Iberia Airlines, based in Madrid, is the flag carrier airline of Spain and a member of the Oneworld alliance. With extensive networks within Europe, Latin America and some destinations in Northern Africa, there is a good chance that this airline could fit into your travel plans at some point.

The carrier's frequent flyer program, Iberia Plus, allows you to earn points with several Iberia Airlines partners, as well as redeem for flights and other benefits through them. Here's what points collectors need to know about Iberia Plus.

About Iberia Airlines

Considering Iberia has limited routes to the U.S., you may not be too familiar with this airline.

Fare types: Iberia operates long-haul flights with special cabins for business class, which it calls Business Plus, as well as premium economy and economy cabins. The short and medium-haul flights have regular business class instead (an economy class seat with the middle seat blocked off), plus economy. It doesn't have any aircraft with first class service.

Main U.S. routes: While Iberia doesn't have many flights servicing the U.S., it does fly to some key airports where you can connect to and from your desired destination. With a clear emphasis on the East Coast, it services New York, Miami, Boston, Chicago and San Juan in Puerto Rico. It flies to Los Angeles on the West Coast only.

Points currency and loyalty program: Points accrued in the Iberia Plus frequent flyer program are called Avios, just like those from British Airways, since both airlines are part of the same parent company. However, these Avios are separate and don't accrue together with any Avios you may already have on your British Airways account, even though they are transferable between accounts.

How to earn Iberia Plus Avios

Earn by flying

Avios earned by flying are based on a combination of the distance flown and the class of service as follows:

For every mile flown in economy, you will earn anywhere from 0.25 to 1 Avios.

You are awarded 1.5 Avios per mile when flying on anything classified as Limited Business.

You’ll get 2.5 Avios per mile flying on Flexible Business tickets.

Earn by spending on credit cards

The Iberia Visa Signature® Card allows you to earn:

3 Avios per dollar spent on Iberia, Aer Lingus, British Airways or LEVEL purchases.

2 Avios per dollar spent on accommodations when booked directly with the hotel.

Any other purchases earn 1 Avios per dollar spent.

The current sign-up bonus for this card is: Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Earn by transferring

Transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Iberia is one of Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® transfer partners. You can transfer your points to Iberia Plus at a 1:1 ratio in an almost immediate transfer. Check for transfer bonuses as Chase rotates bonus partner transfers regularly — in fact, there was an offer for 30% bonus on transfers for Iberia in late 2020.

Transfer from AmEx Membership Rewards

American Express Membership Rewards are transferable to Iberia Plus Avios at a 1:1 ratio as well. Do make sure you’re not planning to book your flights immediately, as the Membership Rewards program estimates the transfer time at four working days. AmEx runs some promotional bonuses for transferring to partners, so check regularly to see if you can get an even better value.

Transfer from British Airways

You can transfer Avios from your British Airways account into your Iberia Plus at a 1:1 ratio; the transfer is virtually immediate barring issues with your account. There are some requirements to do so, like both accounts being open for at least 90 days. If you’re considering this transfer for a future trip, we would recommend opening the accounts so that you would meet that criteria when the time comes.

Other ways to earn

Shop online. The Iberia Plus Store shopping portal allows you to earn Avios for any qualifying purchases you make online provided you initiate your shopping through its portal.

Book dining in Spain. If you’re planning on visiting Spain, there is an option to earn bonus Avios for each restaurant reservation for two or more people, but it is available for select restaurants in Spain only.

Purchase Avios. You can also buy Avios on the Iberia website, with a maximum of 200,000 Avios per transaction, per year. Iberia posts its price lists on this website.

Ways to redeem Iberia Avios

For Iberia flights

Iberia Plus uses a distance-based chart for redemptions and uses a peak and off-peak pricing calendar. The longer the flight distance, the more Avios you will need to book that award flight. Further, depending on dates, the price will be lower or higher if it falls within more desirable dates or not.

You will often find that the higher priced dates coincide with holidays and special events, such as Christmas, New Year's and all of the summer season.