Summary
- Iberia launches exclusive flights for frequent flyers with Avios, offering trips to Santorini and Catania.
- Iberia Plus loyalty program members can use cash and Avios to book flights, starting at 2,100 Avios.
- Iberia Plus has over 10 million members worldwide, allowing transfers from British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Vueling.
Spanish flag carrier Iberia is the latest airline to announce flights exclusively for frequent flyers. The IAG-owned carrier has launched its Iberia Plus Flight program with four exclusive flights for Iberia Plus customers, who can acquire tickets only by redeeming Avios.
Where are the flights going?
As opposed to SAS’ recent points plane with a mystery destination, members of the oneworld carrier’s Iberia Plus loyalty program can choose from one of two locations. Iberia confirmed today that it chose two of its most popular summer destinations for the initiatives: the Greek island of Santorini and the Catania on the Italian island of Sicily. The latter destination famously serves as the setting for Season Two of The White Lotus.
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The first Avios-only flight will depart from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) on Sunday, July 7th, Bound for Santorini. The return flight will depart Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR) on Sunday. July 14th. According to airline scheduling data from Cirium, Iberia currently has a 171-seat Airbus A320 that operates flights in both directions.
Photo: Iberia
The flights to the Italian island of Sicily several weeks later. The Spanish carrier has two departures currently scheduled from Madrid to Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) on Saturday, July 27th. Both flights are on A320 family aircraft and depart at 08:40 and 16:30. It was not immediately clear which, if either, of these flights would be the one to operate the Avios flight. The return from Catania will be on Saturday, with flights at Noon and 19:50.
Photo: Iberia Express.
The airline has further indicated that it will commemorate the flights and celebrate it’s customer’s loyalty with “special features” throughout the flight.
How to acquire the tickets
The airline’s Iberia Plus loyalty program members can use a combination of cash and Avios to purchase the tickets. Iberia Plus customers can book their tickets as individual segments to take one or all four flights. Redemptions for the Santorini begin at 2,750 Avios + €83.80 with a maximum of 11,000 Avios + €23.80. The flights to Catania begin at 2,100 Avios + €73.80 each way and reach a maximum of 8,250 Avios + €23.80
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The Iberia Plus program currently has more than 10 million cardholders worldwide. Notably, members can transfer Avios from their British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus Aerclub, and Vueling Club accounts. This allows members who fly frequently on other airlines that use Avios to transfer the necessary miles for the award flights.
As a member of the oneworld Alliance, passengers on flights by carriers, including American Airlines and British Airways, can earn points on Iberia flights. Conversely, members of Iberia Plus can earn and spend points on oneworld carriers, plus non-alliance airlines with which Iberia has separate agreements.
Photo: Mikel Dabbah | Shutterstock
The Spanish carrier is one of four airlines that offer Avios-earning credit cards in the United States. Fellow oneworld partner Qatar Airways introduced two Visa cobranded cards earlier this week.
