Transfer Avios to and from the Finnair Plus loyalty program
Editor's Note
Finnair has now adopted Avios as its loyalty currency per the airline’s website — replacing the Finnair Plus points system.
Avios is the same loyalty currency used by British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and Qatar Airways.
Exciting news for Avios collectors: Starting May 22, you can transfer Avios between the British Airways Executive Club program and the Finnair Plus program.
To do this, log in to your Finnair Plus account on finnair.com and link your British Airways Executive Club account; you will be able to transfer Avios in either direction at a 1:1 rate. While Finnair Plus is not a transfer partner of major credit card programs, British Airways is.
If moving Avios from Finnair to BA, read our guide on moving Avios to and from the other programs that use the currency.
Finnair operates flights from a handful of Oneworld hubs in the U.S., including New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), to its Nordic hub at Helsinki Airport (HEL), as well as destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Finnair Plus points are now Avios
Finnair Plus award points have been converted to Avios at a 3:2 ratio. Avios prices have also been updated with the same 3:2 ratio, and the value of current Finnair Plus points will not change.
Following the changeover, a haul of 120,000 Finnair Plus points, for example, would now be worth 80,000 Avios. TPG currently values Avios at 1.5 cents each.
Related: A review of Finnair’s business class on the A350-900 from Helsinki to Singapore
How to collect Finnair tier points
Finnair hasn't just changed its loyalty currency. The overhaul has seen the Finnair Plus program shift to a revenue-based earning platform.
Finnair now awards Avios and elite status based on the amount spent rather than the distance flown — echoing similar moves from British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus.
You now collect tier points and Avios from travel extras for new bookings (as well as bookings made before the changeover but flown after March 9) at the following rates for Finnair-operated flights:
| Ticket type | Tier points for flights within Northern Europe | Tier points for flights within the rest of Europe | Tier points for flights between Europe and Asia, North America, Doha or Dubai |
|---|---|---|---|
Business Flex | 1,670 | 3,340 | 13,340 |
Business Classic | 1,340 | 2,670 | 10,670 |
Business Light | 1,000 | 2,000 | 8,000 |
Premium Economy Flex | N/A | N/A | 10,670 |
Premium Economy Classic | N/A | N/A | 8,000 |
Premium Economy Light | N/A | N/A | 5,340 |
Economy Flex | 1,000 | 2,000 | 8,000 |
Economy Classic | 670 | 1,340 | 5,340 |
Economy Light/Superlight | 340 | 670 | 2,670 |
You can no longer reach tiers with flights only. Your existing Finnair Plus tier points have now switched to tier points under the new system at a 3:2 ratio.
While the status levels will remain the same, the following tier points are needed to reach each membership level under the new system:
| Membership tier | Tier points needed |
|---|---|
Finnair Plus Basic | 0 |
Finnair Plus Silver | 15,000 |
Finnair Plus Gold | 45,000 |
Finnair Plus Platinum | 80,000 |
Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo | 300,000 (with 250,000 collected from Finnair) |
New limits for Finnair Plus Lifetime tiers under the new system are as follows:
| Finnair Plus Lifetime tier | Lifetime tier points needed |
|---|---|
Lifetime Gold | 2 million |
Lifetime Platinum | 3.3 million |
If your membership year ended as of January or February, revised tier limits apply. This means you will maintain your current tier or move up to a higher tier with the following tier limits:
| Membership tier | Tier points needed |
|---|---|
Finnair Plus Silver | 22,500 |
Finnair Plus Gold | 67,500 |
Finnair Plus Platinum | 120,000 |
Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo | 450,000 (350,000 must be from Finnair flights) |
If your tracking period ended in January and you met the tier requirements by Jan. 31, or if it ended in February and you reached the tier requirements before Feb. 29, you will automatically maintain your current tier.
The same applies to moving up to a higher tier.
Many Finnair frequent flyers may not welcome this spending-based shift, but overall, the Avios adoption will hopefully open up much better redemption opportunities across partner airlines.
New Finnair award pricing
Following the changeover to Avios, award pricing for Finnair flights will be as follows:
| Zone | Economy class | Premium economy | Business class |
|---|---|---|---|
Finland and Northern Europe | 6,500 Avios (+10 euros or $10.96) | — | 10,000 Avios (+10 euros or $10.96) |
Central Europe | 12,000 Avios (+15 euros or $16.45) | — | 18,000 Avios (+15 euros or $16.45) |
Western and Southern Europe | 13,000 Avios (+15 euros or $16.45) | — | 20,000 Avios (+15 euros or $16.45) |
Canary Islands, Madeira, Eilat and Tel Aviv | 15,000 Avios (+30 euros or $32.89) | — | 25,000 Avios (+30 euros or $32.89) |
Doha, Dubai and India | 28,000 Avios (+30 euros or $32.89) | 42,000 Avios (+35 euros or $38.38) | 55,000 Avios (+60 euros or $65.79) |
Most of Asia and North America | 30,000 Avios (+45 euros or $49.34) | 43,500 Avios (+65 euros or $71.27) | 62,500 Avios (+100 euros or $109.65) |
Japan, Singapore and Los Angeles | 30,000 Avios (+45 euros or $49.34) | 43,500 Avios (+65 euros or $71.27) | 62,500 Avios (+120 euros or $131.58) |
Other Finnair Plus changes
With the overhaul, Finnair has also increased the number of award seats available on flights, guaranteeing at least four award seats on flights within Europe. Finnair’s long-haul flights now see at least eight award seats loaded at the start of the schedule — good news for those looking for more redemption opportunities.
Additionally, Finnair Plus members can now receive extra rewards, such as upgrade benefits, upon reaching specific point limits, depending on their elite status.
Finally, Finnair Plus members now receive complimentary internet access for messaging on short-haul European flights operated by the airline’s narrow-body Airbus fleet. This perk will be available regardless of elite status.
In 2024, the airline will create a new Finnair lounge with a dedicated space for top-tier members on the Schengen side of Helsinki Airport. The current Schengen lounge will remain in operation until the new lounge opens.
Related reading:
- British Airways Executive Club: Guide to Avios, elite status and transfer partners
- 5 reasons why you should care about British Airways Avios
- 8 cool design elements in Finnair’s AirLounge business class (and 3 things I didn’t like)
- Comparing the Finnair premium economy flight experience on the A330 vs. the A350
- What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.