Iberia increases award rates to Spain, but they are still a great deal
Club Iberia Plus has increased the costs of redemptions to and from Spain without warning, but they are still a smart way to redeem Avios. LoyaltyLobby first reported this news.
For many years, Club Iberia Plus (as well as British Airways Club) offered one of the best sweet spots in the points and miles industry, with nonstop lie-flat flights to Spain's Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) starting at just 34,000 Avios each way.
Here's what you need to know about the new Iberia award rates.
Related: A review of Iberia's new business-class suite on the A350-900 from Madrid to Mexico City
Iberia increases most award rates
Iberia will continue to utilize an award chart, pricing flights with peak and off-peak dates. The price of all Iberia-operated flights has been adjusted (both short- and long-haul), with the following rates for North American services, each way, per person, plus reasonable fees, taxes and surcharges:
| Nonstop routes to MAD | Off-peak rate (Avios) | Peak rate (Avios) |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
While the cost of Iberia's cheapest Economy Basic rates has reduced slightly, all other awards have increased by around 10-20%, depending on routes, fare classes and dates.
These rates are still attractive even after the increases, particularly if you can travel during off-peak dates. With other programs switching to dynamic pricing and business-class flight redemptions to Europe being priced at 350,000 miles or more, being able to book a lie-flat Iberia flight to Spain for only 40,500 Avios represents great value.
The British Airways Club has increased the redemption cost of flights operated by Iberia in the same way, so you'll pay the same price whether you redeem Avios through Club Iberia Plus or the British Airways Club.
You may find the British Airways website easier to navigate than Iberia's booking platform.
Related: Is Iberia premium economy worth it on the Airbus A330 from Madrid to Dallas?
How to earn Iberia Avios
Avios are one of the easiest currencies to earn. At least one Avios program partners with all major transferable currencies, and you can transfer Avios between any Avios program at a 1:1 rate.
There are also transfer bonuses to Avios programs from time to time, meaning you may need even fewer credit card points for the rates above.
Related: Iberia makes Orlando the 10th city on its US route map
Bottom line
While no-notice devaluations are an unpleasant reality of redeeming points and miles, this could have been much worse. For so many years, you could fly business class to Europe for as little as 34,000 Avios each way, a testament to the value of the Club Iberia Plus loyalty program.
The new rates, now approximately 10-20% higher, still represent a great way to fly to Spain, especially in business class, given how easy Avios are to redeem.
Related reading:
- 5 versions of Avios: When to use Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Qatar Airways
- Best ways to redeem British Airways Avios: From flights to Hawaii to island hopping in the Caribbean
- InterContinental Madrid review: Best for business, not leisure travelers
- With 5 airline loyalty programs using Avios, here's why I focus on the British Airways Club
- 15 of the most beautiful villages in Spain
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app