Your Guide to Earning Avios with BA Car Hire

For many travellers, collecting Avios is a rewarding pursuit, transforming everyday spending and travel into future flights, upgrades, and experiences. While flights are the most obvious way to accumulate these valuable points, did you know that your car rental choices can significantly contribute to your Avios balance? British Airways has forged an exclusive partnership with Avis and Budget, offering a straightforward and beneficial way for Executive Club members to earn Avios and enjoy exclusive perks on their ground transportation.

This comprehensive guide will delve into how you can maximise your Avios collection when renting a car through British Airways, detailing the earning rates, special benefits, and crucial requirements to ensure your Avios are credited successfully. Whether you're planning a holiday getaway or a business trip, understanding these opportunities can make your journey even more rewarding.

Why Book Your Car Rental Through British Airways?

British Airways has established Avis as its exclusive car rental partner, a collaboration designed to offer seamless service and valuable benefits to BA customers. This partnership extends beyond just earning Avios; it's about providing a comprehensive travel solution that enhances your overall experience. When you choose to book your car hire through British Airways' dedicated platforms (such as ba.com or carhire-ba.com), you're not just securing a vehicle; you're unlocking a suite of advantages tailored for the discerning traveller.

One of the primary reasons to opt for this route is the assurance of competitive pricing. Avis, as a global leader in car rental, provides British Airways customers with rates that are designed to be attractive, ensuring you get good value for your money. Beyond pricing, the partnership emphasizes preferential service, meaning Executive Club members can expect a higher standard of care and efficiency, reflecting the premium experience associated with British Airways.

Furthermore, flexibility is a key aspect of this arrangement. Avis offers various payment options, allowing you to choose whether to pay for your rental at the time of reservation or later, upon returning the car. This adaptability caters to different financial planning preferences, giving you greater control over your travel budget.

In essence, booking your car rental via British Airways isn't merely about convenience; it's about leveraging a strategic partnership that delivers value, service, and, crucially, the opportunity to significantly boost your Avios collection.

Earning Avios on Your Car Rentals: The Details

Collecting Avios through car rentals is a straightforward process, provided you adhere to the specified terms and conditions. The core mechanism revolves around your British Airways Club membership number and the car rental company you choose: Avis or Budget.

Standard Avios Earning Rates

• Avis Car Rental: You will collect a generous 5 Avios for every £1 spent (or its equivalent in other currencies) on qualifying Avis rentals. This rate applies to standard rentals and offers a substantial return on your expenditure.
• Budget Car Rental: For rentals with Budget, you can earn 2 Avios for every £1 spent (or its equivalent in other currencies) on qualifying rentals. While slightly lower than Avis, it still provides a valuable opportunity to accrue Avios.
• Avis Corporate Rates: If you're renting under specific selected Avis corporate rates, you can still earn Avios, typically at a rate of 2 Avios per £1 spent (or currency equivalent). It's advisable for corporate customers to consult their Avis Corporate Account Manager for eligibility details.

Key Requirements for Avios Collection

To ensure your Avios are successfully awarded, several crucial steps must be followed:

1. British Airways Club Membership Number: The British Airways Club membership number of the first named driver (the "renter") must be provided at the time of reservation.
2. Show Your Card: You must present your British Airways Club card (or Executive Club card) at the time of rental collection. This verifies your membership and links the rental to your Avios account.
3. No Flight Required: A significant advantage is that Avios can be collected on Avis car rentals without the need to take a British Airways flight. This means car rentals alone can be a dedicated source of Avios.

Currency Conversion and Exclusions

When your rental is not paid in Pounds Sterling (£), the currency will be converted to £ sterling using the Avis/Budget exchange rate applicable on the date of rental commencement (the day you pick up the car). It's important to note that the final rental value used to calculate your Avios award will exclude any charges for damage (actual damage charges or insurance excesses charged due to damage) and will also exclude all taxes.

There is a maximum limit to the Avios you can earn per qualifying rental: a cap of 10,000 Avios. Furthermore, if any adjustments are made to the rental value post-rental (e.g., a refund from Avis Customer Services), an appropriate Avios award adjustment may be credited or debited from your account.

Rentals That Do Not Qualify for Avios

Not all rentals are eligible for Avios collection. Be aware of the following exclusions:

• Chauffeur Drive services.
• Van rentals.
• Travel industry staff rates, including BA and Avis employee programmes.
• Replacement/insurance rates.
• Selected association programmes and net rate programmes.
• Rentals booked with online travel agents (with the exception of ba.com), brokers, and price comparison sites.
• Only UK Prestige rentals qualify for Avios; other worldwide Prestige rentals do not.
• Consecutive or conjunctive rentals: Only the first qualifying rental in such situations will be awarded Avios.
• Rentals made using Budget contracted (corporate/government) rates/BCDs, do not qualify for standard or bonus Avios.

It can take up to 8 weeks from the date of rental for the Avios to be credited to your account. All Avios issued are subject to the British Airways Club terms and conditions, and the renter must meet Avis's age, driver, and credit requirements.

Exclusive Benefits for Executive Club Members

Beyond the standard Avios earning rates, being a British Airways Executive Club member unlocks additional, highly valuable benefits when renting with Avis. These perks are designed to enhance your rental experience and provide even more value.

1,000 Bonus Avios When You Join Avis Preferred

A significant bonus awaits new Avis Preferred members. By joining Avis Preferred through one of the Avis & British Airways partnership enrolment communications or directly via carhire-ba.com/preferred, you can earn an impressive 1,000 bonus Avios. When you sign up this way, you'll be prompted to provide your Executive Club membership tier and number, which will then be stored in your Preferred membership profile. This ensures that you consistently receive Avios on every qualifying rental you make without needing to input your details repeatedly.

Upon receiving your digital Avis Preferred card, you'll also get a digital voucher for these 1,000 bonus Avios, redeemable on your very next Avis Preferred rental. Simply follow the booking instructions provided with the voucher to qualify. Remember to always bring your driver's licence when collecting your car from Avis; it's essential for identification and checking driving endorsements, even if you are an Avis Preferred member.

One Free Additional Driver Worldwide

Another fantastic perk for all British Airways Club members, regardless of their membership tier, is the entitlement to one free additional driver on every qualifying Avis rental worldwide. This benefit can lead to considerable savings, as adding an extra driver typically incurs an additional daily charge.

To avail of this benefit, simply log into your British Airways Club account and make your Avis reservation as normal. You don't need to specifically request an additional driver at the time of booking. Instead, you can simply ask for the additional driver to be added when you collect your car at the Avis counter.

The additional driver must, of course, meet the standard Avis age and driver requirements for that specific rental location. They must also present a full, valid driving licence. For UK residents, this includes a DVLA code. If the driver's licence is written in a non-Roman alphabet (e.g., Greek or Arabic), an International Driving Permit will be required. Please note that only one additional driver can be claimed free of charge per rental; any further additional drivers will be charged at the appropriate rate published for that location at the time of rental.

This exclusive benefit is available for British Airways Club members booking through ba.com, carhire-ba.com, BA Call Centres, or Avis Call Centres. It does not apply to rentals made using Avis contracted (corporate/government) rates/AWDs, chauffeur drive, or van rentals, nor to travel industry staff rates, replacement/insurance rates, selected association programmes, or net rate programmes, or bookings made via most online travel agents, brokers, or price comparison sites.

How to Ensure You Collect Your Avios

To guarantee that you receive your hard-earned Avios for your car rental, a few simple but critical steps must be followed consistently:

1. Provide Your Membership Number at Booking: Always ensure your British Airways Club (Executive Club) membership number is entered correctly during the reservation process. This is the primary link between your rental and your Avios account.
2. Present Your Card at Collection: When you pick up your rental car, make sure to show your physical or digital British Airways Club membership card to the Avis or Budget staff. This reconfirms your eligibility and helps prevent any missed Avios.
3. Understand Exclusions: Familiarise yourself with the types of rentals that do not qualify for Avios (e.g., van rentals, certain corporate rates, bookings through third-party sites other than ba.com).
4. Be Patient: Remember that Avios can take up to 8 weeks to appear in your account. If they haven't appeared after this period, you can then follow up with customer services.

Avios Earning Rates Comparison Table

To help you quickly understand the different Avios earning opportunities, here's a comparative table:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I collect Avios with British Airways car rental without taking a flight?

Yes, absolutely! One of the great advantages of this partnership is that you can collect Avios on Avis car rental without needing to take a British Airways flight. This makes car rentals a standalone opportunity to boost your Avios balance, whether you're flying with BA or not.

How long does it take for Avios to be awarded after a car rental?

The awarding of Avios may take up to 8 weeks from the date of your rental. While they often appear sooner, it's important to allow this full period before querying any missing Avios. All Avios issued are subject to The British Airways Club terms and conditions.

Are there any types of car rentals that do not qualify for Avios?

Yes, several types of rentals are excluded. These include chauffeur drive services, van rentals, travel industry staff rates (including BA and Avis employee programmes), replacement/insurance rates, selected association programmes, and net rate programmes. Additionally, rentals booked with most online travel agents (with the exception of ba.com), brokers, and price comparison sites do not qualify. Only UK Prestige rentals qualify for Avios; other worldwide Prestige rentals are excluded. Consecutive or conjunctive rentals will only earn Avios for the first qualifying rental. Rentals made using Budget contracted (corporate/government) rates also do not qualify for standard or bonus Avios.

What is the maximum number of Avios I can earn per qualifying rental?

A maximum of 10,000 Avios will be awarded per qualifying rental, regardless of the total spend. This applies to both Avis and Budget standard rates, as well as Avis corporate rates.

Do corporate car rentals qualify for Avios?

Yes, certain selected Avis corporate rentals do qualify for Avios, typically at a rate of 2 Avios per £1 spent (or currency equivalent). There is no minimum Avios award for corporate rentals, and they are also subject to the maximum 10,000 Avios per rental. However, Avis corporate rentals do not qualify for any bonus Avios promotions. If you are a corporate customer, it's best to contact your Avis Corporate Account Manager for specific eligibility details.

Do I need to show my British Airways Club card when collecting the car?

Yes, it is essential. Your British Airways Club membership number must be given at the time of reservation, and the card itself must be shown at the time of rental collection. This verifies your membership and ensures your Avios are correctly linked to your account.

What is Avis Preferred, and how does it help me earn Avios?

Avis Preferred is Avis's loyalty programme designed for faster rentals and exclusive benefits. By joining Avis Preferred through the Avis & British Airways partnership channels (carhire-ba.com/preferred), you can receive 1,000 bonus Avios on your next Avis Preferred rental. Your British Airways Club membership details will be stored in your Preferred profile, ensuring you automatically receive Avios on every qualifying rental you make thereafter, simplifying the earning process.

Can I get a free additional driver when renting through British Airways?

Yes, as a member of The British Airways Club, you are eligible for one free additional driver on every qualifying Avis rental worldwide. You simply need to make your Avis reservation as normal (through ba.com, carhire-ba.com, BA Call Centres, or Avis Call Centres) and request the additional driver when you collect your car. The additional driver must meet Avis's standard age and driver requirements and present a valid driving licence.

What currency is used to calculate the Avios award if I pay in a different currency?

If your rental is not paid in Pounds Sterling (£), the currency will be converted to £ sterling at the Avis/Budget Exchange rate applicable on the date of rental commencement (the date the car is collected). The final rental value in £ sterling is then used to calculate your Avios award, excluding any charges for damage or taxes.

Conclusion

Collecting Avios through British Airways car rental partners, Avis and Budget, is a smart and effective way to accelerate your rewards. From earning generous Avios per pound spent to enjoying exclusive perks like bonus Avios for joining Avis Preferred and a free additional driver, the benefits are substantial for Executive Club members. By understanding the simple requirements – providing your membership number at booking and showing your card at collection – you can seamlessly integrate Avios earning into your travel plans.

Whether you're embarking on a leisure trip or a business journey, remember that your choice of car rental can unlock significant value. Make the most of this partnership to boost your Avios balance, bringing you closer to your next dream flight or upgrade. Happy driving, and happy earning!

If you want to read more articles similar to Your Guide to Earning Avios with BA Car Hire, you can visit the Automotive category.