How to Claim Missing Avios Points

Key takeaways

• You can claim missing Avios points for flights, hotels, and partner purchases if they don’t appear within the usual timeframe.

• Always keep receipts, e-tickets, and booking references – you’ll need them to verify any missing Avios claims.

• Most missing Avios claims can be made within six months of travel or purchase.

• Regular earning or spending activity keeps your Avios balance active and prevents your points from expiring.

Avios points are the loyalty currency used by several airlines and travel reward schemes – most notably the British Airways Executive Club. They can be collected and then redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotels, car hire, and more.

You don’t have to book flights to build your Avios balance. You can earn points through everyday spending – such as shopping with partner retailers, booking hotels or car hire, and using Avios-earning credit cards. Over time, those everyday purchases can translate into serious travel savings.

How to claim missing Avios points

Sometimes your Avios points don’t appear in your account straight away. For example, flights may take a few days to post, while shopping or hotel partners might take several weeks. But if your points still haven’t shown up after the expected timeframe, you can submit a claim. Here’s how.

1. Wait the appropriate period - Before raising a claim, give it time. British Airways flights typically take up to three working days to appear; partner airlines can take up to seven. For non-flight partners such as hotels or retailers, it may take four to eight weeks. 

2. Log in to your Executive Club or Avios account - Make sure you can access your online statement to check for any recent updates. 

3. Locate the missing transaction - Identify the flight, hotel stay, or shopping purchase in question. Note down the date, ticket number (for flights), or booking/transaction reference. 

4. Check that your membership number was added - For flights, your Executive Club number must have been attached at booking or check-in. For partner transactions, ensure your number was linked to the partner account. 

5. Complete the missing Avios claim form - On the British Airways Executive Club website (or on the Avios site for other partners), select the correct claim form – for British Airways flights, partner airlines, or non-flight partners. Fill in all relevant details such as booking date, ticket number, or receipt number. 

6. Upload supporting documentation if requested - Keep your boarding passes, e-tickets, or receipts to hand. These may be required to verify your claim. 

7. Wait for processing - After submission, allow up to 28 days for flight claims or as long as eight weeks for non-flight partners. 

8. Follow up if needed - If your points still haven’t appeared after the quoted period, contact British Airways Executive Club Customer Services and quote your claim reference. You can call 0344 493 0747, with calls charged at local rate or live chat is available daily between 6am and 10pm UK time.

How long will it take for Avios points to arrive?

British Airways flights usually appear within three working days, partner flights within four weeks, and non-flight partner transactions within four to eight weeks.

Can I claim Avios for transactions made before I joined?

For British Airways flights, you can claim Avios for travel taken up to three months before joining. However, for partner airlines, you must have been a member at the time of travel.

How long do I have to make a claim?

You typically have up to six months from the date of travel or purchase to submit a claim for missing points.

What happens if my claim is rejected?

Double-check that your membership number was correctly entered, your name matches the booking, and you submitted within the correct timeframe. If everything checks out, escalate through Executive Club customer services or the partner’s support team.

How do Avios points work?

Avios are earned through flights or eligible spending with participating partners. The number you earn depends on the fare class, airline, or transaction value. Once credited, you can redeem Avios for flights, upgrades, hotels, car hire, or experiences.

📌 Note that Avios points are different from Tier Points, which determine your British Airways Executive Club status level.

How can I collect Avios points?

You can collect Avios by:

• Flying with British Airways or partner airlines.

• Using an Avios-earning credit card for everyday spending.

• Booking hotels or car hire through Avios partners.

• Shopping online via the British Airways eStore or other Avios-linked retailers.

• Linking accounts like Nectar or bank reward schemes that can be converted into Avios.

Each partner has its own earning rate and crediting period, so check the small print before booking or spending.

How can I spend Avios points?

Avios can be redeemed for:

• Reward flights with British Airways and partner airlines.

• Upgrades on eligible bookings.

• Hotel stays and car hire.

• Experiences or products from Avios partner stores, such as wine tasting days, theatre tickets, or shopping vouchers.

Reward availability varies depending on route, travel dates, and cabin class. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing your preferred option.

Compare rewards credit cards with MoneySuperMarket

Comparing reward credit cards helps you find the card that matches your spending habits and travel goals.

MoneySuperMarket makes it simple to line up interest rates, annual fees, welcome bonuses, and Avios earning rates – all in one place.

Use our comparison tools to check eligibility without affecting your credit score, and find the right card for your lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions