Is British Airways Executive Club free?

The Executive Club is British Airways' customer loyalty programme. It's free to join and has more than thirteen million Members worldwide. Members collect reward points called Avios when they fly with British Airways and its oneworld® partner airlines.



Yes, the British Airways Executive Club is completely free to join for anyone over the age of 18 (and children can be added via a Household Account). In 2026, it remains one of the most accessible loyalty programs in the Oneworld alliance. Upon joining at the "Blue" tier, you immediately begin earning Avios (the program's currency) on flights, hotel bookings, and car rentals. These Avios can be redeemed for "Reward Flights," cabin upgrades, or even part-payment for future bookings. While the entry-level membership is free, the real value comes from climbing the tiers to Bronze, Silver, and Gold, which unlock perks like priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to the prestigious BA and Oneworld lounges. Membership is essential for frequent flyers who want to track their travel and maximize the value of their spend across the BA network.

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Earn and save Avios for your next holiday by joining the Executive Club. It's free to join.

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Ultimately, if you want to gain access to British Airways lounges, you need to fly in business or first class with British Airways, or one of its partners, or hold British Airways Executive Club or Oneworld status.

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Welcome to Avios Avios is the currency of the British Airways Executive Club. You collect Avios when you fly and can keep topping up that balance with hotel stays, car hire and much more. When you've collected enough you can spend your Avios on flights and upgrades, or choose from a range of other rewards.

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British Airways lounge access rules You can't pay to access British Airways lounges. You'll have to rely on your fare class or elite status to get access. Elite status in either the airline's Executive Club or the Oneworld alliance will work.

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First class lounges Flyers with Executive Club Silver status can get in if they are booked in first class. You can bring one guest in with you. Oneworld Emerald members can access these lounges if they're on a scheduled flight operated by British Airways or one of their Oneworld partners.

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Can I upgrade to British Airways premium economy? British Airways passengers can upgrade to premium economy using cash or Avios — either in advance or at the airport. However, you cannot purchase an upgrade once onboard. The cash upgrade price generally depends on the route and availability.

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In our airport guides, we include lounges that economy-class travellers can access by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or joining a lounge membership program.

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If you really want to treat yourself, you can get a one-way flight in Aer Lingus' business class on the same routes from just 50,000 Avios (off-peak) or 60,000 Avios (peak). In other words, your 100,000 bonus Avios would be enough for a return flight in business class to Ireland on off-peak dates.

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There are many ways to collect Avios.
  1. Booking British Airways flights, holidays, hotel stays and car hire are great ways to top up your balance.
  2. Pre-booking seats, paying for extra baggage or upgrading your cabin on a British Airways or Iberia-marketed flight.


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