Earn Triple British Air Miles for Europe Flights

Through December 11, members of British Airways’ Executive Club can earn triple base miles for all qualifying roundtrip British Air flights, and for flights on American Airlines, Finnair, and Iberia between North America and Europe. The bonus may be earned for a maximum of four roundtrips during the promotion period.

Registration is required.

Deal or No Deal

Triple miles (or Avios, as they’re called in the Executive Club program) certainly trump base miles. And unlike some recent promotions, the bonus applies to all mileage-eligible fares, not just higher-priced fares.

The downside of this promotion is that the bonus miles are in British Airways’ program, which charges onerous “fuel surcharges” for many award flights. And aside from any specific quibbles with Executive Club, most U.S.-based travelers are better served by participating in the program of a U.S. carrier.

For British Airways loyalists, this is a no-brainer. Others should ask themselves whether earning miles in Executive Club makes sense not just for the next trip but for the longer term as well.

Reader Reality Check

Do you participate in the loyalty programs of non-U.S. programs?

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After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.