. You can also enjoy benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access, depending on your tier status.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Aeroplan vs AIR MILES: Which Travel Rewards Program Offers More Value and Flexibility?
• Unlocking Maximum Value: A Guide to Optimizing Your Spending and Earning with Aeroplan, Air Miles, and Avion
• How to Calculate Point Value: Aeroplan, Air Miles, and Avion
• How to Choose and Use the Best Travel Rewards Program in Canada: Aeroplan, Air Miles, or Avion?

How to Transfer Your Avion Points to Other Airline Programs?

The process of transferring your Avion points to other airline programs is simple and straightforward, but it varies depending on the partner you choose. Here are the steps you need to follow for each partner:

• WestJet Rewards: To transfer your Avion points to WestJet Rewards, you need to log in to your RBC Rewards account, select “Transfer Points” from the menu, choose WestJet Rewards as the partner, enter the number of points you want to transfer, and confirm the transaction. The conversion rate is 100 Avion points = 1 WestJet dollar, and the minimum transfer amount is 10,000 Avion points. The transfer is instant, and you can use your WestJet dollars right away to book your flight or vacation package on WestJet’s website or through their call center.
• American Airlines: To transfer your Avion points to American Airlines, you need to log in to your RBC Rewards account, select “Travel” from the menu, choose American Airlines as the partner, enter the number of points you want to transfer, and confirm the transaction. The conversion rate is 10,000 Avion points = 7,000 AAdvantage miles, and the minimum transfer amount is 10,000 Avion points. The transfer can take up to 4 business days, and you can use your AAdvantage miles to book your flight on American Airlines’ website or through their call center.
• British Airways: To transfer your Avion points to British Airways, you need to log in to your RBC Rewards account, select “Travel” from the menu, choose British Airways as the partner, enter the number of points you want to transfer, and confirm the transaction. The conversion rate is 10,000 Avion points = 10,000 Avios, and the minimum transfer amount is 10,000 Avion points. The transfer can take up to 4 business days, and you can use your Avios to book your flight on British Airways’ website or through their call center.
• Cathay Pacific: To transfer your Avion points to Cathay Pacific, you need to log in to your RBC Rewards account, select “Travel” from the menu, choose Cathay Pacific as the partner, enter the number of points you want to transfer, and confirm the transaction. The conversion rate is 10,000 Avion points = 10,000 Asia Miles, and the minimum transfer amount is 10,000 Avion points. The transfer can take up to 4 business days, and you can use your Asia Miles to book your flight on Cathay Pacific’s website or through their call center.

What are the Drawbacks of Transferring Your Avion Points to Other Airline Programs?

While transferring your Avion points to other airline programs can have many benefits, it can also have some drawbacks, depending on the partner you choose. Here are some of the main disadvantages of doing so:

• Fees: Some partners charge a fee for transferring your Avion points to their programs, which can reduce the value of your points. For example, American Airlines charges a $30 USD fee per transaction, regardless of the number of points you transfer. This means that if you transfer 10,000 Avion points to American Airlines, you will pay $30 USD for 7,000 AAdvantage miles, which is equivalent to a 4.3% fee. You should factor in this cost when comparing the redemption rates and values of different partners.
• Restrictions: Some partners impose restrictions or limitations for transferring your Avion points to their programs, which can affect your flexibility and choice. For example, British Airways and Cathay Pacific only allow you to transfer your Avion points to their programs once every 24 hours, and you cannot transfer more than 300,000 Avion points per calendar year . This means that if you want to book a flight that requires more points than you have available, you might have to wait or look for other options.
• Availability: Some partners have limited availability or high demand for their flights, which can make it harder to find and book the flight you want. For example, Cathay Pacific has a limited number of seats allocated for award bookings, and they are often reserved by their own members or other partner airlines. This means that you might have to search for alternative dates, routes, or airlines to find a flight that suits your needs and preferences.

How to Maximize Your Rewards When Transferring Your Avion Points to Other Airline Programs?

To get the most out of your Avion points when transferring them to other airline programs, you should follow some best practices and tips, such as:

• Compare the redemption rates and values of different partners: Before transferring your Avion points to any partner, you should compare the redemption rates and values of different partners, and see which one offers the best deal for your travel plans. You can use tools such as AwardHacker or AwardAce to compare the number of points or miles required for different flights and destinations, and factor in the fees, taxes, and surcharges that might apply. You should also consider the value of your points or miles, which can vary depending on how you use them. You can use tools such as The Points Guy or MileValue to estimate the value of your points or miles, and see how much you are saving or spending by transferring them. You should aim for a value of at least 1.5 cents per point or mile, which is the average value of Avion points according to The Points Guy.
• Look for transfer bonuses and promotions: Sometimes, RBC or its partners offer transfer bonuses or promotions, which can increase the value of your Avion points when transferring them to other airline programs. For example, in the past, RBC has offered a 30% bonus when transferring Avion points to British Airways, which means that you would get 13,000 Avios instead of 10,000 for every 10,000 Avion points you transfer. You should keep an eye on these offers and take advantage of them when they are available, as they can help you boost your rewards and save money on your flights.
• Plan ahead and be flexible: To make the most of your Avion points when transferring them to other airline programs, you should plan ahead and be flexible with your travel plans. You should book your flights as early as possible, as some partners have limited availability or high demand for their flights, especially during peak seasons or popular destinations. You should also be flexible with your dates, routes, and airlines, as you might find better deals or availability by changing your travel parameters. You can use tools such as Google Flights or ITA Matrix to search for flights and compare prices and options.

Conclusion

Transferring your Avion points to other airline loyalty programs can be a smart and rewarding strategy, as it can help you save money, access more destinations, and take advantage of promotions and perks. However, you should also be aware of the drawbacks and challenges of doing so, such as fees, restrictions, and availability. You should also follow some best practices and tips, such as comparing the redemption rates and values of different partners, looking for transfer bonuses and promotions, and planning ahead and being flexible with your travel plans.

By following these steps, you can make the most of your Avion points and enjoy more travel options and benefits with HustleHub. Happy travels, Hustlers! 🛫